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Compulsory Street Labour
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Compulsory Street Labour
Compulsory labour in the Russian streets. Date: 1920
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Media ID 14285196
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Compulsory Street Labour, 1920, Russia This evocative photograph captures a moment in the tumultuous history of Russia during the early 1920s. Amidst the chaotic backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the ensuing Civil War, the country was in a state of disarray. In an attempt to rebuild and restore order, the new Soviet government implemented a series of radical measures, including the institution of compulsory labour. The image portrays a group of men and women, dressed in ragged clothing, being forced to work on the streets of an unidentified Russian city. The scene is reminiscent of the infamous depiction of the Roman roadbuilders in Saturnino de la Fuente's 'The Seventh Day' (1863), a well-known Spanish painting that captured the plight of the working class. However, this photograph is a stark reminder that the reality of compulsory labour in Russia was far from an artistic representation. The men in the photograph are seen carrying large sacks, likely filled with gravel or other construction materials. Their faces are etched with exhaustion and despair, while their bodies bear the marks of hard labour. The women, some with children in tow, are engaged in various tasks, such as spreading gravel or holding umbrellas to shield their families from the rain. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities faced by the Russian people during this period. It is a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of adversity, as they worked to rebuild their country and create a new future. Despite the challenges, the spirit of the Russian people remained unbroken, and their collective efforts would eventually lead to the establishment of the Soviet Union.
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