previous year1959
1960196119621963196419651966196719681969
1970next year

Major Events of December 1962: 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 1962 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of December 1962: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 1962 Fog-Interrupted Grey Cup Thriller: The 50th Grey Cup, also known as the 'Fog Bowl,' was played on December 1, 1962, between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. The game was suspended due to dense fog and resumed on December 2, with the Blue Bombers winning 28–27. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 02 Dec 1962 50th Canadian Football League Grey Cup: The 50th Grey Cup, also known as the 'Fog Bowl,' was played on December 1, 1962, between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. The game was suspended due to dense fog and resumed on December 2, with the Blue Bombers winning 28–27. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 Dec 1962 First African American female judge sworn in: On December 3, 1962, Marjorie McKenzie Lawson was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as an associate judge for the Juvenile Court of the District of Columbia, becoming the first African American woman to serve as a judge in the District. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 04 Dec 1962 US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site: On December 4, 1962, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site, continuing its series of atmospheric nuclear tests during that period.
  • 06 Dec 1962 Robena Coal Mine Disaster: On December 6, 1962, an explosion at the Robena No. 3 Mine in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, resulted in the deaths of 37 miners. The explosion was caused by the ignition of methane gas and coal dust, leading to significant safety reforms in the mining industry. source: umwa.org
  • 07 Dec 1962 Bill Wyman Joins The Rolling Stones: Bill Wyman is hired as the bass player for The Rolling Stones, a pivotal moment in the formation of one of the most iconic rock bands in music history.
  • 08 Dec 1962 Queen Wilhelmina's Funeral: Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who reigned from 1890 to 1948, passed away on November 28, 1962. Her funeral took place on December 8, 1962, at the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft, Netherlands. The ceremony was notable for being entirely in white, reflecting her belief that earthly death was the beginning of eternal life. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 09 Dec 1962 Tanganyika Becomes a Republic: On December 9, 1962, Tanganyika, a former British colony in East Africa, became a republic, gaining independence from British rule. This marked a significant step in the decolonization process in Africa during the early 1960s. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 Dec 1962 Lawrence of Arabia film premiere: David Lean's epic film 'Lawrence of Arabia' premiered at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. source: bfi.org.uk
  • 12 Dec 1962 United States nuclear test in Nevada: On December 12, 1962, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site. This test was part of a series of atmospheric tests that were conducted during the Cold War, aimed at developing and demonstrating nuclear capabilities. source: osti.gov
  • 13 Dec 1962 Relay 1 communication satellite launch: On December 13, 1962, the United States launched Relay 1, the first active communications satellite. This satellite marked a significant advancement in satellite technology, enabling live television broadcasts and improved communication capabilities. source: nasa.gov
  • 14 Dec 1962 Mariner 2 spacecraft launches to Venus: On December 14, 1962, NASA launched Mariner 2, the first successful spacecraft to fly by Venus. This mission provided valuable data about the planet's atmosphere and surface, marking a milestone in space exploration. source: nasa.gov
  • 15 Dec 1962 North Sea radio station silenced: On December 15, 1962, the North Sea Radio Station, known for its pirate broadcasts, was silenced by British authorities. This marked a significant moment in the history of offshore radio broadcasting in the UK. source: bbc.com
  • 16 Dec 1962 First confirmed Alcatraz escape: On December 16, 1962, the first confirmed escape from Alcatraz occurred when three inmates successfully fled the prison. Their escape became a significant part of Alcatraz's notorious history. source: nps.gov
  • 17 Dec 1962 Monaco adopts new constitution: On December 17, 1962, Monaco adopted a new constitution that established a parliamentary system and increased the powers of the elected assembly. This was a significant step in the principality's governance. source: loc.gov
  • 18 Dec 1962 WAIQ TV channel 26 in Montgomery, AL (PBS) begins broadcasting: On December 18, 1962, WAIQ TV channel 26, a PBS affiliate, began broadcasting in Montgomery, Alabama. This marked an important development in local media and educational programming. source: pbs.org
  • 19 Dec 1962 First operational navigation satellite launched: On December 19, 1962, the United States launched the first operational navigation satellite, Transit 1B, marking a significant advancement in satellite-based navigation systems. source: history.navy.mil
  • 21 Dec 1962 Britain purchases Polaris missiles: On December 21, 1962, the United Kingdom announced the purchase of Polaris missiles from the United States, enhancing its nuclear deterrent capabilities during the Cold War. source: theguardian.com
  • 23 Dec 1962 Cuba returns Bay of Pigs invasion prisoners: On December 23, 1962, Cuba returned 1,113 prisoners captured during the Bay of Pigs invasion to the United States. This event marked a significant moment in U.S.-Cuba relations following the failed invasion in April 1961. The exchange was part of a deal that included the U.S. providing humanitarian aid to Cuba. source: archives.gov
  • 24 Dec 1962 Publication of 'Sex and the Single Girl': On December 24, 1962, Helen Gurley Brown's book 'Sex and the Single Girl' was published, challenging traditional views on women's roles and sexuality. The book became a bestseller and significantly influenced the feminist movement and women's liberation in the 1960s and beyond. source: nytimes.com
  • 25 Dec 1962 Soviet Union's final above-ground nuclear test: On December 25, 1962, the Soviet Union conducted its last above-ground nuclear test, marking a significant moment in the Cold War nuclear arms race. This test was part of a series of tests that raised international concerns about nuclear proliferation and led to subsequent arms control agreements. source: britannica.com
  • 27 Dec 1962 Indonesian independence recognition: On December 27, 1962, the United Nations General Assembly recognized Indonesia's independence, affirming its sovereignty after years of colonial rule. This recognition was a pivotal moment in Indonesia's post-colonial history, solidifying its status as an independent nation. source: un.org
  • 28 Dec 1962 UN intervention in Katanga: On December 28, 1962, the United Nations intervened in Katanga, a region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to address ongoing conflicts and humanitarian issues. This intervention was part of a broader UN peacekeeping mission aimed at stabilizing the region. source: un.org
  • 29 Dec 1962 Graham Hill wins South African Grand Prix and F1 World Championship: Graham Hill secured his first Formula One World Championship by winning the 1962 South African Grand Prix at East London. He finished ahead of Bruce McLaren and Tony Maggs, clinching the title after Jim Clark's retirement due to an oil leak. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 30 Dec 1962 NFL Championship: Green Bay Packers triumph over New York Giants: The Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants in the NFL Championship game, securing their first NFL title. The Packers' victory was marked by a strong performance from quarterback Bart Starr.
  • 31 Dec 1962 Green Bay Packers NFL Championship victory: The Green Bay Packers secured their first NFL Championship title by defeating the New York Giants. The game was notable for quarterback Bart Starr's exceptional performance.