1959 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1959 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 07 Jan United States recognizes Castro's Cuban government: On January 7, 1959, the United States officially recognized Fidel Castro's government in Cuba following the Cuban Revolution. This recognition marked a significant shift in U.S.-Cuba relations and set the stage for future diplomatic and political developments in the region. Castro's rise to power was a pivotal moment in Cold War history. source: britannica.com
- 30 Jan End of Jebel Akhdar War in Oman: On January 30, 1959, forces of the Sultanate of Muscat captured the last strongholds of the Imamate of Oman, Saiq and Shuraijah, effectively ending the five-year Jebel Akhdar War. This victory solidified the Sultanate's control over Oman. source: isitaholidaytoday.com
- 09 Feb First Soviet Intercontinental Ballistic Missile becomes operational: The Soviet Union successfully made its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) operational, marking a significant advancement in military technology during the Cold War. This development escalated the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. source: britannica.com
- 18 Feb First democratic elections in Nepal: On February 18, 1959, Nepal held its first democratic elections, leading to the election of Dwarika Devi Thakurani as the first female member of the House of Representatives. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Mar Iran-US Economic and Military Cooperation Treaty signed: On March 5, 1959, Iran and the United States signed an Economic and Military Cooperation Treaty. This agreement aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and provided for U.S. military assistance to Iran, marking a significant development in Cold War geopolitics. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Mar Failed Pro-Egyptian Coup in Mosul: On March 8, 1959, Colonel Abd al-Wahab al-Shawaf led an attempted coup in Mosul, Iraq, aiming to depose Prime Minister Abd al-Karim Qasim and join the United Arab Republic. The coup failed, leading to violent street battles and the eventual death of Shawaf. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Mar UN votes to end trusteeship of French Cameroons: On March 13, 1959, the United Nations General Assembly voted to end the trusteeship of French Cameroons, allowing it to gain independence. This decision was part of a broader movement towards decolonization in Africa during the late 1950s. The territory later became the Republic of Cameroon. source: un.org
- 19 Mar Tibetan Uprising Against Chinese Troops: On March 19, 1959, following a Chinese government order for the Dalai Lama to report without his bodyguards, fighting erupted in Lhasa, Tibet, as Tibetans clashed with Chinese troops. The Chinese government reported that thousands of rebels attacked Lhasa and were defeated after a two-day battle. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Mar Iraq withdraws from Baghdad Pact: On March 24, 1959, Iraq announced its withdrawal from the Baghdad Pact, a mutual defense agreement aimed at containing Soviet influence in the Middle East. This decision marked a significant shift in Iraq's foreign policy during the Cold War. source: britannica.com
- 25 Mar Mao Zedong's Shanghai Meeting: On March 25, 1959, Mao Zedong convened a secret meeting at the Jinjiang Hotel in Shanghai. During this meeting, he ordered the party to procure up to one-third of all grain, emphasizing that distributing resources evenly would ruin the Great Leap Forward. Mao stated, "To distribute resources evenly will only ruin the Great Leap Forward. When there is not enough to eat, people starve to death. It is better to let half of the people die so that the other half can eat their fill." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Apr Formation of the Mali Federation: The Mali Federation was formed on April 4, 1959, uniting the French Sudan and Senegal. This political union aimed to strengthen the independence movements in West Africa and was a significant step towards self-governance. source: britannica.com
- 12 Apr French Army torture in Algeria reported: On April 12, 1959, reports emerged detailing the use of torture by the French Army during the Algerian War of Independence. These revelations sparked international outrage and debates over military conduct and human rights. source: nytimes.com
- 15 Apr John Foster Dulles resignation: John Foster Dulles, the U.S. Secretary of State, resigned on April 15, 1959, due to health issues. His resignation marked the end of a significant era in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. source: nytimes.com
- 21 Apr Fidel Castro speaks in New York: Fidel Castro delivered a speech at the United Nations in New York, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Cuba relations. His visit was notable for its political implications during the Cold War era. source: nytimes.com
- 22 Apr First helicopter combat rescue mission: The first helicopter combat rescue mission took place on April 22, 1959, during the Vietnam War. This marked a significant advancement in military rescue operations. source: history.com
- 01 May W.E.B. Du Bois receives Lenin Peace Prize: On May 1, 1959, W.E.B. Du Bois was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting peace among nations. The Soviet Peace Committee praised his contributions to improving U.S.-Soviet relations and wished him good health and vigor. source: credo.library.umass.edu
- 17 May Paris Summit Collapse During Cold War: The Paris Summit, a Cold War diplomatic meeting between the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and France, collapsed on May 17, 1959, due to disagreements over the status of Berlin. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 May National Liberation Committee of Côte d'Ivoire launched: The National Liberation Committee of Côte d'Ivoire was established on May 18, 1959, as a political movement aimed at promoting independence and self-governance in Côte d'Ivoire. This event marked a significant step in the country's path towards sovereignty. source: britannica.com
- 19 May Establishment of Group 559 and Ho Chi Minh Trail: On May 19, 1959, Group 559 was established to facilitate the transport of supplies and troops along the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Vietnam War. This strategic route became crucial for North Vietnamese forces in their efforts against South Vietnam and the United States. source: britannica.com
- 27 May Khrushchev's Berlin Ultimatum Expires: Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev's six-month ultimatum for Western powers to withdraw from Berlin expired, leading to heightened Cold War tensions. source: cia.gov
