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Major Events of May 1959: 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 May 1959 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of May 1959: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1959 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
  • 02 May 1959 85th Kentucky Derby won by Tomy Lee: On May 2, 1959, Tomy Lee won the 85th Kentucky Derby, securing victory in the prestigious horse racing event.
  • 03 May 1959 Ben Elton born: Ben Elton, a prominent British comedian, playwright, and author, was born on May 3, 1959. He is known for his work in television and theater, contributing significantly to British comedy and literature. source: britannica.com
  • 04 May 1959 First Grammy Awards ceremony: The first Grammy Awards ceremony took place on May 4, 1959, celebrating the best in the music industry. This inaugural event set the stage for future ceremonies, becoming a prestigious occasion for artists and musicians. source: grammy.com
  • 05 May 1959 US-West Germany Nuclear Cooperation Agreement: On May 5, 1959, the United States and West Germany signed an agreement to share classified information about American nuclear weapons and to train German personnel in their operation. source: presidency.ucsb.edu
  • 08 May 1959 French New Wave cinema milestone: The French New Wave, a revolutionary film movement, reached a significant milestone in 1959 with the release of several influential films. This movement challenged traditional filmmaking conventions and introduced new narrative techniques and styles. source: britannica.com
  • 09 May 1959 Eritrea votes to join Ethiopia: On May 9, 1959, Eritrea held a referendum in which the population voted to join Ethiopia. This decision had significant political implications for the region and contributed to future conflicts. source: bbc.com
  • 16 May 1959 85th Preakness Stakes Horse Race: The 85th Preakness Stakes, a major horse racing event, took place on May 16, 1959, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race is the second leg of the American Triple Crown. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 May 1959 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 1959 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 1959 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
  • 20 May 1959 Ford introduces the Falcon automobile: On May 20, 1959, Ford Motor Company unveiled the Falcon, a compact car that aimed to capture the growing market for smaller vehicles in America. The Falcon became popular for its affordability and efficiency, influencing future car designs. source: ford.com
  • 22 May 1959 Benjamin O. Davis Jr. becomes first Black Major General in USAF: On May 22, 1959, Benjamin O. Davis Jr. was promoted to Major General in the United States Air Force, becoming the first African American to achieve this rank. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 23 May 1959 Presbyterian Church advances gender equality: On May 23, 1959, the Presbyterian Church made significant strides towards gender equality within its ranks. This move was part of a broader trend in various religious organizations to address gender disparities and promote inclusivity. source: presbyterianmission.org
  • 24 May 1959 British Empire Day renamed Commonwealth Day: On May 24, 1959, British Empire Day was officially renamed Commonwealth Day. This change was part of a broader effort to reflect the evolving nature of the Commonwealth and its member nations, promoting unity and cooperation. source: commonwealth.int
  • 26 May 1959 Death of Ed Walsh, Baseball Pitcher: Ed Walsh, a Hall of Fame pitcher known for his 1.82 career ERA, died at age 78 in Pompano Beach, Florida. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 27 May 1959 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
  • 30 May 1959 Auckland Harbour Bridge Opening: The Auckland Harbour Bridge, a 1.2 km steel truss cantilever bridge, was officially opened on May 30, 1959, connecting Auckland city with the North Shore. The opening ceremony was attended by Governor-General Lord Cobham, and the first car to cross was driven by project supervisor W. Cardno. source: archives.govt.nz