Why did JFK state that we would have a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s?
1 Answer
May 27, 2016
It was a statement of intent designed to reflect the leadership of the USA within the world community.
Explanation:
The Space Race and putting a man on the moon was part of the competition between the USA and the Soviet Union to achieve dominance in the world. This was expressed not only within the Arms Race but in areas such as sport and technology.
When Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space, this was a major blow to the USA in this competition. Kennedy's commitment to put a man on the moon was a statement of intent to regain American leadership in this ongoing competition with the Soviet Union.
