-
Period: to
The 1960s
-
Greensboro Sit-in - Benash
Four African-Africans stage a sit-in at Woolworth’s whites-only lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. -
1960 NBA Finals Games One and Two - Paciecznik
In the 1960 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics beat the St. Louis Hawks 4-3, winning the NBA title. For Game One, the Celtics beat the Hawks 140-122 at Boston. However, in Game Two, the Hawks came surging back and beat the Celtics 113-103. -
1960 NBA Finals Game Three Four, Five, and Six - Pasiecznik
Game Three was nothing the Celtics beat the Hawks 102-86 and now had the lead, but St. Louis was not done as they beat the Celtincs in Game Four 106-96. With the series now tied at 2-2 and heading into Game Five, the Celtics came and beat the Hawks 127-102, but St. Louis wasn't done yet as they beat Boston 109-102 in a bone rattling finish for Game Six. -
1960 NBA Finals Game Seven - Pasiecznik
So, with the series tied at 3-3, the NBA title would be decided in Boston. The winner of the game, of course, was Boston, as they beat the Hawks 122-103. -
US U2 Spy Plane Shot Down Over USSR - Smith
In 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik. However, satellite technology would not develop significantly until decades later. Therefore, while satellite images are primarily used for modern air reconaissance, in 1960, spy planes were the norm. In 1960, the Eisenhower administration directed the CIA and the NSA to conduct a series of air reconaissance missions over the Soviet Union using U2 spy planes. -
US U2 Spy Plane Shot Down over USSR (Cont.) - Smith
The first few of these missions were very successful, with vast amounts of intelligence being gathered on Soviet strategic bases and their missile capabilities. However, one mission, piloted on May 1, 1960, went disastrously awry. The Soviet Union managed to shoot down a U2 spy plane, with pilot Francis Gary Powers surviving, proving America's malicious intent. -
US U2 Spy Plane Shot Down over USSR (Cont. 2) - Smith
However, the USSR did not tell the United States that it knew this information, so the Eisenhower administration engaged in a whole cover-up conspiracy, only to have the rug pulled out from under them when Soviet First Secretary Nikita Krushchev released the truth. This instantly made Eisenhower unpopular at home. Meanwhile the Four Powers Summit, the first meeting between Western and Communist powers in five years, was fast approaching. Because of the incident, any venture at diplomacy eroded. -
Green Eggs and Ham - Miller
Published on August 12, 1960, this book follows a character named Sam-I-am who attempts to get his friend to try green eggs and ham, claiming it to be very tasty, but his friend is stubborn and does not want to try them. -
Chubby Checkers is #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 - Redpath
-
First Televised Presidential Debate - Compton
This debate was between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. -
Boynton v. Virginia - Benash
The Supreme Court rules that the University of Mississippi must admit African-American student and veteran James Meredith. -
Avengers (TV show) - Re
-
Chubby Checker's Pony Time - Redpath
-
JFK Wins - Compton
He defeats Richard Nixon in a close fought presidential race. -
Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin is First Man in Space - Benash
Yuri Gagarin orbits Earth once and becomes the first man in space. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion Begins - Smith
In the final days before Kennedy's inauguration the Eisenhower administration planned an invasion of Cuba led by a group of Cuban exiles, Brigade 256. Kennedy was briefed on the mission after he became President, and he felt that the operation was a good idea. However, in order to hide White House involvement, he withdrew American air support of Brigade 256. The invasion was an utter failure, and only served to strengthen ties between Cuba and the Soviet Union. -
Freedom Riders - Benash
They were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated southern part of the United States because segregated public buses were ruled unconstitutional and segregated the riders. These activists didn’t care and and ignored the rulings. -
America Gets to Space - Benash
Alan B. Shepard becomes the first American in space. -
Construction on the Berlin Wall Begins - Smith
Though international law allowed Berliners to circulate throughout the city, East Germany made a stand against the Western powers when it erected the Berlin wall, trapping its citizens behind an iron curtain. It was feared that wihout a wall, most of the citizens would simply defect across the border, away from the degradance of Communism. The United States was outraged, but nothing could be done. It was not until 1989, after President Ronald Reagans infamous speech, that the wall was torn down. -
1961 World Series - Pasiecznik
The 1961 World Series was a matchup between the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. It was a World Series that was surrounded by Cold War political puns pitting the "Reds" against the "Yanks." -
Breakfast at Tiffany's - Redpath
A young New York socialite becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building. -
Birth Control Pill and the Sexual Revolution - Miller
Sexual Revolution - This included the Women’s Rights Movement as well as an increase in people having sex before getting married. Female authors would burn their bras and “go braless” in protest. Women would dress less conservatively and attitudes towards sex changed drastically. The birth control pill became available to the public on December 4, 1961 and was instantly widely used. -
