Smithsonian's History Explorer Resources Related To "Paint By Number: Accounting for Taste in the 1950's"

Mobilizing Minds: Teaching Science and Math in the Age of Sputnik

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:22:29 GMT

In this online exhibition, students will learn how fear of Soviet domination galvanized reform in science and math education during the 1950's and 60's. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite to orbit the earth. In order win the "Space Race", the United States urgently needed both a select group of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers; and a general population of mathematically and scientifically informed citizens.

Pete's Postcards

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:15:30 GMT

Students can read the story of Pete Koltnow's 1950 hitchhiking trip across the country. This reference page is included in the online exhibition entitled America on the Move, which focuses on transportation in US history.

The Korean War

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:12:24 GMT

On June 25, 1950, the Cold War turned hot when armies from North Korea invaded into South Korea hoping to unify the Korean Peninsula under communism. Students will learn about the American involvement in the Korean Conflict in this section of the online exhibition entitled The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. President Harry Truman committed American troops and rallied support in the United Nations, establishing a coalition of sixteen nations to defend South Korea and contain Communist expansion. A non-flash version of this site is available: The Korean War.