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

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

01 Nov 1959 Patrice Lumumba's arrest: On November 1, 1959, Patrice Lumumba, leader of the Congolese National Movement (MNC), was arrested in Stanleyville after two days of rioting that resulted in over 70 deaths. He was charged with inciting violence and briefly imprisoned. source: theguardian.com
02 Nov 1959 Charles Van Doren quiz show scandal confession: On November 2, 1959, Charles Van Doren, a contestant on the popular television quiz show "Twenty-One," confessed to having been given answers in advance, leading to a major scandal that exposed the show's rigging. source: history.com
03 Nov 1959 Israeli parliamentary elections of 1959: On November 3, 1959, Israel held elections for the fourth Knesset. The Mapai party, led by David Ben-Gurion, secured 47 seats, maintaining its position as the largest party. source: en.wikipedia.org
05 Nov 1959 Mercury astronauts fitted with pressure suits: On November 5, 1959, NASA's Project Mercury astronauts underwent fittings for their pressure suits, essential for their upcoming space missions. These suits, developed by the B.F. Goodrich Company, were based on the U.S. Navy's Mark IV pressure suit and were designed to provide life support and protection during flights. The suits underwent various tests to ensure their functionality and comfort for the astronauts. source: nasa.gov
07 Nov 1959 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
09 Nov 1959 Birth of Thomas Quasthoff, renowned German bass-baritone: Thomas Quasthoff, a distinguished German bass-baritone, was born on November 9, 1959, in Hildesheim, West Germany. Despite severe birth defects caused by thalidomide, he pursued a successful career in classical music, earning multiple Grammy Awards. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Nov 1959 Corinne Rottschaeffer crowned Miss World: Corinne Rottschaeffer, representing the Netherlands, was crowned Miss World on November 10, 1959, in London. This event marked a significant moment in beauty pageant history, showcasing contestants from various countries. source: britannica.com
11 Nov 1959 Demolition of Seals Stadium in San Francisco: Seals Stadium, the former home of the San Francisco Seals and briefly the San Francisco Giants, was demolished in November 1959 to make way for Candlestick Park. The demolition began on October 6, 1959, and continued through November. Many of the stadium's seats and light towers were repurposed at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington. source: sfchronicle.com
14 Nov 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption begins in Hawaii: On November 14, 1959, the Kīlauea Iki crater in Hawaii erupted, producing spectacular lava fountains up to 1,900 feet high and creating a lava lake within the crater. The eruption lasted until December 20, 1959, providing valuable data on Kīlauea's magma reservoir system. source: usgs.gov
15 Nov 1959 Clutter family murders in Kansas: On November 15, 1959, four members of the Clutter family—Herbert, Bonnie, and their teenage children Nancy and Kenyon—were murdered in their home in Holcomb, Kansas. The crime was committed by ex-convicts Perry Smith and Richard Hickock, who were later convicted and executed for the murders. source: en.wikipedia.org
17 Nov 1959 Jacques Plante introduces face mask in NHL: On November 17, 1959, Jacques Plante became the first goaltender in the NHL to wear a face mask during a game. This innovation was prompted by a facial injury he sustained earlier in the season. Plante's use of the mask revolutionized goaltending and set a new standard for player safety in hockey. source: nhl.com
18 Nov 1959 Ben-Hur film premiere in New York City: The film 'Ben-Hur' premiered in New York City on November 18, 1959. Directed by William Wyler, this epic historical drama became one of the most celebrated films of its time, winning 11 Academy Awards. Its grand scale and innovative production techniques set new standards in filmmaking. source: imdb.com
19 Nov 1959 Ford discontinues the Edsel: On November 19, 1959, Ford Motor Company announced the discontinuation of the Edsel, a car model that had failed to meet sales expectations. Launched with much fanfare, the Edsel became infamous for its marketing missteps and design flaws, leading to its short-lived production. source: ford.com
20 Nov 1959 UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child: The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, outlining ten principles to promote the welfare and rights of children worldwide. source: en.wikipedia.org
21 Nov 1959 Alan Freed fired from WABC Radio in payola scandal: Alan Freed, a prominent radio DJ known for popularizing rock and roll, was dismissed from WABC Radio amid allegations of payola, a practice where radio stations were paid to play certain songs. This scandal significantly impacted his career and the music industry at large, highlighting issues of ethics in broadcasting. source: nytimes.com
22 Nov 1959 Boston Patriots join the American Football League: The Boston Patriots officially became a member of the American Football League (AFL) on November 22, 1959. This marked a significant moment in professional football, as the AFL was established to compete with the National Football League (NFL) for fans and players. source: boston.com
23 Nov 1959 De Gaulle's vision of a united Europe: On November 23, 1959, French President Charles de Gaulle articulated his vision for a united Europe, emphasizing the need for European nations to collaborate politically and economically. This vision aimed to strengthen Europe against external threats and promote unity among member states. source: theguardian.com
24 Nov 1959 Death of Dr. Lyman Bryson, prominent educator: Dr. Lyman Bryson, a notable educator and author, passed away on November 24, 1959. He was known for his contributions to education and his work in promoting progressive teaching methods, leaving a lasting impact on the field. source: nytimes.com
25 Nov 1959 First Bilateral Investment Treaty Signed: On November 25, 1959, the world's first Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) was signed between Pakistan and Germany. BITs are agreements between two countries that establish the terms and conditions for private investment across borders, aiming to protect and promote foreign investments. source: en.wikipedia.org
28 Nov 1959 Minamata Disease Sit-In Protest: On November 28, 1959, a protest occurred in Minamata, Japan, against the mercury poisoning caused by industrial waste from Chisso Corporation. This event marked a significant moment in the fight for environmental justice and raised awareness about the health impacts of pollution. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
29 Nov 1959 Martin Luther King Jr.'s Farewell Sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church: On November 29, 1959, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his farewell sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, before moving to Atlanta. This sermon reflected on his experiences and the civil rights movement's future direction. source: britannica.com
30 Nov 1959 Joe Foss Becomes First AFL Commissioner: On November 30, 1959, Joe Foss was appointed as the first commissioner of the American Football League (AFL). His leadership helped shape the league's early years and contributed to its eventual merger with the NFL. source: nytimes.com