1954-69 Economic Events Timeline By Aaron G. Period: Jan 1, 1954 to Dec 31, 1969 Timespan 1954-69 Nov 1, 1955 Start of Vietnam War 1959 Alaska and Hawaii Become States 1961 Bay Of Pigs Invasion Jan 20, 1961 John F. Kennedy Becomes President 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis Nov 22, 1963 Kennedy Assassinated, Lyndon Johnson Becomes President 1964 Civil Rights Act Passed Jan 20, 1969 Richard Nixon Becomes President