Yuri Gagarin, Shaping Soviet Cultural Identity
Yuri Gagarin’s monumental achievement as the first human in space on April 12, 1961, not only marked a significant scientific milestone but also deeply influenced Soviet cultural identity. Hailing from humble beginnings—born on March 9, 1934, in Klushino, Russia—Gagarin’s journey from a carpenter’s family to international hero encapsulated the Soviet ideal of meritocracy. His ascent…