First American to Orbit Earth - Benash
John Glenn orbits the Earth three times. -
Something Wicked This Way Comes (novel) - Miller
Released in 1962, this book follows two 14-year-old boys and their frightening nightmares regarding a travelling carnival, led by “Mr. Dark”. -
Supreme-Court Ruling - Benash
The Supreme Court rules that the University of Mississippi must admit African-American student and veteran James Meredith. -
Beverly Hill Billies
-
First Orbit 6 Times - Benash
Walter Schirra orbits the Earth six times. -
Cuban Missile Crisis Begins (Cont.) - Smith
However, after missiles were placed in Italy and Turkey, the USSR decided to hault this encroachment by placing their missiles in Cuba. The CIA soon discovered this, and pressured President John F. Kennedy to mount a full-scale invasion against Cuba. However, Kennedy was fearful that if he invaded Cuba the Soviet Union would take over West Germany. Meanwhile, our allies in England and France would refuse to get involved, blaming the conflict on the "trigger-happy Americans." -
Cuban Missile Crisis Begins (Cont. 2) - Smith
Instead, Kennedy opted to use the Navy to blockade Cuba from Russian shipments of supplies, while engaging in peace talks with Soviet First Secretary Nikita Krushchev. This approach worked, and the conflict ended without bloodshed. However, the Cuban Missile Crisis will always be remembered for just how close we came to nuclear war. -
Cuban Missile Crisis Begins - Smith
The Cuban Missile Crisis is regarded by historians as the point where the Cold War reached its highest peak. While missiles were stationed in Cuba, potential for Mutually Assured Destruction was very real. Before the crisis, the United States had been working with NATO, Great Britain, and France to build up nuclear arsenals in Europe as a deterrence to Soviet aggression and to create a viable incasion force. -
The Four Seasons' Big Girls Don't Cry - Redpath
-
To Kill a Mockingbird (film) - Repath
Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice. -
1962 NFL Championship Game - Pasiecznik
In the 1962 NFL Championship, it was the Green Bay Packers beating the New York Giants 16-7. This game was the sixth post-season meeting between these two franchises, and a total of 17 members of the Pro-Football Hall of Fame featured in it. The game described in Packers runningback's Horning's words were, "That was the hardest football game I ever played in." -
1962 NFL Championship Game (Cont.) - Pasiecznik
The key success for winning the game was Packer's runningback Jim Taylor, who won the NFL's MVP that year. Taylor rushed 31 times for 85 yards and scored the only offensive touchdown for the Packers. Another key was Jerry Kramer, who was in the first year of kicking duties. He nailed 3 field goals (26, 29, 30 yards) and helped put the Giants away for good. -
1963 Rose Bowl - Pasiecznik
10-0 USC takes on the 8-1 Wisconsin in this Rose Bowl match-up. USC quarterback Pete Beuthant threw four touchdown passes while the Wisconsin quarterback completed 33-48 attempts. USC won the game 42-37, even though Wisconsin outgained USC 486-376 in total yardage and 32-15 first downs. -
Betty Friedman Publishes "The Feminine Mystique" - Smith
One of the most influential books of the 20th century, Betty Friedman's "The Feminine Mystique" is said to have sparked the second wave of feminism. After interviewing several of her former classmantes from Simith College and discovering that they were unhappy as housewives, she decided to research "the problem that has no name." The dialogue she sparked became the impatus for the Women's Rights Movement. -
Last American to Fly in Space Alone - Benash
L. Gordon Cooper spends 34 hours in space. He is the last American to fly in space alone. -
Equal Pay Act of 1963 - Miller
Women were treated very unfairly during the 1960s, only earning 63% of what a man would make. So, in 1966, a group of 28 women, including Betty Friedan, teamed up to create the NOW, or the National Organization for Women. Together, they recruited many other women to fight for female rights around America. They strived for equality among the genders. There were some problems encountered, though, including counter-feminist groups that would fight against women taking men’s jobs. They wanted “tradi -
Medgar Evers Assassination - Benash
Byron De La Beckwith assassinates Medgar Evers, the first field secretary for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Mississippi. -
Martin Luther King, Jr. Gives "I Have A Dream" Speech - Smith
Thought to be one of the finest speeches ever given, Martin Luther King, Jr,'s "I Have A Dream," delivered at the March on Washington in 1963, changed the tone of the issue of segregation in the nation's capitol and helped to bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The 17 minute speech was largely inpromptu as he departed from his prepared text when Mahalia Jackson shouted out, "Tell them about the dream!" -
Doctor Who - Redpath
Time and Space traveling adventures of a Gallifreyan Time Lord only known as the Doctor and his companions, traveling through time and space. -
US President John F. Kennedy is Assassinated - Smith
