8: Sputnik: 1949-1961 | Cold War
As a consequence of the atomic spies, the Soviet Union joined the nuclear club, and the two superpowers compete to develop their nuclear arsenals. The Soviet Union's launching of Sputnik further heightened a sense of vulnerability in the United States, and results in the rapid development of nuclear-armed missiles, and defence-related education. Blamed for a perceived missile gap, Eisenhower is replaced by John F. Kennedy as US President. The Soviet Union is seen to have taken a solid lead in the space race after Yuri Gagarin's successful return to Earth. Interviewees include Joseph Rotblat, Boris Chertok, Andrew Goodpaster, Herbert York and Gherman Titov. The pre-credits scene features the first Soviet nuclear test in 1949.
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- Clip length: 46'26''
- Broadcast year: 1998
- History | The Cold War
Licence: ERA Licence required
UK only
Staff and students of licensed education establishments only
Cannot be adapted
- Provider: BBC
- Channel: BBC Two
- Programme: Cold War
- Episode: 8: Sputnik: 1949-1961
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