AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Cold War Arms Buildup & Space Race (Day 268/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about the Cold War Arms Buildup and Space Race as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

“Squeeze Play,” Library of Congress

During the Cold War, in addition to proxy wars and diplomatic efforts, the U.S. and Soviet Union engaged in competitions over nuclear weapons and technological advancements which was exhibited most clearly through the space race.

“The Arms Race,” Etta Hulme Collection

Both the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a rapid arms buildup, intensifying global tensions and the threat of nuclear warfare. 

Family Fallout Shelter, Civil Defense Museum

In response to this escalation, the American government promoted the construction of bomb shelters and the implementation of nuclear drills which aimed to prepare the population for potential nuclear attacks and mitigate the fear instilled by the arms race. 

Space Race Newspaper, Welch Daily News

Concurrently, the Cold War also sparked a competition in space exploration between the two superpowers, known as the space race. 

Cold War Cartoon, Odyssey

Through the National Defense Education Act, the U.S. responded by investing heavily in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, seeking to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of advancing space exploration and technological innovation.

Overall, the Cold War arms buildup and space race spurred significant advancements in technology and education, shaping the trajectory of scientific progress and geopolitical conflicts during the Cold War.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Post World War II Economic Growth in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!