The Highlights of 1958: A Year That Shaped the Future
1958 (MCMLVIII in Roman Numerals) was the year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1958th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations.
Is 1958 a year special to you? Discover what 1958 was famous for, Key World Leaders of 1958, 1958 Time’s Person of the Year, the #1 song, movie and book in 1958, how old is someone born in 1958 and what Chinese zodiac sign is associated to 1958.
On this page we will address all your questions and curiosities about 1958 to help you enjoy your trip down memory lane.
Table of contents
- What was 1958 known for ?
- Born in 1958? Get Your Birth Year Poster!
- Key World Leaders of 1958
- Who was the U.S. President in 1958?
- Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1958?
- Who was the Pope in 1958?
- 1958: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
- What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1958?
- What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1958?
- What was the most popular movie in 1958?
- What was the best selling book in 1958?
- How old is someone born in 1958?
- What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1958?
What was 1958 known for ?
- 1958 was a landmark year for technology and culture.
- The year started off with the Soviet Union’s Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, falling out of orbit in January. As one satellite came down, another went up. Also in January, the United States successfully launched Explorer 1 into Earth’s orbit. It was the first successful satellite launch for the United States.
- 1958 was also the year that the U.S. established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NASA would go on to lead the world in space exploration, culminating in the famous Apollo missions that placed human beings on the Moon. In another major technological achievement, the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, was the first vessel to reach the North Pole while submerged.
- There were some major cultural events that transpired this year as well. On July 12, the Beatles (called the Quarrymen at the time) had their first recording session. They recorded a cover of Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day” and “In Spite of All the Danger” by Paul McCartney and George Harrison.
- As historic as the Beatles’ first recording session was, another cultural phenomenon surpasses it. In the shadow of the Cold War, Harvey Lavan “Van” Cliburn, Jr., of Texas, won the inaugural quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow at the age of twenty-three. Van Cliburn played so well that the Soviet audience gave him a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes and he returned home to the United States as a hero, eventually having a major piano competition named for him. The Van Cliburn International Competition is held every four years in Fort Worth, Texas. For the rest of his life, Van Cliburn was an ambassador of good will between the Soviet and American people, proving a little light and hope in an otherwise tension-filled period of history.
- The world population in 1958 was 2,925,686,705 people according to data by United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division. This figure includes both urban and rural populations. The urban population at that time accounted for 33.0% of the total population, which is roughly 965.5 million individuals.The annual population change in 1958 was an increase of +52.3 million people, representing a percentage increase of +1.82% over the previous year.The average population density in 1958 was 12 persons per square mile (or 20 persons per square kilometer).
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Key World Leaders of 1958
Who was the U.S. President in 1958?
In 1958, Dwight D. Eisenhower (Republican) was the President of the United States. His term spanned from January 20, 1953 to January 20, 1961. During his presidency, he created the Interstate Highway System and strengthened NATO during the Cold War.
Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1958?
In 1958 the UK Prime Minister was Harold Macmillan (Conservative). During his premiership, he promoted decolonization and declared that the 'winds of change' were sweeping through Africa.
Who was the Pope in 1958?
In 1958, the Pope was Pius XII until October 09, 1958; on October 28, 1958 Pope John XXIII became the new Pope.
1958: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
Charles de Gaulle
In 1958, Charles de Gaulle was named by TIME magazine as Person of the Year. De Gaulle was appointed Prime Minister of France in May 1958 and, following the collapse of the Fourth Republic and establishment of the Fifth Republic, was then elected President of France in December.
What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1958?
The number 1 song in the USA in 1958, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was All I Have To Do Is Dream by The Everly Brothers
What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1958?
The number 1 song in the UK in 1958, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was All I Have To Do Is Dream / Claudette by The Everly Brothers
What was the most popular movie in 1958?
The most popular movie and box office hit was Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Richard Brooks
What was the best selling book in 1958?
How old is someone born in 1958?
Someone born in 1958 is 68 years old this year.
Try out our age, time and generation calculators:
What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1958?
According to the Chinese Zodiac and Astrology 1958 was the Year of the Dog.
Discover Zodiac Sign Characteristics and Personality Traits of people born under the Dog sign.