15. Which term best describes the U.S. reaction to the launch of Sputnik A. nuclear proliferation B. containment policy C. domino theory D. space race

## Step 1<br />The question is asking for the term that best describes the U.S. reaction to the launch of Sputnik. Sputnik was the first artificial satellite to successfully orbit the Earth, launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. This event marked the beginning of the Space Race, a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve significant milestones in space exploration.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided are:<br />A. Nuclear proliferation: This term refers to the spread of nuclear weapons and technology, which is not directly related to the U.S. reaction to Sputnik.<br />B. Containment policy: This was a United States policy using numerous strategies to prevent the spread of communism abroad. This is not directly related to the U.S. reaction to Sputnik.<br />C. Domino theory: This theory was the belief that if one country in a region came under the influence of communism, then the surrounding countries would follow in a domino effect. This is not directly related to the U.S. reaction to Sputnik.<br />D. Space race: This term refers to the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve significant milestones in space exploration. This is the term that best describes the U.S. reaction to the launch of Sputnik.