What Happened This Year 1958
Historical Events from This Year 1958
Sputnik 2 Reenters Atmosphere After 162 Days
Sputnik 2 was the first spacecraft to carry a living creature into orbit. Launched by the Soviet Union, it orbited the Earth for 162 days before re-entering the atmosphere on April 14, 1958. The satellite carried a female dog named Laika, who was the first animal to orbit Earth. Unfortunately, Laika likely only survived a few hours in space due to overheating and stress. Sputnik 2 provided vital data about the effects of space travel on living organisms, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
Continue ReadingCollision of United Air Lines Flight 736 and Fighter Jet
United Air Lines Flight 736 collided with a United States Air Force fighter jet near Arden, Nevada, resulting in aircraft damage and martial response. The flight, carrying 50 passengers, was en route from Los Angeles to New York when it encountered the military jet during a routine training exercise. The incident raised concerns about air safety and military protocols in civilian airspace.
Continue ReadingLast Journey of Royal Blue Train Service
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad's Royal Blue service ran its final trip between Washington, D.C., and New York City, marking an end to 68 years of operation. Launched as the first U.S. passenger train to utilize electric locomotives, the Royal Blue was known for its luxurious amenities and speed. On this farewell journey, passengers experienced the full range of services provided by the railroad, a testament to B&O’s innovative spirit and dedication to passenger comfort.
Continue ReadingBen Carlin's Amphibious World Circumnavigation
Ben Carlin became the first and only individual to complete a circumnavigation of the world using an amphibious vehicle. His remarkable journey spanned ten years, covering over 79,000 kilometers, including 17,000 kilometers by sea and 62,000 kilometers by land. Starting from Canada, Carlin's path took him across various continents and oceans, showcasing the capabilities of his vehicle and his adventurous spirit.
Continue ReadingNixon's Car Attacked by Demonstrators in Venezuela
During a visit to Caracas, Venezuela, the car of U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon was attacked by a group of anti-American demonstrators. The incident occurred while Nixon was in the country promoting closer relations. The hostile reception was fueled by local discontent and political tensions surrounding U.S. policies in Latin America, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Latin American relations.
Continue ReadingMilitary Coup Demands De Gaulle's Leadership
A group of French military officers staged a coup in Algiers, demanding the establishment of a government of national unity headed by Charles de Gaulle. This action was driven by fears of losing control over Algeria amid growing nationalist sentiments and unrest. The officers sought to maintain French authority in Algeria, where tensions were escalating due to the Algerian War of Independence. Faced with a deteriorating political situation, the demand underscored the military's influence in French politics during this turbulent period.
Continue ReadingMid-air Collision Over Brunswick, Maryland
A Capital Airlines Flight 300 collided with a U.S. Air Force Lockheed T-33 over Brunswick, Maryland, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals. The incident occurred when the commercial airliner was on approach to land, and the military jet, conducting a training flight, was in the vicinity. The collision raised significant safety concerns regarding air traffic control and the management of civilian and military airspace.
Continue ReadingCeylon Riots Alter Ethnic Relations in Sri Lanka
In May 1958, widespread riots erupted in Ceylon, fueled by ethnic tensions primarily between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority. Triggered by an inflammatory speech and subsequent incidents, violence spread rapidly across the country. Shops were looted, homes burned, and violent clashes resulted in an estimated 300 deaths, predominantly among Tamils. The riots led to increased government intervention in ethnic matters and marked a significant turning point in the relationship between the country's diverse communities.
Continue ReadingUnited Press International Merger Established
The formation of United Press International occurred through the merger of two significant news agencies, United Press (UP) and International News Service (INS), changing the landscape of news reporting. With this merger, UPI became one of the major wire services in the world, expanding its reach and resources in the field of journalism. This consolidation not only aimed to increase efficiency and competitiveness in news distribution but also marked a crucial moment in the evolution of international journalism, creating a unified platform for news delivery across diverse regions.
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