United States Control in Latin America

• U.S. controlled economies of ten Latin American nations since 1920s.
• Military interventions in Nicaragua and Honduras to support pro-American leaders.
• CIA overthrew Guatemalan government in 1954, supporting U.S. corporate interests (e.g., United Fruit Company).

Arms Race

• Intensified struggle for world leadership between U.S. and Soviet Union in 1950s.
• Significant events:
  • 1953: U.S. tests first thermonuclear device.
  • Soviet Union tests hydrogen bomb soon after.
• Policy of deterrence aimed at preventing nuclear attack through military strength.
• Between 1954-1958: U.S. conducted 19 hydrogen bomb tests.
• Long-range missile development:
  • U.S. focused on airplanes, lagged in ICBMs.
  • Soviets advanced in ICBMs.

Eisenhower's Warning

• Eisenhower warned of "military-industrial complex" as a potential threat to peace:
  • Explained need for military readiness alongside risks of excessive influence in government.

Space Race

• 1957: Soviets launched Sputnik, first artificial satellite, escalating competition.
• American fear due to potential of ICBM technology in space race.
• U.S. government established NASA in 1958 to advance space efforts.