The Space Race
Between the United States and the Soviet Union
The Tension Between The United States and The Soviet Union
Even though the U.S. and the Soviet Union teamed up during World War II, that did not mean that they were friends. Immediately after WW2 ended, the U.S. and the Soviet Union's relationship went down the drain. Both countries made it their main mission to prove that they were better.
The Space Race
The Space Race began with the launch of the world's first artificial satellite, Sputnik. The Space Race wasn't just about exploring space, it was about the advancement of technology that could be used as weaponry. The two countries could not allow the other to outdo them. The U.S. and the Soviets were constantly improving off of one another's achievements.
The Two Sides
The United States
The United States wanted to contain Communism at all costs. To the world, the United States represented Democracy and freedom for all.
The Soviet Union
The Soviet Union was the poster boy for Communism at this time. The only country standing in the way of the spread of Communism was the United States. This fueled the hatred between the two countries.
Despite the hatred, it remained a Cold War
The Cold War
Because of the devastation World War II inflicted, both sides did not want to enter a new war. Because they did not want to fight, the Space Race was the medium where they could prove to the world that they were better without firing any bullets.