Eisenhower's Second Term and the Space Race

Eisenhower's Landslide Victory

Eisenhower won against Stevenson in 1956 election.

Health Concerns

Eisenhower faced health issues post-heart attack and surgery.

Labor Strikes of 1959

Labor strikes and corruption led to union reforms.

Dave Beck

Teamster chief imprisoned for embezzlement in 1959.

Jimmy Hoffa

Replaced Beck; later disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

Statehood of Alaska and Hawaii

Alaska and Hawaii became states in 1959.

22nd Amendment

Limits presidents to two terms in office.

Military-Industrial Complex

Eisenhower warned about government and war industry ties.

Misuse of Science

Critics noted science misapplied to entertainment, not defense.

Sputnik I

Soviet satellite launched in 1957, surprising the US.

Explorer Satellite

US launched Explorer four months after Sputnik I.

Science Gap Concerns

Fears of falling behind USSR prompted education reforms.

SAT Exam Creation

Concerns over education led to the SAT's development.

National Defense Education Act

1958 act provided $887 million for education loans.

Space Race Impact

Space exploration influenced US culture significantly.

UFO Sightings Increase

1950s saw a rise in reported UFO sightings.

Science Fiction Popularity

Cultural fascination with space reflected in media.