- 03 Jun Singapore becomes self-governing crown colony: On June 3, 1959, Singapore was declared a self-governing crown colony, marking a significant step towards its independence. This change allowed for greater local governance and political autonomy under British rule, setting the stage for future developments in Singapore's political landscape. source: britannica.com
- 09 Jun US spy planes intercept Soviet missile telemetry: On June 9, 1959, U.S. spy planes successfully intercepted telemetry signals from Soviet missile tests. This intelligence-gathering operation was crucial during the Cold War, providing insights into Soviet military capabilities. source: cia.gov
- 17 Jul Nixon-Khrushchev Kitchen Debate: The Kitchen Debate took place on July 17, 1959, between U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. The debate highlighted the ideological differences between the two superpowers during the Cold War. source: britannica.com
- 20 Jul Khrushchev Cancels Scandinavian Tour: On July 20, 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev canceled his planned Scandinavian tour. The cancellation was attributed to various political considerations during the Cold War era. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Aug Final military operation of B-17 Flying Fortress: The B-17 Flying Fortress, a World War II bomber, conducted its final military operation on August 6, 1959. This marked the end of an era for the aircraft, which had played a significant role in the war and subsequent military operations. source: airforcemag.com
- 09 Aug SM-65 Atlas ICBM becomes operational: The SM-65 Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) was declared operational on August 9, 1959. This marked a significant advancement in the United States' nuclear deterrent capabilities during the Cold War. source: britannica.com
- 12 Aug First Polaris Missile Ship-Firing Test: The first successful ship-firing test of the Polaris missile took place on August 12, 1959. This event marked a significant advancement in naval missile technology, enhancing the United States' strategic capabilities during the Cold War. source: history.navy.mil
- 13 Aug Korea-Japan Repatriation Agreement: On August 13, 1959, the Korea-Japan Repatriation Agreement was signed, allowing for the repatriation of Koreans living in Japan back to North and South Korea. This agreement was a significant step in post-war relations between the countries. source: mofa.go.jp
- 17 Aug USSR-Iraq nuclear cooperation: On August 17, 1959, the Soviet Union and Iraq signed an agreement to cooperate on nuclear technology. This agreement marked a significant step in the USSR's efforts to expand its influence in the Middle East during the Cold War. It included provisions for training Iraqi scientists and engineers in nuclear technology. source: brookings.edu
- 25 Aug First border clash between India and China: The first significant military clash between India and China occurred on August 25, 1959, in the disputed region of Aksai Chin. This confrontation marked the beginning of a series of border tensions that would escalate into the Sino-Indian War in 1962. source: bbc.com
- 02 Sep Eisenhower's diplomatic visit to Paris: President Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Paris in early September 1959 to meet with French President Charles de Gaulle, discussing Cold War tensions and European security. source: pbs.org
- 03 Sep Singapore raises national flag, marking path to independence: On September 3, 1959, Singapore raised its national flag, signifying its transition to self-governance and a step toward full independence from British colonial rule. source: history.com
- 15 Sep Khrushchev's historic US visit: Nikita Khrushchev, the leader of the Soviet Union, made a historic visit to the United States, marking a significant moment in Cold War diplomacy. His visit included meetings with President Eisenhower and a tour of various American landmarks, aimed at easing tensions between the two superpowers. source: archives.gov
- 16 Sep De Gaulle's Algerian self-determination declaration: On September 16, 1959, French President Charles de Gaulle announced a policy of self-determination for Algeria, a significant step in the Algerian War of Independence. This declaration aimed to address the growing demands for independence from French colonial rule. source: britannica.com
- 25 Sep Khrushchev and Eisenhower meet for talks at Camp David: On September 25, 1959, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower began two days of discussions at Camp David, Maryland, focusing on Cold War tensions and potential areas of cooperation. source: history.com
- 09 Oct CIA agent Russell Langelle arrested in Moscow: On October 9, 1959, CIA agent Russell Langelle was arrested in Moscow. His arrest was part of the ongoing tensions during the Cold War, highlighting the risks faced by intelligence operatives in hostile environments. Langelle's case drew significant media attention at the time. source: cia.gov
- 16 Oct George Marshall dies: George C. Marshall, the U.S. Army Chief of Staff during World War II and later Secretary of State, passed away. He is best known for the Marshall Plan, which aided in the reconstruction of Europe post-war. His contributions to military and foreign policy have had a lasting impact on American history. source: britannica.com
- 30 Oct Colonial violence in Belgian Congo: On October 30, 1959, violent uprisings occurred in the Belgian Congo as tensions escalated between colonial authorities and the local population. This unrest was part of a broader movement towards independence in the region. source: britannica.com
- 07 Nov The Kitchen Debate: Nixon and Khrushchev's iconic Cold War confrontation: On November 7, 1959, U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev engaged in a heated exchange at the American National Exhibition in Moscow. The debate, known as the "Kitchen Debate," centered around the merits of capitalism and communism, symbolizing the ideological struggle of the Cold War era. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Dec Eisenhower's diplomatic goodwill mission: President Dwight D. Eisenhower embarked on a diplomatic goodwill mission to strengthen international relations. This mission aimed to promote peace and cooperation during the Cold War era. source: archives.gov
- 29 Dec US nuclear testing moratorium ends: On December 29, 1959, the United States ended its moratorium on nuclear testing, resuming atmospheric tests. This decision was part of the Cold War dynamics and raised concerns about nuclear proliferation. source: armscontrol.org
- 30 Dec First US ballistic missile submarine commissioned: The USS George Washington, the first ballistic missile submarine in the United States Navy, was commissioned on December 30, 1959. This marked a significant advancement in naval warfare and nuclear deterrence. source: history.navy.mil
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