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Major Events of May 1958: 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 1958 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of May 1958: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1958 Arturo Frondizi Becomes President of Argentina: Arturo Frondizi was inaugurated as the President of Argentina, marking a significant moment in the country's political history. As a leader of the Radical Civic Union (UCR), Frondizi represented a democratic transition during a turbulent period in Argentine politics.
  • 02 May 1958 Colombian Military Junta Kidnapping Incident: On May 2, 1958, a dramatic political event unfolded in Colombia when rebels within the armed forces attempted a coup by kidnapping four of the five members of the ruling military junta. The kidnapped members included Major General Gabriel Paris, Major General Deogracias Fonsceca, Brigadier Generals Luis Ordonez and Rafael Navas Pardo. Admiral Rubén Piedrahíta, the fifth junta member, managed to escape capture and alerted the Colombian armed forces. The military refused to support the rebels, who ultimately surrendered after an eight-hour standoff and released their hostages.
  • 03 May 1958 Bolton Wanderers Triumphs in Emotional FA Cup Final: Bolton Wanderers won the FA Cup by defeating Manchester United 2-0 in a poignant match at Wembley Stadium in London. The victory was particularly significant as Manchester United fielded a team still recovering from the tragic Munich air disaster on February 6, which had claimed the lives of eight of their players.
  • 04 May 1958 Alberto Lleras Camargo Elected President of Colombia: Alberto Lleras Camargo was democratically elected as the President of Colombia on May 4, 1958. He was a prominent political figure who played a significant role in Colombian politics during the mid-20th century. Lleras Camargo was a leader of the National Front, a political agreement between the Liberal and Conservative parties aimed at ending decades of political conflict and promoting national unity.
  • 05 May 1958 US Atmospheric Nuclear Test at Enwetak: The United States conducted an atmospheric nuclear test at Enwetak Atoll, continuing Cold War-era nuclear weapons development and testing programs.
  • 06 May 1958 Operation Alert 1958: US Civil Defense Drill: During the Cold War era, the United States conducted a nationwide civil defense drill called Operation Alert 1958. The exercise involved millions of citizens, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower, participating in a coordinated fallout shelter drill. The drill was implemented in 46 states, with Michigan and Indiana being exempted due to pre-scheduled statewide events. This drill reflected the heightened nuclear tensions and preparedness strategies of the Cold War period.
  • 07 May 1958 Howard Johnson Sets Aircraft Altitude Record: Major Howard Johnson of the United States Air Force achieved a remarkable aviation milestone by setting a new aircraft altitude record using the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. He reached an impressive altitude of 27,810 meters (approximately 91,186 feet), demonstrating the extraordinary capabilities of high-performance jet aircraft during the late 1950s Cold War era.
  • 08 May 1958 Federal Intervention in Little Rock School Integration: U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce the desegregation of public schools, marking a critical moment in the Civil Rights Movement. This action was taken to protect African American students attempting to attend Central High School and ensure compliance with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision.
  • 09 May 1958 Paul Robeson's Triumphant Carnegie Hall Recital: After having his passport reinstated, renowned African American actor-singer Paul Robeson performs a sold-out, historic one-man recital at Carnegie Hall. The performance is so successful that he gives a second concert a few days later. This event marks a significant moment in Robeson's career, symbolizing his artistic resilience during a challenging period of political persecution. Following these concerts, Robeson would rarely appear in public in the United States again. His performances were later immortalized through record and CD releases.
  • 10 May 1958 Humberto Delgado's Famous Political Challenge to Salazar: During an interview at the Chave d'Ouro café, opposition candidate Humberto Delgado made a bold and historic political statement when asked about the authoritarian leader António de Oliveira Salazar. His famous quote, 'Obviamente, demito-o!' (Obviously, I'll sack him!), became a defining moment in Portuguese political resistance against the Estado Novo regime, symbolizing the growing opposition to Salazar's long-standing dictatorship.
  • 11 May 1958 US Nuclear Test at Bikini Island: The United States conducted an atmospheric nuclear test at Bikini Island, continuing Cold War-era nuclear weapons development and testing in the Pacific Ocean region, which raised significant environmental and geopolitical concerns.
  • 12 May 1958 French Algerian Political Crisis: Algerian protesters seized government offices in Algiers, triggering a significant military coup that would ultimately contribute to the complex political tensions during the Algerian War of Independence.
  • 13 May 1958 May 1958 Algerian Crisis: A group of French military officers in Algiers initiated a coup, demanding a government of national unity led by Charles de Gaulle to maintain French control of Algeria, a pivotal moment in the Algerian independence struggle.
