The Impact Of The Space Race On The Cold War

The Space Race had a great impact on the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. After the end of World War II the United States and the Soviet Union became two of the most powerful and influential nations in the world. The amount of influence these two countries held led to many conflicts. Since these countries had different ideas it caused them to enter the Cold War in 1947 (Schlesinger, 1967). While the Cold War was going on, the Space Race became another aspect of this competition. Despite the Space Race not being a military competition, it still had a great impact on the Cold War because of the tecnological advencements, polictical power, and outcome. These aspects created a rivalry between the two nations by intensifying

The winner of the race would hold more power over the other which would benefit them in the Cold War. Earlier historic competitions between two nations have stayed globally, but the space race has extended competition further (Gaddis, 1998). Throughout the Cold War the United States and the Soviet Union wanted to see who had the more advanced military technology, but they never fought in battels. During the war both sides produced many different weapons including nuclear submarines and fighter jets (Schlesinger, 1967). Due to the fast advancements of technology and both sides continued to create new weapons, the addition of the space race opened up a new technological door. The Space race led the Soviet Union to the creation of Satellites which became an important element in the race (The Space Race). While the Soviet Union focused on improving their satellites, the United State worked on spacecraft technology. (Seedhouse 241) Political influence became another accomplishment that both countries gained throughout the Space Race (Seedhouse 41). Although the two countries had been trying to gain political superiority over one another, the Space Race increased the intensity and gave them more opportunities to promote their political ideologies through their achievements

During the war “Both sides agreed, during the Cold War, that they would calculate their strengths in a category of power” (Gaddis, 1998). During these competitions the United States wanted to spot the spread of communism and the Soviet Union's impact on Western European nations including France, Italy, and Greece (The Space Race). During the Cold War President Roosevelt said “ ‘There is in this global war literally no question, either military or political, in which the United States is not interested.’ ” Roosevelt is expressing how the United States views the Cold War along with any other war (Schlesinger, 1967). The military and political efforts helped strengthen old alliances and create new ones. The United States also wanted to spread capitalism while stopping the spread of communism. In the Soviet Union the race and war were seen as a way to build up the communist system. They showcased the superiority of communism through their success (Schlesinger, 1967). But by the end of the race and war “The Soviet Union collapsed… power-economic, ideological, cultural, moral--caused the USSR to lose its superpower status” (Gaddis, 1998). The Soviet Union's downfall is what ultimately gave the United States its