Local Self-Government in the Closed Cities of the Nuclear Industry in the Urals during the Soviet Period (Late 1940s — 1950s)
( Pp. 91-98)
More about authors
Viktor N. Kuznetsov
Cand. Sci. (Hist.), senior researcher; Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Institute of History and Archeology
Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation Alfiya G. Konstantinova Cand. Sci. (Hist.)
Institute of History and Archeology; Technological Institute — branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI
Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation; Lesnoy, Sverdlovsk Region, Russian Federation Guryan G. Sakhyanov applicant; Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Institute of History and Archeology
Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Institute of History and Archeology
Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation Alfiya G. Konstantinova Cand. Sci. (Hist.)
Institute of History and Archeology; Technological Institute — branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI
Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation; Lesnoy, Sverdlovsk Region, Russian Federation Guryan G. Sakhyanov applicant; Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Institute of History and Archeology
Ural branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation
Abstract:
The article examines the formation and evolution of the system of local self-government in the Ural closed cities of the nuclear industry from the late 1940s to the 1950s. Drawing on archival sources and regulatory and legal acts, the authors analyze the initial stage of the functioning of closed settlements, when local administrative functions were concentrated in the hands of the management of city-forming enterprises and specialized administrative bodies. Particular attention is paid to the process of institutionalization of Soviet local authorities, including the establishment of city Soviets of Working People’s Deputies, the organization of the first elections, and the subsequent transfer of municipal functions from enterprises to local self-government bodies. It is demonstrated that the incorporation of closed cities into the all-Union system of Soviet governance was accompanied by the preservation of strict ministerial control and the emergence of a dual model of administration combining elements of civilian and departmental governance. The study concludes that the experience of local self-government development in Soviet nuclear cities reflects the adaptation of the Soviet administrative and political system to the specific conditions of secrecy and the strategic significance of these territories.
How to Cite:
Kuznetsov, V.N., Konstantinova, A.G., & Sakhyanov, G.G. (2026). Local Self-Government in the Closed Cities of the Nuclear Industry in the Urals during the Soviet Period (Late 1940s — 1950s). History and Modern Perspectives, 8(1), 91-98. 10.33693/2658-4654-2026-8-1-91-98. EDN: UEVRLO
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Artyomov E.T., Bedel A.E. Taming of uranium. Pages of the history of the Ural Electrochemical Plant. Novouralsk: SV-96, 1999. 351 p.
Kuznetsov V.N. Socio-political life in the closed cities of the Urals. The first decade. Yekaterinburg: Postmodern, 2003. 164 p.
Kuznetsov V.N., Konstantinova A.G. The Sociocultural Environment in Closed Administrative-territorial Formations of the Nuclear Industry in the Urals. History and modern perspectives. 2022. Vol. 4. No. 3. Pp. 76–82. DOI: 10.33693/2658-4654-2022-4-3-76-82. (in Rus.).
Kuznetsov V.N., Konstantinova A.G., Peshkova K.V., Ryaskov S.A. Nuclear closed cities of the Urals: socio-cultural development. Yekaterinburg: BKI, 2024. 216 p.
Melnikova N.V. Soviet nuclear project: experience of staffing. Moscow: Political Encyclopedia, 2022. 390 p.
Novoselov V.N., Tolstikov V.S. Atomic trace in the Urals. Chelyabinsk: Rifey, 1997. 240 p.
Tolstikov V.S. Social and environmental consequences of the development of the nuclear industry in the Urals (1945–1998). Chelyabinsk: Chelyabinsk State Institute of Culture, 1998. 301 p.
Shubarina L.V. Stages of formation of the military-industrial complex of the Urals on the basis of nuclear missile production (1945–1965). Bulletin of the Military University. 2010. No. 1 (21). Pp. 87–92. (in Rus.).
Keywords:
nuclear industry enterprises, closed city, local self-government, Soviet of Working People’s Deputies, executive committee, Urals..
