What Happened This Year 1965

Historical Events from This Year 1965

Military & Warfare

US Marines Arrive in Da Nang, Vietnam

March 8th, 1965 60 years ago

In March 1965, the United States Marine Corps landed at Da Nang, Vietnam, marking a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. This deployment consisted of approximately 3,500 Marines, whose primary mission was to protect U.S. military facilities and support the South Vietnamese government against the increasing threat from North Vietnamese forces and the Viet Cong. The arrival of the Marines signaled a shift in U.S. policy, moving from advisory roles to active combat operations in support of South Vietnam.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Johnson Advocates for Voting Rights in Congress

March 15th, 1965 60 years ago

Lyndon B. Johnson addressed the U.S. Congress, urging for the passage of the Voting Rights Act in response to the Selma crisis. Delivering a powerful message of unity and determination, he declared 'We shall overcome,' linking the nation's ideals to the ongoing struggle for civil rights. His speech reinforced the government's commitment to ensuring all citizens had the right to vote, highlighting the injustices faced by African Americans in the South and the urgent need for reform.

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Space Exploration

First Human Spacewalk by Alexei Leonov

March 18th, 1965 59 years ago

Alexei Leonov, a Soviet cosmonaut, exited the Voskhod 2 spacecraft for 12 minutes, becoming the first human to walk in space. During this historic EVA (extravehicular activity), he floated in the vacuum of space, tethered to the spacecraft. The mission, launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, aimed to advance human space exploration. Leonov's pioneering step marked a significant milestone in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, showcasing the technological capabilities of Soviet space efforts.

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Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of the SS Georgiana Wreck Site

March 19th, 1965 59 years ago

Teenage diver E. Lee Spence discovers the wreck of the SS Georgiana, the most powerful Confederate cruiser, valued at over $50 million. Located off the coast of South Carolina, the ship was lost during the Civil War, and its discovery marks a significant milestone in underwater archaeology.

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Space Exploration

NASA launches Ranger 9 lunar probe

March 21st, 1965 59 years ago

Ranger 9, the last in a series of uncrewed lunar probes, was successfully launched by NASA. This mission aimed to transmit high-resolution images of the Moon’s surface, contributing significantly to lunar exploration. Ranger 9 was notable for its advanced technology and its role in paving the way for future manned missions into outer space. This successful launch took place from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking an important milestone in the Apollo program.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

King Leads Historic Selma to Montgomery March

March 21st, 1965 59 years ago

Martin Luther King Jr. led a diverse group of 3,200 marchers from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, advocating for voting rights. This march began on March 21, 1965, and took place under the watchful eyes of law enforcement. Participants aimed to draw attention to the ongoing struggle for African American voting rights and were motivated by recent events that highlighted racial inequality. The march aimed to culminate in a rally at the Alabama State Capitol.

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Space Exploration

First Two-Man Space Flight with Gemini 3

March 23rd, 1965 59 years ago

NASA's Gemini 3 mission marked the United States' first manned flight with a two-person crew aboard. Launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida, astronauts Gus Grissom and John Young orbited the Earth three times. The mission lasted approximately five hours, showcasing the capabilities of the Gemini spacecraft and the growing U.S. space program. Notably, Grissom and Young carried a corned beef sandwich, which became a humorous part of the mission's legacy due to the resulting mess and its implications for future space food.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Successful March from Selma to Montgomery

March 25th, 1965 59 years ago

Civil rights activists led by Martin Luther King Jr. completed a significant four-day, 50-mile march from Selma to the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery. This march aimed to highlight the struggle for voting rights for African Americans and was marked by the determination of thousands who participated in the event. Activists sought to draw national attention to the civil rights movement and called for an end to racial discrimination at the polls.

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Natural Disasters

Earthquake Triggers Tailings Dam Failures in Chile

March 28th, 1965 59 years ago

A Mw 7.4 earthquake struck near the town of El Cobre, Chile, resulting in catastrophic tailings dam failures. The town, known for its copper mine, faced devastating consequences as the torrents of toxic sludge buried homes and infrastructure. Emergency responders faced critical challenges in locating survivors, leading to a tragic death toll of at least 500 individuals. The earthquake's occurrence brought attention to the dangers posed by mining operations in seismically active regions.

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