Space Superhero: Formation of the Cult of Yuri Gagarin in the Context of the Relationship between Power and Society in the USSR
Journal: Вестник Пермского университета История
Year: 2021

Based on the archival and published documents, materials of periodicals and other sources, the article characterizes the formation of a cult of the first Soviet astronaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin during the period from April 12 to May 1, 1961. According to the author, the basis of this cult was put by the decisions of the supreme authorities of the USSR on a personal initiative of Nikita Khrushchev and included the following elements: 1) astronaut's rewarding with the state awards and distincti