1958 was a year of significant change and development across the globe, impacting politics, science, culture, and technology. It marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War, witnessed breakthroughs in space exploration, and saw important shifts in cultural norms.
Politics and International Relations
January 1: The European Economic Community (EEC) comes into effect, creating a common market between Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.
May 13: The May 1958 crisis in France begins, sparked by the Algerian War, leading to the collapse of the Fourth Republic and ultimately the return of Charles de Gaulle to power.
July 14: King Faisal of Iraq is overthrown and killed in a military coup, ending the Hashemite monarchy and establishing a republic.
July 15:United States Marines land in Lebanon at the request of President Camille Chamoun to stabilize the government amidst political turmoil.
Science and Technology
January 31: The United States launches Explorer 1, its first artificial satellite, marking the beginning of the space race with the Soviet Union. This followed the successful launch of Sputnik 1 by the USSR the previous year, underscoring the heightened competition in space technology. Explorer 1 discovered the Van Allen radiation belt.
July 29: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the National Aeronautics and Space Act, establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This Act formalized the United States' commitment to space exploration, consolidating various research efforts under a single agency.
October 1:NASA officially begins operations, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
December 18: Project SCORE (Signal Communications Orbit Relay Equipment) successfully launches. This was the world's first communications satellite, sending a pre-recorded Christmas message from President Eisenhower.
Culture
Elvis Presley is drafted into the United States Army, temporarily halting his rock and roll career. This event, while personal to Presley, represented a broader cultural tension between conformity and the emerging youth culture.
The Twist, a new dance craze, starts to gain popularity, largely through its performance by Chubby Checker. This dance became a symbol of the changing social norms and the rise of youth culture.
The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, opens in New York City. The museum's unique architecture quickly made it a landmark and influenced modern architectural design.
Other Notable Events
The Hope Diamond is donated to the Smithsonian Institution.
1958 was a year that significantly shaped the political landscape, advanced scientific and technological capabilities, and left a lasting imprint on culture. The founding of NASA and the launch of Explorer 1 were pivotal moments in the United States' response to Soviet advancements in space, while the United Arab Republic's formation reflected shifting geopolitical alliances in the Middle East. The events of this year served as a foundation for the developments that would follow in the 1960s.