'RUSSIA WINS SPACE RACE' : The British press and the Sputnik moment, 1957

Barnett, NJ

Abstract

This article traces the development of the British press narrative from the launching of Sputnik in October 1957 to the Soviets’ second satellite, containing a dog, in early November. It argues there was an initial outpouring of surprise, combined with celebration of humankind’s achievement. There was also a sense of loss of national prestige, due to Britain’s lack of an equivalent space programme and the decline of her empire. The launch of the dog prompted widespread condemnation, mixed with frivolous popular coverage. The article provides an insight into how this moment impacted on British society and understanding of national identity in the 1950s with imperial superiority, religion and perceived decline being recurring themes.

Citation

Barnett, N. (2013). 'RUSSIA WINS SPACE RACE' : The British press and the Sputnik moment, 1957. Media History, 19(2), 182-195. https://doi.org/10.1080/13688804.2013.791419

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2012
• Online Publication Date: May 28, 2013
• Publication Date: May 28, 2013
• Deposit Date: Jul 10, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 10, 2019
• Journal: Media History
• Print ISSN: 1368-8804
• Publisher: Routledge
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 182-195
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13688804.2013.791419
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13688804.2013.791419
• Related Public URLs: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cmeh20/current