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SNCC formed
SNCC stands for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee; it was formed to organize young activists in the fight for civil rights through nonviolent protests and grassroots organizing.
It played a key role in pivotal events like sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and voter registration drives during the Civil Rights Movement.
Ended April 17, 1960. -
First televised Presidential debate
The debate was between candidates Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.
An estimated sixty to seventy million people watched this and the following debates, now known as "The Great Debates". -
First airing of "The Flintstones"
"The Flintstone Flyer" was the first episode aired; it was the second episode produced.
"The Swimming Pool" is the title of the first episode produced. -
President Kennedy is elected
Senate Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson lost to Kennedy by 84 votes.
Kennedy had 303 votes in total, while Johnson had 219. -
Russians send the first man into space
Yuri Gagarin was a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut (a cosmonaut is a Russian astronaut), and he was the first man on a successful space flight.
He traveled on Vostok 1 and completed a single orbit of Earth before returning; his flight took 1 hour and 48 minutes. -
Berlin Wall is constructed
The Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic built the wall to stop the flow of migrants out of Soviet-controlled East Berlin, and to deescalate the U.S and Soviets fighting over the area. They used barbed wire for a few days before constructing the walls. -
Roger Maris of the Yankees breaks Babe Ruth’s single season home run record
The achievment sparked celebration and controversy; it was during a longer 162-game season while Ruth's was during a 154-game season.
Babe Ruth's single-season record of 60 home runs was set in 1927. -
SDS releases its Port Huron statement
SDS stands for the Students for a Democratic Society; its Port Huron Statement called for greater political activism and social change.
The document emphasized the need for more participatory democracy, addressing issues like civil rights, nuclear disagreement, and the growing influence of corporate power. -
Marilyn Monroe dies
She was found dead by her psychiatrist in her bedroom at her home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California after he broke in by smashing the window.
Her death was ruled as a probable suicide by barbiturate overdose; though, many people believe other actions took place. -
James Meredith registers at Ole Miss
He became the first black student to register at the University of Mississippi(Ole Miss); his enrollment was backed by federal forces to overcome violent resistance.
Marked a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and symbolized the fight for desegregation in education. -
“Dr. No” the first James Bond movie premiers
Introduced audiences to Sean Connery as the iconic British spy.
The movie, based on Ian Fleming's novel, became a massive success, launching the long-running James Bond franchise and setting the standard for future spy thrillers. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
A 13-day confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union over the installation of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.
It brought the world to the brink of nuclear war before a negotiated settlement led to the removal of the missiles in exchange for U.S. assurances not to invade Cuba and the secret removal of American missiles from Turkey.
Ended on October 29, 1962 -
Protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention
The protests took place in Chicago; they were driven by anti-Vietnam War activists, civil rights groups, and counterculture movements demanding social and political charge.
The demonstrations were met with a violent crackdown by police, highlighting deep divisions in American society and tarnishing the Democratic Party's image.
Ended August 28, 1968. -
Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech
He delivered this iconic speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
He called for an end to racism and shared his vision of a future where people are judged by their character rather than the color of their skin. -
John F. Kennedy is assassinated
He was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, while riding in a motorcade with his wife, Jacqueline(Jackie), Texas Governor John Connally(who was wounded), and his wife, Nelly Connally.
He was shot twice by Lee Harvey Oswald through a window on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository(now known as the Dallas County Administration Building).
His death stunned the nation, leading to a period of mourning and significant political change. -
The Beatles arrive in the United States
They landed at New York's Kennedy Airport to a frenzy of fans and media.
Their arrival sparked the beginning of the British Invasion, with their popularity quickly spreading across the country and revolutionizing American music and culture. -
The Beatles appear on Ed Sullivan
Captivated an audience of over 73 million viewers.
This performance marked the beginning of "Beatlemania" in America, propelling the band to unprecedented fame and transforming the music scene. -
New York World’s Fair begins
Showcased the theme "Peace Through Understanding" and featuring cutting-edge technology, cultural exhibits, and futuristic designs.
The fair attracted over 80 nations and introduced iconic attractions like the Ford Mustang and the Unisphere, symbolizing global unity and innovation. -
Lyndon B. Johnson defeats Barry Goldwater
Johnson(Democratic) defeated Goldwater(Republican) by a landslide, winning 61% of the popular vote.
