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Defining Documents in American History: The Space Race
This two-volume set presents documents related to both sides of the space race, from internal government memos to declassified CIA intelligence as the U.S. tracked Soviet progress. Also presented are landmark agreements such as the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which created an international law preventing the weaponization of space.
The set goes on to discuss the Space Race as it exists today, from the creation of the Space Force as a branch of the U.S. military, to competing world powers who want to set up permanent bases on the moon and even send people to Mars. Chapters also examine the commercialization of space, from satellite constellations and space-based internet, to companies who are ushering in a new era of space tourism.
At the height of the Cold War, the United States and Soviet Union were locked in an escalating arms race fueled by nuclear capabilities, technological advancements, and clashing ideologies. They soon turned their attention to the ultimate competition: to be the first country to prove their superiority in space. The Soviets took an early lead by launching Sputnik 1 in 1957 – the first satellite launched from Earth. That same year, they also made history by sending the first living being into space via Sputnik 2 – a dog named Laika. Their milestones continued in 1961 when Yuri Gagarin became the first human to reach space, aboard Vostok 1. Not to be outdone, the United States sent Alan Shepard into space that same year, and with NASA having been recently founded in 1958, the race accelerated throughout the 1960s, culminating in the incredible Apollo 8 moon landing in 1968.
The material is organized into curated sections, each beginning with a brief introduction that examines the importance of the topic through the presented historical document. Analysis of the documents contained within these sections provide an overview of the history and significance of each, and the wider ramifications how these events impacted the entire world.
Each in-depth chapter guides readers with historical insight and comprehension. Written by historians and teachers, several elements explain the document's historical impact and provide thoughtful critical analysis, including a Summary Overview, Defining Moment, Author Biography, Document Analysis, and Essential Themes. Plus, an historical timeline, bibliography of important supplemental readings, and Web Resources will support readers in understanding the broader historical events covered.
The documents include highlight American's commitment to stand up and fight for the issues they believe in. This title will be a welcome addition to the history collections of high schools, undergraduate libraries, and public libraries.
