How did America react to news that the Soviet Union was the first to put a man in space?

a. Indifferent

b. Pride in human achievement

c. Determination to not lose the space race

d. Threats of military action against the Soviets

The correct answer is C: determination to not lose the space race

In general, America reacted with " Determination to not lose the space race" to news that the Soviet Union was the first to put a man in space, since having access to space was considered a matter of great national security during the Cold War.