October 4 in American History
The Soviet Union put the first artificial satellite into orbit, and the beeping of Sputnik overhead jolted America into action. Within a year Congress created NASA; within twelve years, Americans walked on the Moon. Sometimes a rival's win is the best thing that ever happened to your ambition.
In 1957: Sputnik launches the Space Race. The Soviet Union put the first artificial satellite into orbit, and the beeping of Sputnik overhead jolted America into action.
The Soviet Union put the first artificial satellite into orbit, and the beeping of Sputnik overhead jolted America into action. Within a year Congress created NASA; within twelve years, Americans walked on the Moon. Sometimes a rival's win is the best thing that ever happened to your ambition.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
What should America's next big national goal be?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.
Take the Free Assessment →