What was the main result of the event referred to in this headline?

a. tensions between communist and capitalist countries declined worldwide.
b. the united states saw a steep decline in its influence in international organizations.
c. american universities developed close relationships with soviet scientists.
d. u. s leaders greatly expanded their efforts to promote advanced technology.

The correct answer is most definitely: D. U.S leaders greatly expanded their efforts to promote advanced technology.

Indeed, Americans were convinced, after the end of WWII that they were the most technologically advanced and successful nation on earth in the course of human history. However, the Russian-led, Soviet Space Program completely destroyed that assumption. The Sputnik one as it is now known was the first artificial satellite of Earth in the history of humanity. The shock to the American public was massive and very strong. They had thought for years that because they developed the first nuclear bomb and had more nuclear power than the Soviet Union, they had the best technology. This event launched the space race as President Eisenhower discovered that the technology used to put this scientific satellite in orbit was military (an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile or ICBM had been used).

This meant that the technology could also be used for a successful and devastating nuclear strike against the USA. The Soviets kept winning the space race for years, sending the first animal to space, the first man, the first woman, etc. Eisenhower decided to create NASA a year later and President Kennedy challenged Americans to land on the moon in 10 years. It was only after Americans successfully landed on the moon that they got ahead on the space race.