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Period: to
1961
A signifiacnt event from each month during 1961 -
Drugs
Oral contraceptives are first sold in Australia -
Politics
John F. Kennedy becomes the 35th president of the United States. -
Transport
The last public trams in Sydney, Australia, cease operation, bringing to an end the Southern Hemisphere's largest tramway network. -
Drugs
The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs is signed at New York. -
Politics
The trial of Nazi Adolf Eichmann begins in Jerusalem. -
Politics
U.S. Freedom Riders begin interstate bus rides to test the new U.S. Supreme Court integration decision. -
Politics
South Africa officially leaves the Commonwealth of Nations. -
Natural Disaster
Ethiopia experiences her most devastating earthquake of the 20th century, with a magnitude of 6.7. The town of Majete is destroyed, 45% of the houses in Karakore collapse, 17 kilometers (11 miles) of the main road north of Karakore are damaged by landslides and fissures, and 5,000 inhabitants in the area are left homeless. -
Transport
A Paris-to-Strasbourg train derails near Vitry-le-François; 24 are killed, 109 injured. -
Politics
Diana, Princess of Wales is born in Sandringham, Norfolk, England, to her parents: Frances Spencer, Viscountess Althorp and John Spencer, Viscount Althorp (later the 8th Earl Spencer). -
Politics
Ireland submits the first ever application to join the then European Economic Community. -
Politics
Britain applies for membership in the European Economic Community. -
Politics
Construction of the Berlin Wall begins, restricting movement between East Berlin and West Berlin and forming a clear boundary between West Germany and East Germany, Western Europe and Eastern Europe. -
Television
Four Corners TV current affairs program first screened on ABC TV -
Television
Tom and Jerry make a return with their first episode since 1957, Switchin' Kitten. The new creator, Gene Deitch makes 12 more Tom and Jerry episodes until 1962. -
Sports
During the F1 Italian Grand Prix on the circuit of Monza, German Wolfgang Von Trips, driving a Ferrari, crashes into a stand, killing 14 spectators and himself. -
Politics
The death penalty is abolished in New Zealand. -
Television
West Side Story is released as a film. -
Entertainment
The Fantastic Four #1 comic debuts, launching the Marvel Universe and revolutionizing the American comic book industry. -
Transport
Neil Armstrong records a world record speed in a rocket plane of 6,587 km/h flying a X-15. -
Politics
Cold War: In a nationally broadcast speech, Cuban leader Fidel Castro announces he is a Marxist-Leninist, and that Cuba will adopt socialism. -
Politics
The Vietnam War officially begins, as the first American helicopters arrive in Saigon along with 400 U.S. personnel.
Adolf Eichmann is pronounced guilty of crimes against humanity by a panel of 3 Israeli judges. -
Politics
Goa is officially ceded to India after 400 years of Portuguese rule.
