Why was the launch of Sputnik significant in the context of the Cold War?
A) Sputnik demonstrated that Western and Soviet scientists could collaborate on scientific projects.
B) Sputnik elevated the prestige of Soviet science to observers in the Third World.
C) Sputnik's success led several states to leave NATO.
D) Sputnik's success diminished the risk of nuclear war.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The launch of Sputnik was significant in the context of the Cold War because it elevated the prestige of Soviet science, technology, and innovation to observers in the Third World. This caused concerns among the United States and its allies regarding their ability to compete with the Soviet Union in various sectors, including military, economic, and cultural. This increasing competition intensified the arms race and space race between the two superpowers, which heightened the tensions of the Cold War.

Why Was the Launch of Sputnik Significant in the Context