19.1.14

The Space Race

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The Space Race

Alongside the nuclear arms race between the USA and USSR, the two countries also competed on how far they could explore space and who could do it first.

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Sputnik

  • In 1957, the USSR launched the first ever satellite into space.
    • This was called 'Sputnik'.
  • The launch of Sputnik led to increased tensions because the same rocket that could reach space could also carry an atomic bomb or thousands of missiles.
  • This was a threat to America.
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ICB missiles

  • Building on this new technology, the USSR made the world’s first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
  • The US did not have any until one year later.
    • They therefore felt threatened and tensions were high.
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Humans in space

  • In 1961, the USSR sent the first man into space.
    • This was Yuri Gagarin (pictured).
  • The US also managed this in 1961, but the USSR did it first.
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Apollo

  • The space race ended with the Apollo programme.
  • President Kennedy promised that the USA would put the first man on the moon.
    • In 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, the crew of Apollo 11, walked on the moon.
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Importance of the space race

  • The space race was a way of beating the ideology of the other nation without a nuclear war.
  • It was a way of fighting to be the best without physically going to war.
    • The two countries couldn't do this because of mutually assured destruction: (nuclear war would wipe out both countries and millions of people.)

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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