Ovchinnikova Y. Children and teenagers of Donbass in the conditions of the Great Patriotic War (1941 - 1945)

The thesis makes a comprehensive analysis of the situation of the Donbass children and teenagers as the most vulnerable layer of the society during the Great Patriotic War. It reveals the main factors which determined the situation of the young people under the extreme conditions of the war at its different stages. It clarifies the major trends of the Soviet power policy as for this category of the population. It explores carefully the main motives and forms of the children and teenagers' participation in patriotic initiatives of the civilian population and in the Resistance movement, and it shows the contribution of the young generation into gaining the Victory. In conclusion, it lays emphasis on strong influence of the war events on physical, psychological health of under-age citizens and all their further fortune.