Fact Check: holodmor is a genocide

The Claim: "Holodomor is a genocide"

Introduction

The claim that the Holodomor, a catastrophic famine that occurred in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933, constitutes genocide is a contentious issue that has sparked extensive debate among historians, legal scholars, and political figures. This claim posits that the famine was not merely a result of natural causes or poor management but rather a deliberate act by the Soviet regime under Joseph Stalin aimed at suppressing Ukrainian nationalism and independence.

What We Know

1. Definition and Context: The term "Holodomor" translates to "death by starvation" in Ukrainian. It is estimated that between 3.5 million and 7 million people died as a result of the famine, with some demographic studies suggesting a more precise figure of around 3.9 million victims 210.

2. Historical Background: The famine coincided with Stalin's First Five-Year Plan, which enforced rapid collectivization of agriculture. This policy led to widespread resistance among Ukrainian peasants, who were seen as a threat to Soviet authority 59.

3. Legal Recognition: In 2006, Ukraine officially recognized the Holodomor as a genocide against the Ukrainian people through legislation. This recognition has been echoed by several countries and organizations, although it remains contested in some academic and political circles 9.

4. Scholarly Debate: The academic community is divided on whether the Holodomor meets the legal definition of genocide as outlined in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Key points of contention include whether the famine was intentionally engineered by the Soviet regime or if it was a consequence of mismanagement and natural factors 78.

Analysis

The claim that the Holodomor is a genocide is supported by various sources, yet the interpretation of evidence varies significantly:

• Supporting Sources:

  • The National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide asserts that the famine was a calculated effort by the Soviet leadership to eliminate Ukrainian resistance 9. This aligns with the views of many historians who argue that Stalin's policies were deliberately designed to suppress Ukrainian identity.
  • The U.S. Mission to the OSCE also commemorates the Holodomor as a genocide, reinforcing the view that it was a targeted act against the Ukrainian people 6.

• Contradicting Sources:

  • Wikipedia entries on the Holodomor indicate that while there is a consensus among many scholars about the tragic nature of the famine, there is ongoing debate regarding the intent behind Soviet policies. Some historians argue that the famine was not a premeditated act of genocide but rather a result of poor governance and economic miscalculations 78.
  • The article from Gettysburg College suggests that while the famine had devastating effects, the classification of these events as genocide is still a matter of scholarly debate, indicating a lack of consensus on the intent behind the policies that led to the famine 5.

Source Reliability

• Academic Institutions: Sources such as the College of Liberal Arts and Gettysburg College provide scholarly perspectives that are generally reliable but may reflect the biases of their authors or institutional affiliations 25.
• Government and Museum Sources: The U.S. Mission to the OSCE and the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide are credible but may have inherent biases due to their political contexts and objectives to promote awareness of the Holodomor as genocide 69.
• Wikipedia: While it can be a useful starting point for information, Wikipedia articles should be approached with caution, as they can be edited by anyone and may not always reflect the most current scholarly consensus 78.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further evaluate the claim, additional information that could enhance understanding includes:

• More comprehensive demographic studies that clarify the death toll and the socio-political factors leading to the famine.
• Legal analyses that explore the implications of classifying the Holodomor as genocide under international law.
• Testimonies or primary sources from survivors or contemporaneous observers that provide insight into the lived experiences during the famine.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that the Holodomor is a genocide is supported by significant evidence, particularly from Ukrainian sources and some international bodies that recognize it as such. However, the interpretation of the intent behind the famine remains contentious among historians and scholars. While many assert that the famine was a deliberate act of genocide aimed at suppressing Ukrainian identity, others argue that it resulted from mismanagement and broader economic policies rather than a calculated extermination effort.

This verdict acknowledges the complexity of the issue, highlighting that while there is substantial support for the genocide classification, there is also a notable scholarly debate that introduces uncertainty regarding the intent behind the Soviet policies. The lack of consensus among historians and the varying interpretations of evidence contribute to the "Partially True" classification.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the nuances involved in historical interpretations, particularly in cases as complex and politically charged as the Holodomor.

Sources

1. Chapter 4: “Murder by Starvation”: The Holodomor – Being Ukraine. Link
2. Holodomor | Holocaust and Genocide Studies | College of Liberal Arts. Link
3. PDF Selected Resources on the Holodomor - Sites@Rutgers. Link
4. The Holodomor: A Tragic Famine or Genocide Against the ... Link
5. "The Holodomor: A Tragic Famine or Genocide Against the Ukrainian People" by Jordan C. Cerone. Link
6. On the 91st anniversary of the Holodomor Genocide of 1932 and 1933 in Ukraine Committed by the Totalitarian Stalin’s Regime - U.S. Mission to the OSCE. Link
7. Holodomor genocide question - Wikipedia. Link
8. Holodomor - Wikipedia. Link
9. Holodomor History | National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide. Link
10. Holodomor | Facts, Definition, & Death Toll | Britannica. Link