The Cold War & the Space Race

End of WWII After dropping 2 atomic bombs on Japan to end WWII, the United States emerged as a super power. Most European countries were devastated by the war, including England & Germany. Another super power that emerged was the Soviet Union.

Limited vs. Unlimited Governments U.S. had limited form of government Leaders have to obey laws (Constitution) Elected by the people People have individual rights & freedoms Soviet Union had unlimited form of gov’t Government controls everything Leaders are not elected They make the laws Stay in power for a long time People do not have individual rights & freedoms

Cold War The U.S. and Soviet Union never fire nuclear weapons at each other, but both have them armed and ready. That is why it was called the Cold War. Instead, they fight in other countries around the world supporting their preferred form of government.

Korean War The Communist government of the Soviet Union allied with other Communist countries including China and North Korea, and tried to take over South Korea, resulting in the Korean War (1950-1953). The U.S. fought with South Korea to keep the country Democratic.

Space Race The Space Race was when the U.S. and the Soviet Union compete to see which country can make advances in space exploration the fastest.

Sputnik In 1957, the Soviet Union launches Sputnik 2, the first manned satellite to orbit the Earth. In 1958, the U.S. creates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA and the space race is in full swing.

Schooling Had US Schools Failed? The launch of Sputnik alarmed the American public. A massive push began toward teaching more science and math.

Lunar Landing In 1969, the U.S. lands the first man on the moon, achieving a notable victory in the Space Race. What was the first word spoken from the moon?

End of Cold War In 1991, the Soviet Union collapses, ending the Cold War. It was broken up into 15 separate countries, the largest being the Russian Federation.