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Why did Congress approve the National Defense Education Act

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User Legat
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Final answer:

Congress approved the National Defense Education Act to promote math, science, engineering, foreign languages, and area studies in colleges.

Step-by-step explanation:

Congress approved the National Defense Education Act in response to the Soviet space program and the need to strengthen research and development programs. The act aimed to promote math, science, engineering, foreign languages, and area studies in colleges by providing direct funding. It also included a provision for student loans to make college education more accessible.

The Act encouraged postsecondary education and gave financing to American schools. Congress supported the Act primarily because they believed it would provide American scientists and technologists a competitive edge over Soviet scientists and technologists. Legislative writing during the Cold War was greatly influenced by worries about competitive advantage and national security.

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User Lohrun
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The National Defense Education Act is a federal legislation signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on 1958. The Act provided funding to American schools and promoted post-secondary education.

One of the main reasons why Congress approved the Act was because they felt it would enable Americans to compete with Soviet science and technology. During the Cold War, such concerns over national security and competitive advantage were very influential in the drafting of legislation.

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User Derek
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