1955-1975

By heatherzook

  • Sputnik I

    The Soviet Union successfully launches Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite. Marking the dawn of the Space Age, the event pushes the US government into action and leads to the formation of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

  • OPEC

    The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is created by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

  • John F. Kennedy

    John F. Kennedy is inaugurated President.

  • Berlin Wall

    East Germany begins construction of the Berlin Wall, which closes all land routes between East and West Berlin.

  • Lyndon B. Johnson

    Lyndon B. Johnson becomes President.

  • SNAP

    The U.S. launches the first nuclear reactor in space (SNAP-10A). SNAP stands for Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power.

  • The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

    The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty prohibiting non-nuclear weapon states from possessing, manufacturing, or acquiring nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices is opened for signature.

  • National Environmental Policy Act.

    President Johnson signs the National Environmental Policy Act.

  • Treaty for the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

    The United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and forty-five other nations sign the Treaty for the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

  • Federal Administration Act of 1974

    President Nixon signs the Federal Administration Act of 1974. The Federal Energy Administration replaces the Federal Energy Office.

  • Gerald R. Ford

    Gerald R. Ford becomes President.