Malysheva E. Y.

Relevance. In the context of the military expansion of the West against Russia, the role of the ideological factor and the definition of its role in solving the urgent tasks of the outbreak of war are even more increasing. This circumstance became the reason for the analysis of ideological work at the initial stage of the Great Patriotic War. In this regard, a detailed analysis of the development of events at the beginning of the war is given, and two opposing views on past events are presented. Goal. The analysis of conceptual approaches to the ideological coverage of the initial period of the Great Patriotic War, the strengthening of the political and mass work of the war years at the regional level. The dominant place is devoted to covering the process of relocation of industrial and human potential from threatened areas to the east of the country. It reflects the diverse political and mass work on the commissioning of evacuated plants and factories as soon as possible. It also shows the need to strengthen ideology and reflect it at the state level in the context of a special military operation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Methodology. Methods of retrospective and logical analysis of measures for the organization and conduct of national defense in the initial period of the war. The research is based on the problem-chronological method, which made it possible to highlight the political and mass work in the regions of the country. Results and conclusions. The effectiveness of ideological work at the beginning of the war is shown, when the ideas of patriotism and strengthening statehood became the most important. The integrative function of ideology and the most important function of mastering the mass consciousness of the Soviet people are revealed. An analysis of the military events of the beginning of the war is given, reflecting modern discussions on the problem. Two main tasks of the first period of the war are outlined, with detailed coverage of the process of relocation of industrial and human potential to the east of the country. The analytical conclusion on the results of the «great migration to the East» is reflected, the need to combat Western «values» and openly establish a state ideology for the education of the younger generation is noted. The scope of application. The materials are applicable for political and historical education in the framework of the educational process in schools, technical schools, universities.