Your place in the Universe on 1959
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Get your map!The Highlights of 1959: A Year That Shaped the Future
1959 (MCMLIX in Roman Numerals) was the year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1959th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations.
Is 1959 a year special to you? Discover what 1959 was famous for, Key World Leaders of 1959, 1959 Time’s Person of the Year, the #1 song, movie and book in 1959, how old is someone born in 1959 and what Chinese zodiac sign is associated to 1959.
On this page we will address all your questions and curiosities about 1959 to help you enjoy your trip down memory lane.
Table of contents
- What was 1959 known for ?
- Key World Leaders of 1959
- Who was the U.S. President in 1959?
- Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1959?
- Who was the Pope in 1959?
- 1959: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
- What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1959?
- What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1959?
- What was the most popular movie in 1959?
- What was the best selling book in 1959?
- How old is someone born in 1959?
- What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1959?
What was 1959 known for ?
- Perched on the cusp of the 1960s, the year 1959 saw the US living under the presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower. The leaders of the world presided over a worldwide population of roughly 3 billion.
- The most popular name for little boys was Michael. On the other hand, if you had a girl, you were far more likely to choose the name Mary. Included amongst those bundles of joy were the world’s greatest linebacker, Lawrence Taylor; rapper and star, Flavor Flav, former Prime Minster of Canada, Stephen Harper; English actor, Hugh Laurie; and comedian, Weird Al Yankovic. While we may have gained Dr. House, we lost Cecil DeMille, Buddy Holly, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Lou Costello.
- The most common book club selections happened to be Knowles’ A Separate Peace, Heinlein’s Star Ship Troopers, and Buroughs’ Naked Lunch. In the cinemas of the world, Ben-Hur, Some Like it Hot, and Sleeping Beauty saw a sharp rise in popularity. Read on to find out how this year helped set the foundation for the American flag, the modern work week, and forever changed our view of the world.
- These twelve-months saw the sale of the first Barbie Doll, the launch of the first weather satellite, the first showing of The Twilight Zone, and the first colored picture of Earth as seen from outer space. In addition, the inventors of the world gave us our first look at both the pacemaker and the microchip.
- Cuba witnessed a change in leadership as rebel Fidel Castro’s forces chased off ex-dictator Batista. France saw the beginnings of the 5th republic with the inauguration of Charles de Gaulle. While Cyprus was finally granted its independence, Singapore swore in its first prime minister. A huge step was taken towards world peace in 1959. Even if he may have been irritated to be denied access to Disneyland, Russia’s President, Nikita Khruschev agreed to reopen diplomatic relationships with the US. Meanwhile, with the addition of Hawaii and Alaska, the number of US states swelled from 48 to the current 50. Lastly, determining working norms for some time to come, West Germany became the first country to introduce a five-day work week.
- If you’re smiling listening to Rebecca Black’s Friday as you get ready to leave the office, you should consider slinging some thanks at the year that made it all possible: 1959.
- The world population in 1959 was 2,979,576,185 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 983.3 million individuals.The annual population change in 1959 was an increase of +53.8 million people, representing a percentage increase of +1.84% over the previous year.The average population density in 1959 was 12 persons per square mile (or 20 persons per square kilometer).
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Key World Leaders of 1959
Who was the U.S. President in 1959?
In 1959, 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 1959?
In 1959 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 1959?
The leader of the Catholic Church in 1959 was Pope John XXIII who had held the papacy since 1958. His pontificate is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council, which modernized Church practices and encouraged dialogue with other faiths.
1959: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
Dwight D. Eisenhower
In 1959, Dwight D. Eisenhower was named by TIME magazine as Person of the Year. Eisenhower was President of the United States from 1953 to 1961.
What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1959?
The number 1 song in the USA in 1959, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was Mack The Knife by Bobby Darin
What was the number 1 song in the UK in 1959?
The number 1 song in the UK in 1959, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was Dream Lover by Bobby Darin
What was the most popular movie in 1959?
The most popular movie and box office hit was The World's End by Edgar Wright
What was the best selling book in 1959?
How old is someone born in 1959?
Someone born in 1959 is 66 years old this year.
Try out our age, time and generation calculators:
What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1959?
According to the Chinese Zodiac and Astrology 1959 was the Year of the Pig.
Discover Zodiac Sign Characteristics and Personality Traits of people born under the Pig sign.