The launch of sputnik and the ensuing space race the cold war.

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increased tensions during

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had little effect on

   Increased tensions during  the Cold War

Explanation:  Launching Sputnik was the trigger for increasing tensions during the Cold War, and was a new period in military and political relations between the two super powers. Sputnik was the first artificial satellite launched on October 4, 1957, circling around the earth. The American response was the acceleration of the space program, which started the space race.