His victory was fueled by his platform of progressive social policies, including the Civil Rights Act and his vision for a 'great society'. -
Malcom X assassinated
The influential civil rights leader and former Nation of Islam spokesperson was assassinated while giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City.
He was shot by three gunmen, marking a tragic end to his efforts to advocate for black empowerment and human rights. -
Watts race riots
A series of violent clashes that erupted in the predominantly African American Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, sparked by allegations of police brutality.
Lasting six days, the riots resulted in significant destruction, 34 deaths, and heightened awareness of racial inequality and systemic injustice in the United States.
Ended August 16, 1965. -
“Star Trek” TV show airs
Introduced audiences to the adventures of the USS Enterprise and its diverse crew.
Created by Gene Roddenberry, the show became a cultural phenomenon, influencing science fiction and leaving a lasting legacy through numerous spinoffs and films. -
San Francisco "Summer of Love" begins
Major social phenomenon consisting as many as 100,000 bohemians, flower children, and Berkeley radicals from all over the country.
They embraced free love, rock music, drugs, and social activism. -
First NFL Football Super Bowl
Originally called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10.
The game marked a new era in professional American football. -
Boxer Muhammad Ali refuses military service
By citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War, he refused to be inducted into the U.S military; he became a symbol of resistance and conviction.
Because of this he was stripped of his heavyweight title, faced a ban from boxing, and was sentenced to prison. -
The Beatles release Sgt. Pepper's album
Made their public image more creative through drugs, disaffection, self-exploration, and pushing the musical envelope as far as they could.
The album is regarded as an early concept album because it advanced roles of sound composition, extended form, psychedelic imagery, record sleeves, and the producer in popular music. -
Thurgood Marshall nominated to the Supreme Court
The civil rights lawyer was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Marshall was the first African American justice to serve on the Supreme Court. -
Tet Offensive
A major coordinated attack by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces against South Vietnam and U.S. troops during the Vietnam War.
Although it was a tactical failure for the communists, the widespread attacks shocked the American public and weakened support for the war effort.
Ended March 28 1968. -
Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated
The civil rights leader was shot and killed in Memphis Tennessee while standing on the second-floor balcony of the Loraine Motel.
His death caused nationwide mourning and solidified his legacy as a nonviolent resistance and racial equality champion. -
Robert Kennedy is assassinated
He was assassinated in Los Angeles after delivering a victory speech for his win in the California Democratic primary.
Juan Romero was shaking his hand when he was shot; he stayed kneeling by his side and cradled him while he was dying on the floor.
He was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, and died the next day, his death caused another mourning period in the U.S. -
LSD declared illegal by the U.S. government
It was officially classified as a Schedule I controlled substance due to concerns over its widespread recreational use and potential for abuse.
This decision marked the end of its legal experimentation and use in psychiatric research during the 1950's-1960's. -
Richard Nixon is elected
Nixon was the Republican nominee; he defeated Hubert Humphrey(Democratic) and George Wallace(American Independent Party).
Formerly, Nixon was a representative and senator from California and the 36th vice president(under Dwight D. Eisenhower) from 1953 to 1961. -
Stonewall Riots
A series of protests by LGBTQ+ individuals, sparked by a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
They marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, igniting a broader movement for equality and pride.
Ended on July 3, 1969. -
American astronauts land on the moon
Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin traveled to the moon in the Apollo 11 Lunar Module "Eagle"; they landed at 20:17(8:17 pm.) UTC.
Armstrong became the first man to step foot on the moon 6 hours and 39 minutes later.
Aldrin became the second man on the moon 19 minutes after Armstrong got out of the module. -
Woodstock Concert
Attracted over 400,000 people to a farm in Bethal, New York, and celebrated peace, love, and music.
Featured legendary artists and performances such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Santana. -
The Rolling Stones host the Altamont music festival
The Altamont Music Festival was in California; it was intended as a "Woodstock West".
The Rolling Stones hired the Hell's Angels motorcycle club to provide security, but tensions rose as the crowd became unruly, causing violent episodes and a tragic incident.
During the performance of "Under My Thumb" Meredith Hunter, a concertgoer was fatally stabbed after a confrontation by a Hell's Angel.
The event is often remembered as a symbol of the end of the 1960's counterculture idealism.