From the creation of Democracy in America and the writing of the Constitution, society as a whole trusted and believed in the doings of the government. In the time of our great forefathers like Washington and the great Abe Lincoln there was not any skeptical thinking and worrying of our well-being.
Throughout the "Red Scare", (1918-late 1920's) we believed that our frightened, but invincible ruler of civilization, our government could protect us from anything. Even though the fear of communism and foreign sabotage was immense, we showed very little panic. We as people were told that if Russia or any other communist state had the courage and/or ability to attack us with bombs, that we could just hide under desks or be safe in an under ground shelter. Only few did not believe this was true, so they were arrested and accused of being commies. Because of the Red Scare, the president set up a new anti-radical division in the Justice Department, later known as the FBI, headed by J. Edgar Hoover. The president sent Federal agents to arrest and deport communist, socialists, and anarchists. This was the initiation of questioning our government.
During the late 1960's and early 70's America was opening its eyes and broadening our knowledge in technology and space. History changed when the Russians created Sputnik. Sputnik was the first satellite that could orbit the earth. This initiated new political, military, technological, and scientific developments in Russia. In addition, the public feared that the Soviets' ability to launch satellites also translated into the capability to launch ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear weapons from Europe to the U.S. The creation of Explorer Project I was launched, which is the United States first satellite to orbit the earth. The safety of America's "well being" was at stake. NASA hurried to produce and construct something of a greater awe, to show that United States had superior technology and could dominate any other country.