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: Patrice Lumumba, a key Congolese independence leader, is arrested in the Belgian Congo, signaling the intense political turmoil during the decolonization period in Africa.
02 Nov 1959 Charles Van Doren Quiz Show Scandal Confession: Charles Van Doren publicly admits to the Congressional committee that he was provided with questions and answers in advance for the popular TV game show 'Twenty-One', exposing widespread fraud in television quiz shows of the era and leading to significant reforms in broadcast entertainment.
03 Nov 1959 France Establishes Independent Nuclear Deterrent: President Charles de Gaulle announced France's strategic decision to develop an independent nuclear strike force, known as 'force de frappe'. This landmark declaration signaled France's ambition to establish itself as a significant military power with autonomous nuclear capabilities, independent of NATO and other international alliances.
04 Nov 1959 Israeli-Egyptian Air Confrontation: A significant aerial engagement occurred near the Israel-Egypt border, involving six Israeli jets and four Egyptian MiG-17 fighter aircraft in a tense dogfight, highlighting the ongoing regional tensions during the Cold War era.
05 Nov 1959 Mercury Astronauts Fitted with Pressure Suits: NASA's Mercury astronauts were fitted with specialized pressure suits at the B. F. Goodrich Company in Akron, Ohio, a critical step in preparing for early space missions. These custom-designed suits were essential for protecting astronauts during potential high-altitude and space environment challenges.
06 Nov 1959 Severe Cold Front Sweeps Across Region: A powerful cold front descended upon the region, creating near-blizzard conditions and dramatically plummeting temperatures. On November 5th, the system initially brought intense winter weather, with conditions persisting into November 6th and producing record or near-record low temperatures. The extreme weather event challenged local infrastructure and posed significant challenges for residents, highlighting the unpredictable nature of early winter meteorological patterns.
07 Nov 1959 The Kitchen Debate: Nixon and Khrushchev's Iconic Cold War Confrontation: During the American National Exhibition in Moscow, U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev engaged in a heated, impromptu debate inside a model American kitchen. This famous exchange symbolized the intense ideological rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, with both leaders arguing about the merits of their respective economic and political systems.
08 Nov 1959 Egypt and Sudan Nile River Treaty: Egypt and Sudan signed a landmark bilateral treaty to establish cooperative governance and management of the Nile River's water resources. The agreement aimed to regulate water usage, facilitate joint infrastructure development, and create a framework for resolving potential water-related disputes between the two nations.
09 Nov 1959 Birth of Thomas Quasthoff, Renowned German Bass-Baritone: Thomas Quasthoff was born on November 9, 1959, in Germany. He would become a world-famous classical singer known for his exceptional vocal talents, particularly remarkable given that he was born with physical disabilities caused by thalidomide. Despite early challenges, Quasthoff became one of the most celebrated bass-baritones of his generation, winning multiple Grammy Awards and performing at prestigious venues worldwide.
10 Nov 1959 USS Triton Joins Nuclear Submarine Fleet: The USS Triton, a groundbreaking nuclear submarine, was commissioned into the U.S. Navy. At 447 feet long and weighing 5,000 tons, it was the largest submarine of its time. Equipped with two nuclear reactors, the vessel represented a significant technological advancement in naval engineering, with a construction cost of $100 million.
11 Nov 1959 Rocky & His Friends Television Debut: The animated television series 'Rocky & His Friends', created by Jay Ward Productions, premiered on television, introducing audiences to the adventures of Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Bullwinkle the Moose. This groundbreaking cartoon would become a significant part of American pop culture, known for its witty humor and satirical undertones that appealed to both children and adults.
12 Nov 1959 NASA and Department of Defense Collaboration Agreement: NASA Administrator T. Keith Glennan and Deputy Secretary of Defense Thomas S. Gates Jr. signed a pivotal agreement establishing collaborative principles for cost reimbursement and mutual support in Project Mercury, a critical early U.S. human spaceflight program.
13 Nov 1959 Opening of the Narrows Bridge in Perth: On November 13, 1959, the Narrows Bridge was officially opened to traffic in Perth, Western Australia. This remarkable engineering achievement was notable for being the world's largest bridge constructed using precast and prestressed concrete technology at the time. Spanning 1,301 feet (397 meters), the bridge represented a significant milestone in Australian infrastructure and civil engineering, connecting important parts of the city and showcasing advanced construction techniques of the late 1950s.
14 Nov 1959 Kilauea Volcano's Spectacular Eruption: On November 14, 1959, Kilauea Volcano on the island of Hawaii experienced one of its most dramatic eruptions. The volcanic event began at 8:08 p.m., characterized by spectacular lava fountains reaching heights of up to 300 meters (approximately 984 feet). This eruption was notable for its intensity and visual spectacle, providing geologists and volcanologists with significant data about volcanic activity in the Hawaiian Islands.
