What two things did the United States do in 1958 in relation to the space race?

1. The U.S. government created NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the official scientific agency that would be in charge of  space exploration.

2. It started a large program to improve education and teaching of natural sciences and mathematics in schools around the country.

Explanation:

small european communities with shared traditions consolidated into large new states (apex)