Sputnik : the satellite that propelled Congress to invest in basic scientific research in universities, 2007

Item — Call Number: MU Thesis Hey

Identifier: b2088348

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The collection consists of theses written by students enrolled in the Monmouth University graduate History program. The holdings are bound print documents that were submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Master of Arts degree.

From the Collection:

During the fall 2022 semester (in instances where the requisite waivers were received from consenting student authors), the Monmouth University Library, together with the University's Graduate School and Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences, began providing open access to select full-text digital versions of current theses and dissertations through links to the ProQuest Dissertations Publishing website in the Library's Online Public Access Catalog. Links to these open access digital publications can also be found in the "External Documents" section under any conforming titles that are listed among the holdings itemized in the collection inventory for this finding aid.

Dates

Creation: 2007

Creator

Heyer, Kevin F. (1952- ) (Author, Person)
Parkin, Katherine J. (Thesis advisor, Person)
DeRosa, Christopher S. (Thesis advisor, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use. Access is by appointment only.

Access to the collection is confined to the Monmouth University Library and is subject to patron policies approved by the Monmouth University Library.

Collection holdings may not be borrowed through interlibrary loan.

Research appointments are scheduled by the Monmouth University Library Archives Collections Manager (723-923-4526). A minimum of three days advance notice is required to arrange a research appointment for access to the collection.

Patrons must complete a Researcher Registration Form and provide appropriate identification to gain access to the collection holdings. Copies of these documents will be kept on file at the Monmouth University Library.

Extent

1 Items (print book) : 89 pages ; 8.5 x 11.0 inches (28 cm).

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Introduction [excerpts]

The shock of Sputnik ignited a passion within the government, the media, and subsequently the American public, to promptly respond to the dual challenges to America's prestige and military security. In a relatively brief period of time, Congress enacted a series of laws to help place America in a more competitive position. The National Defense Education Act (NDEA) proposed to stimulate the advancement of education in science, mathematics, and most foreign languages. The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for, among other things, the "expansion of human knowledge of the Earth and of phenomena in the atmosphere and space" and the "preservation of the role of the United States as a leader an aeronautical and space science and technology." Lastly, Congress, having realized that science, that search for new knowledge, was a weapon itself to be added to the American arsenal, resolved to significantly increase the nation's investment in basic scientific research. This last aspect of Congress' response to Sputnik will be the focus of this study.

Within the arc of ... Russia's Sputnik launch and America's moon landing, the American government fundamentally changed its relationships and support of basic scientific research in direct response to the technological and ideological challenge posed by the Soviet Union. The legislation enacted by the United States Congress sparked, what has been termed, the 'golden age" in American universities... I will begin this study by examining the social, cultural, and political context within which the American public experienced the news of Sputnik and their response to that alarming news given that perspective. Next, I will examine how the Democratic leadership in Congress attempted, with only partial success, to assert more influence in establishing the nation's legislative agenda from the popular Republican President Eisenhower, who was experiencing his first decline in public confidence. Lastly, I will explain the rationale underlying the decision by American leaders to promote greater federal investments in basic scientific research as a proper response to the Soviet threat, review the Congressional response to that investment, and reflect on the substantive changes produced in the American university system.

Partial Contents

Introduction -- 1. America of the 1950s -- 2. The shock of Sputnik -- 3. The legislative response -- 4. Basic scientific research as one of the answers -- 5. Congress adds scientific research to America's arsenal -- 6. Impacts on universities -- 7. Conclusion -- Appendix -- Bibliography.