15 Nov 1959 Sherman's March to the Sea Begins: Union forces under Major General William Tecumseh Sherman commenced their strategic 'March to the Sea' from Atlanta, Georgia. This pivotal military campaign during the American Civil War involved a scorched earth strategy that significantly weakened the Confederate war effort and hastened the war's conclusion.
16 Nov 1959 The Sound of Music Broadway Premiere: The Broadway musical 'The Sound of Music', starring Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel, opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater in New York City. This iconic musical, based on the true story of the von Trapp family, would go on to become a beloved classic in musical theater history.
17 Nov 1959 Jacques Plante Introduces Face Mask in NHL: Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacques Plante made hockey history by becoming the first NHL goalie in modern times to wear a protective face mask after being struck by a shot from Andy Bathgate of the New York Rangers. The Canadiens won the game 3-1, marking a pivotal moment in hockey safety.
18 Nov 1959 Ben-Hur Film Premiere in New York City: William Wyler's epic historical drama 'Ben-Hur' premiered at Loew's Theater in New York City, marking a significant moment in cinema history. The film would become a landmark production, ultimately winning a record-breaking 12 Academy Awards and setting new standards for historical epic filmmaking.
19 Nov 1959 Ford Discontinues the Edsel: Ford Motor Company officially cancels the Edsel automobile, marking one of the most notorious product failures in automotive history. The Edsel, named after Henry Ford's son, was introduced with massive marketing but failed to resonate with consumers due to its unconventional design and high price point.
20 Nov 1959 UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child: The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopts the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, establishing a comprehensive framework of rights and protections for children worldwide. This landmark document outlines key principles ensuring children's welfare, education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation.
21 Nov 1959 Alan Freed Fired from WABC Radio in Payola Scandal: Influential American disc jockey Alan Freed, who was instrumental in popularizing the term 'rock and roll' and the music genre itself, was dismissed from WABC radio due to allegations of participating in the payola scandal, where radio DJs were bribed to play specific records.
22 Nov 1959 Boston Patriots Join the American Football League: On November 22, 1959, the Boston Patriots officially entered the American Football League (AFL), marking a significant moment in professional football expansion. The team would later become the renowned New England Patriots, establishing themselves as a pivotal franchise in NFL history.
23 Nov 1959 De Gaulle's Vision of a United Europe: French President Charles de Gaulle delivered a landmark speech in Strasbourg, articulating his ambitious vision of a unified Europe stretching 'from the Atlantic to the Urals', symbolizing a geopolitical perspective that transcended the Cold War divisions of the time.
24 Nov 1959 Death of Dr. Lyman Bryson, Prominent Educator: Dr. Lyman Bryson, a distinguished educator and notable contributor to the United Nations' educational initiatives, passed away at the age of 71. Known for his significant work in the UN Casebook and contributions to educational theory and practice, Bryson was a respected intellectual who helped shape educational discourse in the mid-20th century.
25 Nov 1959 First Bilateral Investment Treaty Signed: A historic moment in international economic relations occurred when West Germany and Pakistan signed the world's first Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). This landmark agreement set a precedent for future international investment protocols, establishing mutual protections and frameworks for cross-border investments.
26 Nov 1959 Atlas-Able Rocket Maiden Flight Failure: On November 26, 1959, the United States experienced a significant setback in its early space exploration efforts when the maiden flight of the Atlas-Able rocket ended in failure. The rocket, which was considered the most powerful of its time, malfunctioned and crashed less than a minute after launch. This incident highlighted the immense technical challenges and risks associated with developing advanced rocket technology during the early years of the Space Race.
27 Nov 1959 Anti-US Military Ties Protest in Tokyo: On November 27, 1959, a massive demonstration unfolded in Tokyo, where over 20,000 protesters converged near the U.S. Embassy, demanding an end to Japan's military alliance with the United States. The protesters, representing various political and social groups, expressed deep concerns about Japan's post-World War II security arrangements and the perceived infringement on national sovereignty by maintaining close military ties with the United States.
28 Nov 1959 Minamata Disease Sit-In Protest: Victims of the devastating mercury poisoning from the Chisso Corporation's industrial pollution and their families initiated a sit-in protest at the chemical factory, demanding accountability and compensation for the environmental disaster that caused widespread health damage.
29 Nov 1959 Martin Luther King Jr.'s Farewell Sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church: On November 29, 1959, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his final sermon as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. This moment marked a significant transition in King's ministerial career, symbolizing his growing national prominence in the Civil Rights Movement. The sermon likely reflected on his experiences in Montgomery, where he had been a pivotal leader during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and hinted at his broader mission of racial equality and social justice.
30 Nov 1959 Joe Foss Becomes First AFL Commissioner: Joe Foss, a decorated World War II fighter pilot and former Governor of South Dakota, was appointed as the inaugural commissioner of the American Football League (AFL), marking a significant moment in professional football's expansion and competitive landscape. His leadership would help establish the AFL as a major rival to the NFL and ultimately contribute to the eventual merger of the two leagues.