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was President of the United States from 1961 until his assassination by communist and extremist Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963. In the 1960 Presidential Election, beat then-Vice President Richard Nixon through smart campaigning and a sturdy platform. Despite the failure of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, he will go down as one of America's greatest Presidents for ending the Cuban Missile Crisis, introducing economic reform, and helping the Civil Rights Movement. -
Louis Armstrong's Hello Dolly - Redpath
-
The Beatles' I Watnt to Hold Your Hand - Redpath
-
The Beatles Arrive in America - Smith
In 1964, The Beatles arrived in America, instantly becoming the most popular musical act in history. Due to their flamboyant attitudes, catchy tunes, complex musicality, and perfectionistic recording techniques, they will always be remembered as the greatest innovators in rock. Their arrival utterly transformed American culture, from haircuts to yoga to social norms. Without The Beatles, formed by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, the world wouldn't be the same. -
Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) Becomes Heavyweight Boxing Champion - Smith
In one of the biggest uspets in boxing history, Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston to become Heavyweight Champion of the World. Pre-fight, Clay had taunted Liston, calling him "the big ugly bear" and he uttered his famous "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee" phrase. Following the fight, Clay proclaimed, "I must be the greatest!" Clay eventuallly changed his name to Muhammad Ali when he converted to Islam after meeting Malcolm X, saying his old name was a "slave name." -
Jeopardy - Redpath
The classic game show with a twist; the answers are revealed, but it's up to the contestants to supply the questions. -
Nelson Mandela Sentenced to Life in Prison - Smith
Born into a royal family, Nelson Mandela went to college and became involved in the anti-apartheid movement of South Africa, which sought to end institutionalized racism, poverty, andinequality. Originally committed to nonviolent protest, he eventually organized a militant group set out on a sabotage campaign. He was arrested and convicted of attempting to overthrow the state. He served 27 years in prison, but wen on to become President of South Africa from 1994-1999. -
Three Civil Rights Workers Killed - Benash
While passing through Mississippi three civil rights workers were reported missing, there names were James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. They were eventually found dead and it was recorded that they were pulled to the side of the road by the KKK who were acting like cops. When they pulled over, the KKK threw them out of their car and got rid of them. -
US President Lyndon B. Johnson Signs into Law the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Smith
When Lyndon Baines Johnson became President after Kennedy's assassination in 1963, LBJ decided to use the press and his experience in Congress to pass civil rights legislation. Miraculously, his ventures worked, and in 1964 segegation was finally illegal. This was only the first of Johnson's grand domestic bills, all a part of his great society program. LBJ created medicare, medicaid, and improvements to the entitlement programs were passed. -
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution is Passed - Smith
On August 2, 1964, a US destroyer in the Gulf of Tonkin was attacked by North Vietnamese torpedo boats. President Johnson immediately ordered retalitory air strikes. On August 7, Congress voted on a joint resolution to "take all necessary steps" to secure Southeast Asia. this resolution allowed LBJ the use of force in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war. -
Mary Poppins (film) - Redpath
A magic nanny comes to work for a cold banker's unhappy family. -
Gilligan's Island - Redpath
Seven men and women are stranded on an uncharted island following a torrential storm. -
Soviet First Secretary Nikita Khrushchev is Removed from Office, Replaced by Leonid Brezhnev - Smith
While Nikita Krushchev was vacationing in Abkhazia, Brezhnev plotted to overthrow him. As a ploy, he asked the First Secretary to return for a meeting on agriculture, but upon his return was attacked by Brezhnev and his co-conspirators. Krushchev resigned without resistance. On October 14, 1964, his "voluntary" retirement was accepted and Brezhnev became First Secretary. -
Malcolm X Assassinated - Smith
Malcolm X, born Malcom Little in 1925, was one of the most influential civil rights leaders of all time. Orphaned as a child because of encounters with the Ku Klux Klan, Little quickly fell out of touch with the law, getting arrested and sent to prison for breaking and entering. While in jail, he was approached by the Nation of Islam, to which he eventually converted. -
Malcolm X Assassinated (Cont.) - Smith
Changing his name to Malcolm X, he soon became the figurehead for Elijah Muhammad's nation because of his intelligence and spokesmanship. Malcolm X organized many protests and preached black supremacy. However, he later came to reject Elijah Muhammad's corrupt religion, founding his own religion. He stated that he hated being a puppet, and had found that blacks and whites could indeed live together. Because of this, he was assassinated by the Nation in the mosque that he had founded. -
The Sound of Music (film) - Redpath
A woman leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval officer widower. -
War in Vietnam - Miller
