Major Events of December 1956: Key Historical Moments from the Month
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Major Events of December 1956: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 1956 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of December 1956: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 1956 Montgomery bus boycott ends: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the American civil rights movement, officially ended on December 1, 1956, following a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional. This boycott was led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and marked a significant victory for civil rights activists. source: britannica.com
  • 02 Dec 1956 First self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction achieved: On December 2, 1956, the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction was achieved. This milestone was a significant advancement in nuclear physics, demonstrating the potential for controlled nuclear reactions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 Dec 1956 Anglo-French forces withdraw from Egypt after Suez Crisis: On December 3, 1956, following international pressure and a ceasefire agreement, British and French forces withdrew from Egypt. This marked the end of the Suez Crisis, a conflict that had begun in late October 1956 over control of the Suez Canal. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 04 Dec 1956 Pat McCormick's Olympic Diving Triumph: On December 4, 1956, American diver Pat McCormick won the gold medal in the women's 3-meter springboard event at the Melbourne Olympics. This victory marked her second consecutive Olympic gold in this event, as she had also won in 1952. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 05 Dec 1956 Rose Heilbron Becomes First Female Judge in Britain: On December 5, 1956, Rose Heilbron was appointed as the first female judge in Britain. She was a pioneering figure in the British legal system, known for her work in criminal law and her advocacy for women's rights. source: theguardian.com
  • 06 Dec 1956 Nelson Mandela and 156 others arrested for treason in South Africa: On December 5, 1956, Nelson Mandela and 155 other members of the African National Congress (ANC) were arrested and charged with high treason. The arrests were part of the government's attempt to suppress the anti-apartheid movement. The trial, known as the Treason Trial, lasted until 1961, when all the accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence. source: sahistory.org.za
  • 07 Dec 1956 Larry Bird born in West Baden Springs, Indiana: Larry Bird, an American professional basketball player, was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history, known for his time with the Boston Celtics in the NBA. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 08 Dec 1956 First Vanguard satellite test firing: The first test firing of the Vanguard satellite took place, marking a significant milestone in the early space race. This event was part of the United States' efforts to develop satellite technology during the Cold War. The Vanguard program aimed to launch the first American satellite into orbit. source: nasa.gov
  • 09 Dec 1956 Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 810 tragic crash: Trans-Canada Air Lines Flight 810 crashed near Mount Seymour, resulting in the loss of all 62 passengers and crew on board. This tragic incident highlighted the need for improved safety measures in aviation. Investigations followed to determine the cause of the crash. source: britannica.com
  • 10 Dec 1956 Establishment of MPLA in Angola: The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) was officially established, marking a significant step in Angola's struggle for independence from colonial rule. The MPLA played a crucial role in the Angolan Civil War and the country's eventual independence. This event is pivotal in understanding Angola's political history. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Dec 1956 Anti-Russian demonstrations in Polish cities: Widespread anti-Russian demonstrations erupted in various Polish cities, reflecting public discontent with Soviet influence in Poland. These protests were part of a broader wave of unrest in Eastern Europe during the 1956 period. The demonstrations highlighted the growing desire for political reform and independence from Soviet control. source: britannica.com
  • 12 Dec 1956 Japan joins the United Nations: Japan was admitted to the United Nations on December 12, 1956, after a long period of post-war reconstruction. This marked a significant step in Japan's reintegration into the international community following World War II. source: un.org
  • 13 Dec 1956 Jackie Robinson traded and retires from Major League Baseball: On December 13, 1956, Jackie Robinson was traded from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the New York Giants, but he chose to retire instead. Robinson was a pivotal figure in breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. source: nytimes.com
