In the history of space exploration, which event directly led to the creation of the United States space agency NASA in the late 1950s?

Introduction / Context:
NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the civilian space agency of the United States and plays a central role in world space exploration. Understanding why NASA was created helps connect world geography, history, and science. This question asks which specific event triggered the decision of the United States government to establish NASA in the late 1950s.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the creation of NASA in the late 1950s.
• Several major twentieth century events are listed as possible triggers.
• We must identify the event that directly motivated the United States to form a dedicated space agency.
• Options span different years and international developments.

Concept / Approach:
NASA was formed in the context of the Cold War competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. The immediate trigger was the Soviet Union successful launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial earth satellite, in 1957. This shocked the United States, raising concerns about technological leadership and security. In response, the United States passed the National Aeronautics and Space Act, which established NASA in 1958. Therefore, the correct answer is the launch of Sputnik 1, not later or unrelated events.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the timeline. Sputnik 1 was launched in 1957, and NASA was officially formed in 1958. Step 2: Understand the reaction in the United States, where the Soviet satellite demonstrated advanced rocket and space technology. Step 3: Recognise that this event led directly to increased funding for science and the creation of a central space agency. Step 4: Compare this with the moon landing, which occurred in 1969 and was a result of NASA work, not the cause of its creation. Step 5: Note that the end of the Second World War and the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty are important but are not directly linked to the specific founding of NASA. Step 6: Conclude that the event which resulted in the creation of NASA was the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1 in 1957.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard histories of the space race state that Sputnik 1 surprised American observers and the general public because it showed that the Soviet Union could launch objects into orbit. This sparked concerns that the same technology could be used for long range missiles. The United States government responded by reorganising its aeronautics and space activities under a new civilian agency, NASA, which took over from the earlier National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. This direct sequence from Sputnik to NASA confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• The first landing of American astronauts on the moon: This occurred in 1969 during the Apollo program, long after NASA was established.
• The end of the Second World War in 1945: This event reshaped global politics but did not immediately create NASA.
• The signing of the North Atlantic Treaty that created NATO: This was a political and military alliance issue, not the direct origin of a space agency.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse cause and effect by thinking that NASA was created earlier or later than it actually was, or they may incorrectly associate it with the moon landing instead of the earlier Soviet satellite. Others may focus on general Cold War events without remembering the specific trigger. To avoid this, always link the phrase space race and the founding of NASA with Sputnik 1, the first artificial earth satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.

Final Answer:
NASA was created in direct response to the launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1 in 1957.