Question

Sputnik 1 was the first artificial Earth satellite. The Soviet Union

launched it into an elliptical low Earth orbit in October 1957 and its
beeps could be heard anywhere in the word with a short-wave radio.
What effect do you think hearing the "beeps" had on Americans?

Answer 1

Hearing the 'beeps' from Sputnik 1 had a significant impact on Americans, causing a mix of fear, awe, and concerns about national security. This event prompted the establishment of NASA and fueled advancements in science and technology in the United States.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hearing the 'beeps' from Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite launched by the Soviet Union in October 1957, had a significant impact on Americans. It caused a mix of fear, awe, and concerns about national security. The beeps served as a tangible reminder that the Soviet Union had achieved a major milestone in space exploration, leading to increased efforts by the United States to catch up in the space race. This event prompted the establishment of NASA and fueled advancements in science and technology in the United States, ultimately shaping the course of history.

The success of Sputnik had a major impact on the Cold War and the United States. Fear that they had fallen behind led U.S. policymakers to accelerate space and weapons programs.