1954: The United States launches the first nuclear-powered submarine, the U.S.S. Nautilus. In 1958 the Nautilus becomes the first ship to cross the North Pole.

Today: The U.S. Navy operates approximately eighty nuclear submarines. However, reductions in defense budgeting target the latest class of nuclear attack sub, the Seawolf. Originally, the government planned to build thirty of the two-billion-dollar subs; this number was reduced to three.

1957: On October 4, the Soviets launch Sputnik, the first man-made satellite, into orbit. This signals the beginning of the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States.

Today: The U. S. space program continues to dominate space exploration. Plans are implemented to explore the surface of Mars and groundbreaking information is gathered from the Hubble telescope.

1957: Australia remains close to its Western allies Prime Minister Robert Menzies strives to attract U.S. and European investment in...