What was the link between the launch of Sputnik I and the National Defense Educational Act?

The Soviet Union launched Sputnik I in 1957, raising concern in the United States that it was ahead in science and technology. In response, the U.S. passed the National Defense Education Act in 1958, which provided support for education, especially in fields such as science and math. Therefore, the act was created in response to Sputnik I.

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