  • 14 Dec 1956 Paul-Henri Spaak becomes NATO Secretary-General: On December 14, 1956, Paul-Henri Spaak was appointed as the Secretary-General of NATO. His leadership played a crucial role in shaping NATO's policies during the Cold War era. source: nato.int
  • 15 Dec 1956 KGW TV Channel 8 launches in Portland: KGW-TV Channel 8 commenced operations in Portland, Oregon, on December 15, 1956. Initially an ABC affiliate, it was the fourth television station in Portland and began broadcasting live local programming in color. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 Dec 1956 NFL Championship Game: Bears triumph over Giants: On December 17, 1956, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game, securing their eighth title. The game was notable for its competitive play and significant attendance, marking a high point in the NFL's popularity during that era. source: pro-football-reference.com
  • 18 Dec 1956 Japan joins the United Nations: On December 18, 1956, Japan was admitted to the United Nations after a long post-war period of rebuilding and international diplomacy. This marked a significant step in Japan's reintegration into the global community. source: un.org
  • 19 Dec 1956 John Bodkin Adams murder investigation: On December 19, 1956, the investigation into the alleged murders by Dr. John Bodkin Adams gained significant media attention. Adams was accused of killing several patients for their inheritance, leading to a high-profile trial. source: bbc.com
  • 20 Dec 1956 Montgomery Bus Boycott concludes: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, initiated on December 5, 1955, concluded on December 20, 1956, after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the desegregation of Montgomery's buses, marking a significant victory in the Civil Rights Movement. source: nps.gov
  • 21 Dec 1956 Death of Lewis M. Terman: Lewis M. Terman, an influential American psychologist known for his work in intelligence testing, died on December 21, 1956. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 22 Dec 1956 Colo: First captive-born gorilla: Colo, the first gorilla born in captivity, was born at the Columbus Zoo on December 22, 1956. Her birth marked a significant milestone in zoo history and conservation efforts for the species. source: columbuszoo.org
  • 23 Dec 1956 British and French troops withdraw from Suez Canal: On December 23, 1956, British and French forces completed their withdrawal from the Suez Canal, marking the end of the Suez Crisis. This event had significant implications for international relations and colonialism. source: britannica.com
  • 24 Dec 1956 Ferdinand de Lesseps statue destroyed in Port Said: On December 24, 1956, a statue of Ferdinand de Lesseps was destroyed in Port Said, Egypt, during the Suez Crisis. This act symbolized the rising nationalism and anti-colonial sentiment in the region. source: britannica.com
  • 25 Dec 1956 KKK bombing of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth's home: On December 25, 1956, the home of civil rights leader Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth in Birmingham, Alabama, was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan. This act of violence was part of a broader campaign of intimidation against civil rights activists in the South during this period. source: birminghamal.gov
  • 26 Dec 1956 Civil rights protest against bus segregation in Birmingham: On December 26, 1956, a significant civil rights protest took place in Birmingham, Alabama, aimed at ending bus segregation. This event was part of a larger movement advocating for racial equality and justice in public transportation. source: archives.gov
  • 27 Dec 1956 Bill Sharman's historic NBA free throw streak ends: On December 27, 1956, NBA player Bill Sharman's remarkable free throw streak came to an end. His achievement was notable in the history of basketball, highlighting his skill and consistency as a player. source: nba.com
  • 28 Dec 1956 Baling talks: Malayan Emergency negotiations: On December 28, 1956, negotiations known as the Baling talks took place regarding the Malayan Emergency. These discussions aimed to address the conflict and seek a resolution to the ongoing insurgency in Malaya. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 29 Dec 1956 Death of Martin Albertz, German Theologian: Martin Albertz, a German clergyman, resistance fighter, and teacher, passed away on December 29, 1956, in Berlin. He was known for his opposition to the Nazis and his role within the Confessing Church. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 30 Dec 1956 NFL Championship: New York Giants Triumph Over Chicago Bears: On December 30, 1956, the New York Giants defeated the Chicago Bears in the NFL Championship game, securing the league title for that season. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 31 Dec 1956 Asian Flu Pandemic Origin: The Asian Flu pandemic, caused by the H2N2 influenza A virus, originated in East Asia in 1956 and spread globally, leading to significant health impacts. source: en.wikipedia.org