The Tuvan People's Republic, established in 1921, was a small, landlocked territory situated in Central Asia. It was recognized for its unique culture and nomadic lifestyle, heavily influenced by both indigenous practices and Russian policies. Following the Russian Civil War, Tuva found itself in a position of relative autonomy, with the support of the Soviet Union, which sought to extend its influence over the region. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, cultural and economic ties with the USSR deepened, leading to increased reliance on Soviet trade and political frameworks.

By the 1940s, with World War II affecting strategic decisions, the Soviet government saw the annexation of Tuva as beneficial for consolidating its territorial claims in Central Asia. The formal incorporation of the Tuvan People's Republic into the Soviet Union occurred amid a global context where the USSR sought to reinforce its territorial integrity and counter potential threats. Thus, the process culminated in October 1944, transitioning Tuva from a republic with limited independence to a region fully integrated into the Soviet state.

This amalgamation realized a long-term goal of the Soviet leadership, which aimed for total centralization. As part of the Soviet Union, Tuva underwent significant changes in governance, economic policies, and social structures, aligning more closely with Soviet ideology. The integration into the USSR also set in motion cultural assimilation policies, which would subsequently alter the traditional ways of life for the Tuvan people.