The Soviet famine of 1921-1922 was a catastrophic event resulting from the aftermath of the Russian Civil War, severe drought, and Bolshevik grain requisition policies. This famine led to the deaths of millions, particularly in the Volga region, highlighting the devastating impact of war and mismanagement on food security. The crisis prompted international humanitarian responses and debates about Soviet policies. The famine remains a significant chapter in Soviet history, illustrating the complexities of governance and agriculture.

The Soviet famine of 1921-1922 profoundly impacted the Russian Silver Age and émigré poetry, with writers like Anna Akhmatova reflecting on the human toll of revolution and societal collapse. This tragedy inspired a wave of elegiac poetry that grappled with loss, memory, and resilience.