Space Race

Question 1

Cold War Competition

Answer 1

(1950-1960) The Cold War generated intense competition between the US and the USSR. The side with the best technogy would emerge victorious in a direct confrontation which heavily prompted both US and USSR governments to spend heavily on scientific research.

Question 2

Technological Development

Answer 2

The use of advances in science and technology to aid improvements in industry. For example, after 1945, the key technological development in the US was the invention and widespread of the computer.

Question 3

Military Technology

Answer 3

After WWII, the US led the world in advances in technology. In 1953, the US government spent $13 billion on research; by 1960 this had risen to $47 billion; and by 1970 it was $76 billion and the majority of this was invested military projects (85% in 1953). This then fell to 55% in 1970.