  • 14 May 1958 Nixon's South Vietnam Tour Disrupted by Rebel Forces: U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and his wife Pat Nixon were forced to cut short their diplomatic tour of South Vietnam due to internal military unrest. The intervention of rebel forces within the armed forces underscored the volatile political and military climate in South Vietnam during the late 1950s, foreshadowing the complex geopolitical challenges that would later escalate into the Vietnam War.
  • 15 May 1958 Soviet Union Launches Sputnik 3: The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 3, a significant milestone in the Space Race. At 2,925 pounds (1,327 kg), it was the heaviest artificial satellite placed in orbit at that time, demonstrating the USSR's advanced space technology capabilities.
  • 16 May 1958 French State of Emergency in Algeria Crisis: France's National Assembly voted 461 to 114 to declare a state of emergency due to the escalating threat of secession by rebels within the armed forces seeking to break away from French control in Algeria.
  • 17 May 1958 Algerian Emergency Crisis: The French colonial administration proclaimed an emergency crisis in Algeria, signaling escalating tensions during the Algerian War of Independence, which would ultimately lead to Algeria's independence in 1962.
  • 18 May 1958 F-104 Starfighter Sets Unprecedented Speed Record: In a remarkable demonstration of aerospace technology, an F-104 Starfighter achieved a groundbreaking world speed record by reaching an extraordinary velocity of 1,404.19 mph (2,259.82 km/h), pushing the boundaries of aviation performance during the Cold War era.
  • 19 May 1958 Formation of NORAD: The United States and Canada established the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), a joint military organization designed to provide aerospace warning and defense for North America during the Cold War era.
  • 20 May 1958 Cuban Counteroffensive Against Castro: Fulgencio Batista's government launches a military counteroffensive against Fidel Castro's revolutionary rebels, escalating the Cuban Revolution and marking a critical moment in the conflict that would ultimately lead to Castro's rise to power.
  • 21 May 1958 US Nuclear Testing at Bikini Atoll: The United States conducted an atmospheric nuclear test at Bikini Island, part of the ongoing nuclear weapons testing program during the Cold War era.
  • 22 May 1958 1958 Ceylon Riots: The 1958 riots in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) marked a critical turning point in ethnic relations between Sinhalese and Tamil communities. The violent conflict resulted in approximately 300 deaths, predominantly among Sri Lankan Tamils, exposing deep-seated communal tensions and setting the stage for future ethnic conflicts.
  • 23 May 1958 Great Leap Forward Launched in China: Mao Zedong initiates the 'Great Leap Forward' economic and social campaign, aiming to rapidly transform China from an agrarian economy to a socialist society through collectivization and industrialization. This massive socio-economic movement would ultimately lead to significant economic disruption and widespread famine.
  • 24 May 1958 Batista's Military Offensive Against Castro: Cuban President Fulgencio Batista launched a major military offensive targeting Fidel Castro's revolutionary forces, marking a critical escalation in the Cuban Revolution. This military campaign represented a pivotal moment in the conflict that would ultimately lead to Castro's eventual triumph.
  • 25 May 1958 Italian Parliamentary Elections Under Emergency Conditions: Italy conducted the first of two days of parliamentary voting under emergency rule regulations. These regulations were specifically authorized in response to the ongoing military rebellion in Colombia, reflecting the complex geopolitical tensions of the late 1950s Cold War era.
  • 26 May 1958 United States Conducts Nuclear Atmospheric Test at Enwetak: The United States performed a nuclear test at the Enwetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands, continuing its atmospheric nuclear testing program during the Cold War era.
  • 27 May 1958 First Flight of McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II: The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a legendary fighter aircraft that would become a cornerstone of U.S. military aviation, completed its inaugural flight. This advanced jet would play a crucial role in the Vietnam War and serve multiple roles including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance.
  • 28 May 1958 Political Turmoil in France: The French government under Pflimlin resigned, triggering massive political demonstrations with approximately 200,000 people protesting against Charles de Gaulle, signaling significant political instability in France.
  • 29 May 1958 Elvis Presley to Be Stationed in Germany: The U.S. Army announced that Private Elvis Presley would be deployed to Germany in September after completing basic training, to join an armored division.
  • 30 May 1958 Memorial Day: Tomb of the Unknowns Ceremony: On Memorial Day, the remains of unidentified soldiers killed during World War II and the Korean War were solemnly buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
  • 31 May 1958 US Nuclear Test at Bikini Atoll: The United States conducted an atmospheric nuclear test at Bikini Atoll, part of the ongoing nuclear weapons testing program during the Cold War era. These tests had significant environmental and geopolitical implications, raising concerns about radioactive contamination and nuclear proliferation.