Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.
Jan
01
On January 1, 1959, facing a popular revolution spearheaded by Fidel Castro’s 26th of July Movement, Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista flees the island nation. Amid celebration and chaos in the Cuban capital of Havana, the U.S. debated how best to deal with the radical Castro and the ominous rumblings of anti-Americanism in Cuba.
In this “This Day in History” video clip learn about different events that have occurred on January 1st. Some of these events include the enactment of the emancipation proclamation and the opening of Ellis Island. Also, David Dinkins becomes the first African-American mayor of New York City and dictator Batista is forced out of Cuba by revolution.
Jan
03
Jan
03
Feb
03
Rising American rock stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, along with the pilot, are killed when their chartered Beechcraft Bonanza plane crashes in Iowa a few minutes after takeoff from Mason City on a flight headed for Moorhead, Minnesota. Investigators blamed the crash on bad weather and pilot error. Holly and his band, the Crickets, had just scored a No. 1 hit with “That’ll Be the Day.”
A photo of the plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa, that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson.
Civil Aeronautics Board
Feb
18
Mar
09
On March 9, 1959, the first Barbie doll goes on display at the American Toy Fair in New York City.
May 13, 1964: Charlotte Johnson, director of fashion for the highly successful Barbie doll, works in a world of one-sixth scale clothing. (Photo by Los Angeles Times Archive/UCLA via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Times Archive/UCLA
Mar
10
On March 10, 1959, Tibetans band together in revolt, surrounding the summer palace of the Dalai Lama in defiance of Chinese occupation forces.
Tibetans gather during armed uprising against Chinese rule March 10, 1959 in front of the Potala Palace (former home of the Dalai Lama) in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
AFP via Getty Images
Mar
11
Mar
31
Apr
15
May
04
Aug
21
The modern United States receives its crowning star when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting Hawaii (Native spelling: Hawai‘i) into the Union as the 50th state. The president also issued an order for an American flag featuring 50 stars arranged in staggered rows: five six-star rows and four five-star rows. The new flag became official July 4, 1960.
(Original Caption) Washington: President Eisenhower signs proclamation adding Hawaii to the Union as the 50th state. Left to right front: Vice Pres. Richard Nixon, President Eisenhower and House Speaker Sam Rayburn. Rear: Lorrin Thurston, chairman, Hawaii Statehood Commission; Edward Johnston, Sec. of Hawaii; Interior Secy. Fred Seaton; David W. Kendall, who presented the papers to be signed; Sen-elect Oren E. Long (D, Hawaii), and Rep-elect Daniel K. Inouye (D Hawaii).
Bettmann Archive
Sep
15
Sep
18
Oct
21
Nov
16
Dec
01
Dec
23
Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.
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