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The Soviet Union successfully launches Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite. Marking the dawn of the Space Age, the event pushes the US government into action and leads to the formation of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
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The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is created by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
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John F. Kennedy is inaugurated President.
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East Germany begins construction of the Berlin Wall, which closes all land routes between East and West Berlin.
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Lyndon B. Johnson becomes President.
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The U.S. launches the first nuclear reactor in space (SNAP-10A). SNAP stands for Systems for Nuclear Auxiliary Power.
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The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty prohibiting non-nuclear weapon states from possessing, manufacturing, or acquiring nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices is opened for signature.
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President Johnson signs the National Environmental Policy Act.
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The United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and forty-five other nations sign the Treaty for the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
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President Nixon signs the Federal Administration Act of 1974. The Federal Energy Administration replaces the Federal Energy Office.
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Gerald R. Ford becomes President.