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Major Events of February 1960: 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 February 1960 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of February 1960: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Feb 1960 Greensboro sit-ins: a pivotal civil rights moment: The Greensboro sit-ins began on February 1, 1960, when four African American college students sat at a segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This act of nonviolent protest became a significant event in the American civil rights movement. source: archives.gov
  • 03 Feb 1960 Harold Macmillan's Wind of Change Speech: On February 3, 1960, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan delivered his 'Wind of Change' speech to the South African Parliament in Cape Town, signaling a shift in British policy towards decolonization in Africa. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 04 Feb 1960 De Gaulle dismisses Jacques Soustelle: On February 4, 1960, French President Charles de Gaulle dismissed Jacques Soustelle, the Minister of the Sahara, due to differing views on Algerian policy. Soustelle, a prominent Gaullist since 1940, was informed abruptly of his dismissal, leading to a bitter exchange. source: time.com
  • 05 Feb 1960 Louis Stricker, South African Cricket Player, Dies: Louis Stricker, a notable South African cricket player who served as an opening batsman in 13 Test matches between 1909-1912, passed away.
  • 08 Feb 1960 Royal Family name change: On February 8, 1960, Queen Elizabeth II announced that the royal family would adopt the name 'Windsor' as their official surname. This decision was made to reflect the family's British heritage and to distance themselves from their German roots during World War I. source: bbc.com
  • 09 Feb 1960 First star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: The first star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was awarded to actress Joanne Woodward on February 9, 1960. This event marked the beginning of a tradition that honors the contributions of artists in the entertainment industry. source: britannica.com
  • 10 Feb 1960 Khrushchev's diplomatic tour of South Asia: Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev embarked on a diplomatic tour of South Asia, visiting India, Afghanistan, and other nations. This tour aimed to strengthen ties with these countries during the Cold War era and promote Soviet influence in the region. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Feb 1960 Classified military information disclosure: On this date, a significant disclosure of classified military information occurred, raising concerns about national security. The details surrounding the disclosure were closely monitored by government officials and the media. source: archives.gov
  • 12 Feb 1960 Death of Bobby Clark, legendary circus clown: Bobby Clark, a renowned circus clown known for his comedic performances, passed away on this date. His contributions to the circus arts left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. source: nytimes.com
  • 13 Feb 1960 France becomes fourth nuclear power: On February 13, 1960, France conducted its first successful nuclear test in the Sahara Desert, officially becoming the fourth nation to possess nuclear weapons. This event marked a significant development in the Cold War dynamics. source: britannica.com
  • 14 Feb 1960 France conducts second nuclear test: On February 14, 1960, France conducted its second nuclear test, further solidifying its status as a nuclear power. This test followed the first one just a day prior and was part of France's efforts to establish itself in global military politics. source: britannica.com
  • 15 Feb 1960 Near conflict between Egypt and Israel in 1960: On February 15, 1960, tensions escalated between Egypt and Israel, leading to a near conflict. This period was marked by rising hostilities in the region, influenced by broader geopolitical dynamics during the Cold War. source: britannica.com
  • 16 Feb 1960 USS Triton's historic underwater circumnavigation: The USS Triton completed its historic underwater circumnavigation of the globe on February 16, 1960. This mission marked a significant achievement in naval history, showcasing advancements in submarine technology. source: britannica.com
  • 18 Feb 1960 VIII Olympic Winter Games in Squaw Valley: The VIII Olympic Winter Games were held in Squaw Valley, California, from February 18 to March 8, 1960. This event featured various winter sports and was notable for its organization and the participation of athletes from around the world. source: britannica.com
  • 19 Feb 1960 China launches first sounding rocket: On February 19, 1960, China successfully launched its first sounding rocket, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration efforts. This event demonstrated China's growing capabilities in rocketry and aeronautics. source: scmp.com
  • 20 Feb 1960 CERN particle accelerator inauguration: On February 20, 1960, CERN inaugurated its first particle accelerator, marking a significant advancement in the field of particle physics. This facility has since played a crucial role in numerous scientific discoveries. source: home.cern
  • 21 Feb 1960 Cuban nationalization of businesses: On February 21, 1960, the Cuban government began the nationalization of foreign-owned businesses, a key step in the country's shift towards socialism. This move was part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and reduce foreign influence in Cuba. source: britannica.com
  • 23 Feb 1960 Ebbets Field demolition begins: The demolition of Ebbets Field, the former home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, began on February 23, 1960. This marked the end of an era for baseball fans and the community that cherished the historic ballpark. source: nytimes.com
  • 24 Feb 1960 Segni Government Collapses in Italy: On February 24, 1960, the minority government of Prime Minister Antonio Segni resigned. President Giovanni Gronchi tasked Fernando Tambroni with forming a new government. Tambroni's cabinet, relying on support from the neo-Fascist Movimento Sociale Italiano, faced internal opposition and eventually led to further political instability. source: history.state.gov
  • 26 Feb 1960 Alitalia Flight 618 crashes in Ireland: On February 26, 1960, Alitalia Flight 618, a Douglas DC-7C en route from Rome to New York, crashed shortly after takeoff from Shannon Airport in Ireland, killing 34 of the 52 people on board. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 28 Feb 1960 VIII Winter Olympics conclude at Squaw Valley: The VIII Winter Olympic Games officially ended in Squaw Valley, California, after a series of winter sports competitions from February 18 to 28, 1960. source: britannica.com
  • 29 Feb 1960 Devastating Agadir Earthquake: A catastrophic earthquake struck Agadir, Morocco, on February 29, 1960, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. source: en.wikipedia.org