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U.S Tests Hydrogen Bomb
Because of the successful test of a Soviet Nuclear weapon, the U.S started developing the H-Bomb to keep its lead in the arms race. On November 1, 1952 on the island of Elugelab at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshal Islands, the first U.S H-Bomb test occurred. The test was successful and the explosion yielded an equivalent of 10 megatons of TNT, roughly 1000 times as large as the Hiroshima bomb. H-Bomb Explosion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_oueK1OQYA -
Soviets Launch Sputnik
On October 4, 1957 the Soviet Union launched sputnik 1, the first man made satellite to orbit earth. Sputnik had 4 external radio antennae that broadcasted radio pulses. The pulses that were heard were a symbol of the soviets space superiority, and proved that had the ability to potentially launch ballistic missiles, further fueling the arms race. Sputnik transmitted a very simple beeping sound as a test.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-bQEiklsK8 -
U-2 Spy Plane Controversy
In May of 1960, the Soviet Union shot down a U-2 spy plane in Soviet air space and captured Francis Gary Powers. Confronted with evidence of this incident from the soviets, The Americans were forced to admit that the CIA had been flying spying missions for several years, further fueling tension between the nations. Because of this, the first ever "Spy Swap" occurred in which the U.S exchanged a captured soviet spy for Francis Gary Powers. U-2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txVHB8k0rTI -
The U.S sends a man to the moon
On July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the moon. At the height of the space race between the Soviet Union and the United states. The space race was similar to the ongoing arms race, but without the weapons. The task was who could accomplish the most in regards to space. The soviets were the first to enter space, but the United States accomplished the feat of landing on the moon. Apollo 11 Moonwalk -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=46&v=hxPbnFc7iU8 -
Collapse Of The USSR
On December 25, 1991, the world saw the Soviet Union turn into 15 separate countries. It's collapse was viewed by the west as a victory for freedom, a victory for democracy over totalitarianism, and evidence of the superiority of capitalism over socialism. The U.S rejoiced as the USSR was brought to its knees, effectively ending the cold war. ABC Coverage from 1991.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVBVjIAMo8c
