WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik 1 changed that. In the first half of the 20th century, U.S. educators shunned homework. The Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik 1 changed that. Middle-schoolers who trudge home each day with a 50-pound backpack and hours of homework would have had an easier time in 1901.

Detailed explanation-2: -The launch of Sputnik spurred the Space Race, which was a Cold War competition between America and Russia to lead space exploration. As part of the Space Race, STEM Education was given more funds and became a focus in schools, starting with the 1958 National Defense Education Act, or NDEA.

Detailed explanation-3: -The launch and orbit of Sputnik 1 suggested that the Soviet Union had made a substantial leap forward in technology, which was interpreted as a serious threat to US national security, which spurred the US to make considerable federal investments in research and development, education, and national security.

Detailed explanation-4: -Sputnik’s launch caused fear of the Soviets using new rocket technology for military purposes and caught the United States off guard. In response, the United States increased their efforts and resources to catch up to the Soviets. These efforts led to the Apollo missions that eventually landed men on the moon in 1969.