Institute of Sympathizers of AUCP(b) in West Siberian Territory: Revival, Functioning, Significance (February 1934 — September 1937)

The article is devoted to the creation and functioning of the institute of sympathizers of the AUCP(b) in the West Siberian Territory in February 1934 — September 1937. On the basis of a wide range of sources, including those introduced into scientific circulation for the first time, the reasons, prerequisites and circumstances of the revival of this institute are considered. Among other things, it was established that the formation of groups of sympathizers in Western Siberia began later than in other regions of the USSR, and only after their existence was officially enshrined in the Charter of the AUCP(b). The article reveals the main ways of recruiting groups of sympathizers, traces the dynamics of their number in the West Siberian region, clarifies the quantitative and qualitative composition. It is shown that the institution of sympathizers had serious potential, which, nevertheless, was not realized due to such subjective factors as the weakness of the organizational and ideological work of local party organizations. It was concluded that neither in the West Siberian Territory, nor in the USSR as a whole, the institution of sympathizers did not cope with the role assigned to it as the main personnel reserve of the AUCP(b)