> CHRONOLOGY

1953

  • CIA organizes coup against Iranian government.

1954

  • CIA organizes coup against Guatemalan government.

  • Geneva accords end French presence in Vietnam.

1955

  • Eisenhower and Khrushchev meet in Geneva.

1957

  • Soviets launch Sputnik.

1958

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) established.

  • National Defense Education Act passes.

1960

  • Soviets shoot down U.S. U-2 spy plane.