The Nuclear Arms Race and the Space Race

Outcome: Analyze documents to determine how the Arms Race and the

Space Race heightened Cold War Tension

In what ways do nations compete with each other?

In what ways do nations compete with each other?

What types of weapons were both the United States and the Soviet Union

working to develop at the end of WWII?

How did the nuclear arms race affect the American people?

• Examine the picture with your group and answer your questions

(everyone answers on his or her own paper)

• Share ideas with the class

How did the nuclear arms race affect the American people?

What do you think this is?

• Read the article

• Discuss what Sputnik did

• Why do you think the author claims its impact “was enormous and unprecedented”

Why was it so upsetting to Americans when the Soviets launched Sputnik?

The United States begins a Space Program

• Watch the video clip and answer the questions.

• We will watch the clip twice, so listen carefully, but don’t worry if you miss something.

The Great Space Race - YouTube.url

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkUSceAtCIE

Critical Thinking: Did the Arms Race and the Space

Race help determine a “winner” in the Cold War?

• Write a brief response citing evidence from what you learned today or any outside knowledge you have.