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Soviet Union Launched Sputnik 1
This launch was tough on the United States because they had failed 2 times previously and they realized that the oceans were not something that could protect them in a time of war with all this new technology. The United States began to put emphasis on their Vangaurd Project after this. https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/video/remembering-the-sputnik-1-launch-the-first-artificial-satellite-to-enter-earth-orbit-1062223427608 -
America Launched Explorer 1
It was in response to the Soviet's launch but it's success did start the beginning of the U.S. space age. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfMIrKkzRx8 -
Advanced Research Projects Agency was set up
After the launch of Explorer 1 Dwight D. Eisenhower set up ARPA which is now knows as DARPA to be responsible for developing technologies used for military through research. -
National Aeronautic and Space Act made into Law
It was signed by Eisenhower as an Act to provide for research into problems of flight within and outside the earth's atmosphere, and for other purposes. Before this all space ventures were supposed to be done by the military. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=299416314220372 -
National Defense Education Act was passed
To ensure highly trained individuals would be available to help America compete with the Soviet Union in scientific and technical fields. With this came grants and loans for institutions for their math science, and foreign language fields. -
National Science Foundation Revamped
Revamped and budget was increased. Congress approved 134 million dollars to the foundation and it continued to grow over the years to promote science education so that the technology could continue to grow with the help of more educated Americans. -
James B Conant Carried out a Study on American High Schoolers
He carried out a detailed two year study of American high schools with the support of the Carnegie Foundation in order to ensure that all gifted children were being properly motivated to pursue higher education; and in 1960 Harvard embarked on its biggest fund-raising up till then for the purpose of reforming its whole approach to education. The campaign raised 82.5 million dollars. -
Committee set up at the National Governer's Conference
A committee was set up whose sole purpose was to help the public develop a “clearer understanding of the nature of communism” as well as to prepare American youth so that they adequately deal with the “menace of communism”. Teachers at all levels of the educational system were often required to sign loyalty oaths before they could be employed to teach. -
Passage of the Higher Education Act
Hugh expansion of public colleges with support from federal grants and loans. This was something that would have been unimaginable with generations before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWqPLfB5gtE -
Education Now because of the Cold Was
Education now is still very centered on science with programs like STEM and education is still very important to many people no matter where you come from. If you are smart and hard working you will go places and I think that the Cold War was a part of this idea that is now branded into America
