Souvenir model of Soviet satellite, Sputnik, from 1958 World's Fair in Brussels

This particular World Fair was significant as it was the first one since the Second World War. It welcomed over 41 million visitors and had 45 countries represented. The Soviet and American pavilions were both at the bottom of the Atomium, which was the focalpoint of Expo 58. Driven by the Cold War, each country took the opportunity to showcase their ideological differences, highlighting the tensions of the time. The focal point of the USSR's pavilion was Sputnik I, the first satellite in space which had been successfully launched just six months previously, and Sputnik II, the second satellite to successfully launch into Earth's orbit. This was the first time people were able to see models of the satellites up close. Sputnik captured the public's imagination and anyone could tune in to hear the 'beep' of the satellite as it passed overhead. While the Soviets focussed on science and technology, the United States' pavilion promoted an image of the American dream, displaying a consumer society and comfortable lifestyle.

This particular World Fair was significant as it was the first one since the Second World War. It welcomed over 41 million visitors and had 45 countries represented. The Soviet and American pavilions were both at the bottom of the Atomium, which was the focalpoint of Expo 58. Driven by the Cold War, each country took the opportunity to showcase their ideological differences, highlighting the tensions of the time. The focal point of the USSR's pavilion was Sputnik I, the first satellite in space which had been successfully launched just six months previously, and Sputnik II, the second satellite to successfully launch into Earth's orbit. This was the first time people were able to see models of the satellites up close. Sputnik captured the public's imagination and anyone could tune in to hear the 'beep' of the satellite as it passed overhead. While the Soviets focussed on science and technology, the United States' pavilion promoted an image of the American dream, displaying a consumer society and comfortable lifestyle.