In 1957, the world witnessed significant events in politics, science, and culture. The launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, by the Soviet Union marked the beginning of the Space Age and intensified the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. This event led to increased interest in science and technology education in the U.S. In the realm of music, 1957 saw the rise of rock and roll, with artists like Elvis Presley gaining immense popularity. The year also featured the release of influential films, including 12 Angry Men and The Bridge on the River Kwai, which left a lasting impact on cinema.