The Formation of the Concept of 'Modern History' in Soviet Historical Scholarship (1940s-1950s)

The following research examines the history of the transformation of Soviet concept of Modern History in the first postwar decade (1945-1955). Since the founding of the Institute of history of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1936, the activities of its employees were subordinated to the interests of the top leadership of the Bolshevik party. The concept of Modern history, developed in the sector of Modern history under the personal control of state authorities, experienced significant changes in the last years of Stalin's rule. This thesis is based on materials of the Foundation № 1 of Scientific Archive of the Institute of Russian history (SA RHI RAS), among which – for the first time included in the scientific circulation protocols and transcripts of meetings of Modern History sector, research plans of the sector and its staff, materials prepared for school and university textbooks, as well as several versions of chapters of "Worldwide history" volumes. The first chapter of following research is devoted to the creation and editing of Soviet textbooks on Modern history for schools and universities in the last Stalin decade. The second chapter examines the history and content of the key monographic works created by the employees of Modern history sector and complementing then existing concept of Modern history. The third and final Chapter of the study is devoted to the history of the creation of "Worldwide history" in the last years of Stalin's rule as a generalizing work, officially enshrining the concept of the history of Modern times of the West