-
The Beatles appear on Ed Sullivan
The Beatles made their historic appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, captivating American audiences with their music and charisma. -
SNCC formed
The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was formed in April 1960, emerging as a key player in the civil rights movement. -
First televised Presidential debate
The first televised presidential debate took place in 1960 between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, marking a watershed moment in American political history. -
First airing of “The Flintstones”
"The Flintstones" premiered on television in 1960, becoming the first prime-time animated series and a beloved classic of American television. Set in the Stone Age town of Bedrock, the show humorously depicted the modern-day struggles and adventures of the Flintstone family, capturing the imaginations of viewers of all ages. -
President Kennedy is elected
President Kennedy's election marked a pivotal moment in American politics, as he became the youngest person ever elected to the presidency at the time. His charismatic leadership and vision for the future resonated with many voters, ushering in a new era of optimism and change. -
Berlin Wall is constructed
The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 by the East German government to prevent East Berliners from escaping to West Berlin. It became a symbol of the division between East and West during the Cold War, standing as a physical barrier until its eventual fall in 1989. -
Roger Maris of the Yankees breaks Babe Ruth’s single season home run record
Roger Maris, playing for the New York Yankees, broke Babe Ruth's single-season home run record on October 1, 1961, hitting his 61st home run of the season. -
SDS releases its Port Huron statement
The Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) released its Port Huron Statement in 1962, outlining a manifesto for social change and advocating for participatory democracy and civil rights. -
Marilyn Monroe dies
Marilyn Monroe died in 1962 at the age of 36, sparking speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the circumstances of her death. Her passing marked the end of an era and left a lasting legacy as one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history. -
James Meredith registers at Ole Miss
James Meredith's registration at the University of Mississippi in 1962 marked a significant milestone in the civil rights movement. Despite facing resistance and violence, Meredith's enrollment as the first African American student at Ole Miss symbolized a step forward in the fight against segregation in education. -
“Dr. No” the first James Bond movie premiers
"Dr. No," the first James Bond movie, premiered in 1962, introducing audiences to the iconic character of 007, played by Sean Connery. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S. and the Soviet Union got into a big fight over missiles in Cuba. It was super scary because everyone thought they might start a nuclear war, but they figured it out without fighting. -
Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” Speech
In his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech delivered in 1963 during the March on Washington, Martin Luther King Jr. passionately spoke about his vision for racial equality and justice. -
John F Kennedy is assassinated
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy was a tragic and shocking event that shook the nation to its core. Kennedy's death on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, sparked grief and conspiracy theories that continue to captivate and divide public opinion to this day. -
New York World’s Fair begins
The New York World's Fair began in 1964, showcasing futuristic technology, cultural exhibits, and international pavilions. It served as a symbol of American optimism and innovation during the 1960s, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. -
The Beatles arrive in the United States
The Beatles arrived in the United States in February 1964, sparking a phenomenon known as "Beatlemania" across the country. Their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and subsequent concerts marked the beginning of the British Invasion and cemented their status as one of the most influential bands in music history. -
Lyndon B Johnson defeats Barry Goldwater
Lyndon B. Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential election, securing a landslide victory and continuing his presidency. Johnson's campaign emphasized his leadership during a time of social change and economic prosperity, contrasting with Goldwater's conservative platform. -
“Star Trek” TV show airs
"Star Trek," the groundbreaking science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry, first aired in 1966. -
Malcolm X assassinated
Malcolm X was assassinated on February 21, 1965, during a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. His death was a significant loss for the civil rights movement. -
Watts race riots
The Watts race riots erupted in August 1965 in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, sparked by tensions between the predominantly African American residents and the city's police force. -
Beatles release Sgt. Pepper’s album
The Beatles released the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album in 1967, and it was a really big deal. It's considered one of the greatest albums of all time and changed the way people thought about music. -
Robert Kennedy is assassinated
Robert F. Kennedy's assassination on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, marked another tragic blow to the Kennedy family and the nation. His death, following his victory in the California Democratic primary, cut short the hopes of many who saw him as a beacon of progressive change and a potential president. -
Boxer Muhammed Ali refuses military service
In 1967, boxer Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, citing religious reasons and opposition to the war. -
San Francisco “Summer of Love” begins
The San Francisco "Summer of Love" began in 1967, attracting thousands of young people to the city's Haight-Ashbury district for a celebration of counterculture, music, and social experimentation. It symbolized a pivotal moment in the 1960s hippie movement, promoting peace, love, and psychedelic exploration. -
First NFL Football Super Bowl
The first NFL Football Super Bowl took place on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. It marked the beginning of a cherished American tradition, combining sports, entertainment, and commercial spectacle into one of the most-watched events in television history. -
Thurgood Marshall nominated to the Supreme Court
Thurgood Marshall was nominated to the Supreme Court in 1967, becoming the first African American justice in its history. His appointment marked a significant milestone in the fight for civil rights and brought new perspectives to the highest court in the land. -
LSD declared illegal by the U.S. government
In 1968, LSD was declared illegal by the U.S. government due to growing concerns about its widespread recreational use and potential risks to public health. This decision marked a turning point in the era of psychedelic experimentation, leading to increased regulation and a shift away from the widespread availability of LSD. -
Tet Offensive
The Tet Offensive was a major military campaign during the Vietnam War launched by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces against South Vietnam and its allies. It was a turning point in the war, shocking many Americans and weakening support for the conflict back home. -
Martin Luther King Jr. assassinated
Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, shocking the nation and sparking riots in cities across the United States. His death left a profound impact on the civil rights movement, but his legacy of nonviolent activism and calls for racial equality continues to inspire generations worldwide. -
Russians send the first man into space
The Russians sent the first man into space on April 12, 1961, with Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human to orbit the Earth aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. -
Protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention
The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marred by violent protests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. -
Richard Nixon is elected
Richard Nixon's election as president marked a return to the White House after his earlier defeat, showcasing his resilience in American politics. His campaign promised stability and a plan to end the Vietnam War, resonating with voters amid a backdrop of social and political upheaval. -
Stonewall riots
The Stonewall riots, which occurred in June 1969 in New York City's Greenwich Village, were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to police raids at the Stonewall Inn -
American astronauts land on the moon
American astronauts Commander Neil Armstrong and Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin made history by landing on the moon, showing how far we've come in space exploration. It was a big deal and inspired a lot of people. -
Woodstock concert
The Woodstock Music & Art Fair took place in 1969 in Bethel, New York, and became a defining moment in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. It featured iconic performances by legendary artists and was attended by hundreds of thousands of people, embodying the spirit of peace, love, and music of the era. -
The Rolling Stones host the Altamont music festival
The Rolling Stones hosted the Altamont music festival in December 1969, which turned into a tragic event marred by violence and chaos.