What Happened This Year 1964

Historical Events from This Year 1964

Politics & Government

Tanganyika and Zanzibar unite as Tanzania

April 26th, 1964 60 years ago

Tanganyika and Zanzibar officially united to form the United Republic of Tanzania, marking the end of their separate existences. This merger was initiated in the wake of Zanzibar's revolution which led to the overthrow of the Sultan and aimed at promoting greater unity and stability in the region. The collaboration was primarily driven by Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanganyika, and Abeid Karume, the leader of Zanzibar. The newly formed republic sought to combine their resources and agendas to foster development and safeguard against regional instabilities.

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Military & Warfare

USNS Card Sunk by Viet Cong Bombers

May 2nd, 1964 60 years ago

The USNS Card, an American aircraft carrier, was sunk at its berth in Saigon due to an explosion caused by Viet Cong combat swimmers who had affixed explosives to its hull. This bold attack highlighted the increasing tensions in Vietnam and the capabilities of the Viet Cong forces. Remarkably, the vessel was raised and returned to active duty less than seven months later.

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Exploration & Discovery

First Ascent of Shishapangma Achieved

May 2nd, 1964 60 years ago

The first ascent of Shishapangma, the fourteenth highest mountain in the world, was achieved by a Chinese expedition led by Qi Baishi and Wang Fuzhou. Standing at 8,027 meters, it is the lowest of the eight-thousanders. The climbers successfully reached the summit on May 2, 1964, marking a significant milestone in high-altitude mountaineering. The team faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions and tough terrain, yet their determination allowed them to conquer this prominent peak in the Himalayas.

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Politics & Government

The Council of Europe Proclaims Europe Day

May 5th, 1964 60 years ago

The Council of Europe established May 5 as Europe Day to promote unity among European nations and celebrate the values of European integration. This declaration was significant for fostering a shared identity and cooperation among member states, highlighting the importance of democracy and human rights. The decision was based on the anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration of 1950, which laid the foundation for the European Community. The day serves as an opportunity for European citizens to engage in discussions and activities promoting a united Europe.

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Crime & Law

Pacific Airlines Flight 773 Hijacking and Crash

May 7th, 1964 60 years ago

Pacific Airlines Flight 773 was hijacked by Francisco Gonzales while en route from Sacramento to San Francisco. The aircraft, a Martin 4-0-4, was taken over during the flight in the airspace above Contra Costa County, California. Gonzales demanded the pilots fly to Mexico, but in the struggle that ensued, the plane ultimately crashed, killing all 44 passengers and crew on board. The hijacking resulted in Grand Theft charges against Gonzales.

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Science & Technology

Discovery of Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation

May 20th, 1964 60 years ago

In 1964, Robert Woodrow Wilson and Arno Penzias discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation, a remnant of the Big Bang, while working on communication technologies at Bell Labs in Holmdel, New Jersey. Their observations, initially attributed to noise, led them to realize they had stumbled upon a significant relic of the universe's infancy, which provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory. This discovery profoundly changed the understanding of the cosmos and earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1978.

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Politics & Government

Lyndon B. Johnson Announces Great Society Program

May 22nd, 1964 60 years ago

In 1964, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson formally unveiled his Great Society program during a speech before Congress. This ambitious initiative aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice while promoting education and public health. Notable legislation like Medicare and the Voting Rights Act emerged from this program. The event represented a significant expansion of government responsibility in American life, reflecting Johnson's commitment to progressive reforms and equality.

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Politics & Government

Founding of the Palestine Liberation Organization

May 28th, 1964 60 years ago

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was established during the first Arab summit held in Cairo, bringing together Palestinian groups under a single leadership structure. Yasser Arafat was elected as the first leader, symbolizing the unification of Palestinian political efforts. The formation aimed to address the Palestinian diaspora's growing concerns and assert their national identity. The PLO sought to develop a clear and organized approach to reclaim Palestinian lands and advocate for their rights on the international stage, marking a significant milestone in modern Palestinian politics.

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Politics & Government

Formation of the Palestine Liberation Organization

May 29th, 1964 60 years ago

In East Jerusalem, the Arab League convened to address the Palestinian question, resulting in the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The meeting sought to unify Palestinian political factions and establish a cohesive strategy for advocating the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. Key leaders from various Arab nations participated, reflecting a collective commitment to Palestinian self-determination and resistance against foreign occupation.

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