Khrushchev's Shoe Incident at UN
October 12th, 1960
October 12th, 1960

How Long Ago?
64 years, 5 months, 3 days ago
Location
New York City, United States
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Nikita Khrushchev
- Lorenzo Sumulong
Links & References
Tags
Khrushchev's Shoe Incident at UN
Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev created a stir at the United Nations General Assembly when he pounded his shoe on a desk in response to a Philippine delegate's remarks. The incident occurred during a heated debate about colonialism and national sovereignty. Khrushchev's outburst was seen as a sign of frustration and was intended to signal his disapproval of Western imperialism. The shoe-pounding moment became a defining image of Cold War tensions and political theater.
Khrushchev criticized Western imperialism.
Pounding shoe became an iconic Cold War moment.
The incident highlighted decolonization debates.
It reflected the fierce rivalry of the era.
What Happened?
During the United Nations General Assembly meeting, tensions were high as representatives debated issues related to colonialism, decolonization, and national sovereignty. Filipino delegate Lorenzo Sumulong criticized the Soviet Union's lack of support for decolonization in Asia. In an unprecedented show of emotion and frustration, Nikita Khrushchev, the Premier of the Soviet Union, interrupted Sumulong's speech. He emphatically pounded his shoe on his desk to express his disagreement and demonstrate his outrage over the comments made by the Philippine representative.
The shoe incident became iconic, capturing the attention of the media and audiences worldwide. It was emblematic of the contentious atmosphere of the Cold War, reflecting the intense rivalry and hostilities between the Eastern and Western blocs. Khrushchev's actions were not only an expression of disagreement but also a strategic maneuver to assert Soviet strength on the international stage. This act of political theater highlighted the often volatile and unpredictable nature of diplomatic relations during this period.
Following the incident, many interpreted Khrushchev's shoe-pounding as a metaphor for the brash and aggressive nature of Soviet politics. The moment has since been examined in numerous cultural and political discussions, shedding light on the complex dynamics of Cold War diplomacy. Despite the uproar it caused at the time, the shoe incident remains a poignant reminder of the dramatic exchanges that characterized diplomatic relations in the mid-20th century.
Why Does it Matter?
The shoe-pounding incident is interesting as it encapsulated the tension and theatricality of Cold War politics. It served as a media spectacle that transcended mere political discourse, influencing public perceptions of the Soviet Union and contributing to the narrative of Khrushchev as a volatile leader. Such moments emphasized the human aspect of global diplomacy, illustrating how personal expression can impact historical events.
Discover More Historic Events from October 12th
Bratislava Shooting Outside Tepláreň Bar
In Bratislava, a shooting occurred outside the Tepláreň gay bar, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the perpetrator. Juraj Vankulič, a non-binary person, and Matúš Horváth, a bisexual man, were killed in the attack, which also injured one other person. The perpetrator, Juraj Krajčík, was later found deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound the following morning, raising significant concerns about safety and violence within the LGBTQ+ community in Slovakia.
Continue ReadingHard Rock Hotel Collapse in New Orleans
During construction, the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans collapses, resulting in three workers' fatalities and injuring 30 others. This incident, which occurred in a busy part of the city, drew immediate attention from emergency services and investigators. The site was evacuated, and surrounding areas were secured as rescuers searched for survivors. The collapse raised significant concerns about construction safety practices and building code compliance in the city.
Continue ReadingEliud Kipchoge breaks two-hour marathon barrier
Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya made history by becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, achieving a remarkable time of 1:59:40. This extraordinary feat took place during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, a specially organized event tailored for Kipchoge to reach this elusive milestone. With a meticulously planned course and a team of pacemakers assisting him, Kipchoge displayed his exceptional endurance and speed, captivating the attention of fans worldwide.
Continue ReadingPrincess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's Royal Wedding
Princess Eugenie of York married Jack Brooksbank at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in a ceremony attended by family and friends. The day was brightened by the couple's deep love for each other, showcased through their personal vows. Princess Eugenie wore a striking dress designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos, featuring a low back, which she chose to highlight a scar from her scoliosis surgery. This distinctive decision made her wedding outfit particularly meaningful and served as a source of inspiration for many.
Continue ReadingUS and Israel Withdraw from UNESCO
The United States government announced its withdrawal from UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, citing perceived anti-Israel bias as a significant reason. This decision came amid various criticisms regarding UNESCO's handling of Israel-related issues and its recognition of Palestinian statehood. Following suit, Israel declared its own exit from the organization soon after. This marked a notable moment in international relations and cultural diplomacy.
Continue ReadingDeadly Truck Accident in Peru's Mountains
A truck carrying passengers veered off a cliff in Peru, resulting in the deaths of fifty-one individuals. The accident occurred when the vehicle was traveling on a steep and treacherous road near the town of Chanchamayo. Poor road conditions and driver error are believed to be contributing factors. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where a grim recovery operation began amidst the difficult terrain.
Continue Reading