The War in Vietnam (beginning in December, 1956) caused a lot of skepticism regarding the government. Many people no longer believed everything that the government said. Movie plots began to have underlying themes of the Vietnam War and address issues brought about by the war. In 1968, the enemy attacked the American and South Vietnamese forces. The TET offensive shattered American illusions of success. -
First Woman in Space - Benash
Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first woman in space. -
First Spacewalk - Benash
Alexei Leonov spends twelve minutes outside his ship and performs the first space walk. -
I Dream of Jeanie - Redpath
-
The Who's My Generation - Redpath
-
First Satellite to Orbit Moon - Benash
Luna 10 becomes the first Satellite to orbit the Moon. -
Star Trek - Redpath
-
Super Bowl I - Pasiecznik
In Super Bowl I, it was between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs in the first-ever event where the American Football League and National Football League collided into an exciting bowl. It was also, not only a huge sporting event, but also a matchup between two of the rowdiest coaches in the league, between Hank Strom (Kansas City) and Vince Lombardi (Green Bay Packers). The Pack were dominant in Super Bowl I beating the Chiefs 35-10. The MVP was Bart Starr. -
The Outsiders (novel) - Miller
S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders - Published on April 24, 1967 book follows the classic rivalry between two social groups: the Greasers and the Socs, both including people with very different backgrounds and socioeconomic status. -
Six Day War Begins - Smith
Also known as the June War, the Six Day War was fought from June 5-10 in 1968 between Israel and its neighbors: Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. In a surprise attack, Israel raided its neighbors and in six days successfully took the Gaza Strip and the Sinai peninsula from Egypt, the West Bank and Jerusalem, from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria. The annexation of these territories was a huge win for the Israelis but also lead to resentment, political problems, and the PLO. -
Super Bowl II - Pasiecznik
In 1968, the super champion Green Bay Packers would win their second straight Super Bowl. The 9-4-1 Green Bay team was tagged as underdogs for the Super Bowl because they had to go up against none other than the big, bad Oakland Raiders. It was a total turnaround as the Packers went and beat Oakland 33-14. For the second straight year in a row, quarterback Bart Starr was named MVP. He completed 13-24 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. -
Planet of the Apes - Redpath
An astronaut crew crash lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved. -
Martin Luth King, Jr. was Assassinated - Benash
His original name was Michael but later changed his name to Martin. He was a social activist and a Baptist minister. He led many civil right activities and events. He was assassinated as he was about to give a speech, His famous thing was “I have a dream.” He fought for inequality between blacks and whites. -
Warsaw Pact Invades Czechoslovakia - Smith
Fearing that Czechoslovakia would leave the Warsaw Pact (which included the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, East Germany, and Poland) the Warsaw Pact invaded. Liberal communism had arizen in Czechoslovakia, and the USSR worried that these ideas would spread to Poland and East Germany as well, both neighbors to Western countries on the other side of the Iron Curtain. The invasion successfully helped to strengthen the Communist Party and weaken the liberal movement. However, the act caused outrage. -
The Beatles' Hey Jude - Redpath
-
Super Bowl III (Cont.) - Pasiecznik
Just three days before the game, Jets quarterback Joe Nammoth guaranteed the Jets the victory, and it would show as New York lead 7-0 by halftime thanks to a four yard Matt Snell touchdown run. In the second half, the Jets got three field goals from Jim Turner and a 16-0 lead. Heading into the 4th Quarter, Baltimore coach Don Shula took out quarterback Earl Morrel and replaced him because of his three interception performance. -
Super Bowl III - Pasiecznik
Super Bowl III is known to be one of the greatest upsets in sport's history. Before playing the Super Bowl, the 13-1 Baltimore Colts were one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, while beating the Cleveland Browns 34-1 in the NFL Championship. As for the 11-3 New York Jets, they defeated the Oakland Raiders 27-23 in the AFL Championship. -
Apollo 11 Lands on Moon - Smith
Broadcasting live to a world-wide audience, Apollo 11 successfully touched down and Neil Armstrong stepped out onto the lunar surface for all the world to see. With "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," he ended the Space Race and fulfilled the vision of John F. Kennedy's infamous speech before Congress. -
Woodstock - Miller
Counterculture - In 1967, the “Summer of Love” in San Francisco, and the 1969 “Woodstock” festival sparked huge gatherings of hippie counterculture centered around music, sex, and drugs, still major influences in the pop music scene. -
The Brady Bunch - Redpath
The misadventures of a large family united when two widowed people get married. -
The Beatles' Come Together - Redpath
-
Wal-Mart, Inc. - Compton
Wal-Mart, founded in 1962, becomes incorporated. -
Sesamee Street - Redpath
On a special inner city street, the inhabitants, both human and puppet, teach preschool subjects with comedy, cartoons, games, and songs.
