Timeline

1962

Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

Oct

22

1970s

JFK’s address on Cuban Missile Crisis shocks the nation

In a televised speech of extraordinary gravity, President John F. Kennedy announces on October 22, 1962 that U.S. spy planes have discovered Soviet missile bases in Cuba. These missile sites—under construction but nearing completion—housed medium-range missiles capable of striking a number of major cities in the United States, including Washington, D.C.

FILE PHOTO  40th Anniversary Of Cuban Missile Crisis

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 22, 1962: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (FILE PHOTO) U.S. President John F. Kennedy (L) speaks during a televised speech to the nation about the strategic blockade of Cuba, and his warning to the Soviet Union about missile sanctions, during the Cuban missile crisis October 24, 1962 in Washington, DC. Former Russian and U.S. officials attending a conference commemorating the 40th anniversary of the missile crisis October 2002 in Cuba, said that the world was closer to a nuclear conflict during the 1962 standoff between Cuba and the U.S., than governments were aware of. (Photo by Getty Images)

Getty Images

Nov

06

African History

UN condemns apartheid in South Africa

On November 6, 1962, the United Nations General Assembly adopts a resolution condemning South Africa’s racist apartheid policies and calling on all its members to end economic and military relations with the country.

Man Outside A Segregated Restroom

Portrait of an unidentified Blank man, in a hat and overcoat, as he stands beside a restroom sign that reads 'Non White Males,' Johannesburg, South Africa, August 30, 1980. (Photo by William F. Campbell/Getty Images)

Getty Images

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