What happened in August 1956?
The top front-page story of each day in August 1956, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Aug 1🌍 Heyerdahl's New Findings – Explorer Thor Heyerdahl announces discoveries from his latest Pacific expedition, supporting Inca migration theories.
- Aug 2🔬 Polio Vaccine Limit Lifted – U.S. ends state allocations on polio vaccine, citing an abundant supply and hopes to split the virus for better distribution.
- Aug 3🏊 Teen Swimmer Shines – Carin Cone, 16, emerges as the U.S. backstroke queen, aiming for Olympic trials in Detroit with perfect turns.
- Aug 4🌍 Gold Coast Asks Freedom – Accra Assembly votes 72-0 for formal plea to Britain for independence amid opposition boycott.
- Aug 5🏛️ Church Unearthed in Greece – A church dating back to 300 A.D. has been discovered in Greece, revealing significant historical architecture.
- Aug 6🏆 Fangio Wins Grand Prix – Juan Manuel Fangio captures the Grand Prix in Germany, breaking records and virtually clinching the World Championship title.
- Aug 7🌍 Suez Crisis Developments – Eden to address Suez crisis on radio and TV; second carrier dispatched to the Middle East amid rising tensions.
- Aug 8🏊 Woolsey Wins Olympic Tryout – Woolsey secures a spot on the U.S. Olympic team by winning the 100-meter freestyle swim trial.
- Aug 9🏗️ Atom Unit Established – A new atomic energy unit is inaugurated in Michigan, hailed as a pioneering project by the A.E.C. and President.
- Aug 10🌍 Suez Conference Planned – President invites Congressional leaders to discuss the Suez crisis, aiming for bipartisan cooperation on the issue.
- Aug 11🌍 Suez Crisis Developments – West proposes a world control unit to address the Suez crisis, emphasizing Egypt's rights and seeking international cooperation.
- Aug 12🛰️ Earth Satellite Plans – Plans for metal balls to orbit Earth at 300 miles height promise full success in satellite technology.
- Aug 13🚢 Nasser Rejects Suez Talks – Egypt's President Nasser proposes wider talks on Suez Canal, rejecting London's invitation for negotiations.
- Aug 14🔬 Reactor Test Success – Prototype of Nautilus Atomic Power Plant completes record 1,600-hour test run without interruption.
- Aug 15🔬 X-Ray Engine Insights – New X-ray technology allows for viewing inside running engines, capturing their action in unprecedented detail.
- Aug 16🏗️ Titanium Plant Expansion – A $15 million investment is planned to expand titanium production capacity, boosting handling equipment sales.
- Aug 17🏛️ Olympics Ban Argentina – Argentina is excluded from the Olympics due to government interference with its Olympic Committee.
- Aug 18🎾 Rosewall Reaches Semi-Final – Ken Rosewall defeats Golden in straight sets to advance in the Newport tennis tournament, showcasing his strong backhand.
- Aug 19⛵ Yachts Set Sail – 46 yachts participate in an overnight race organized by the Port Washington Club, showcasing sailing skills and competition.
- Aug 20🔬 Palsy Study Funded – $500,000 granted for research into brain injury solutions, aiming for significant advancements in understanding and treatment.
- Aug 21🌍 Suez Canal Tensions – Egypt faces pilot shortages threatening Suez Canal operations, with foreign pilots refusing to return amid escalating tensions.
- Aug 22🚀 Satellite Shell Construction – Feather-light satellite shells made of magnesium are being built to hold precision instruments for upcoming space missions.
- Aug 23🗺️ Israel Marks Historic Sites – Israel sets up 300 signposts to highlight biblical and historic sites, aiming to enhance tourism and cultural heritage awareness.
- Aug 24🎥 Film on Sukarno – A movie about Indonesian President Sukarno's visit breaks attendance records, aiding U.S. relations with Indonesia.
- Aug 25🏟️ Jazz Festival Begins – City's first jazz festival attracts 15,000 attendees to Randalls Island, marking a significant cultural event.
- Aug 26🔬 Miss Crapp Sets Records – Australian swimmer Miss Crapp breaks four world records in the 200 and 400-meter, 440, and 220-yard events.
- Aug 27🌊 Nasser Meets Mission – Egypt's President Nasser will meet a five-nation mission to discuss the Suez Canal, demanding broad discussions on the issue.
- Aug 28🌍 Nasser Plans Suez Talks – Egypt's Nasser prepares for negotiations regarding the Suez Canal, signaling potential diplomatic progress.
- Aug 29🎭 Canadian Troupe Performs – Stratford, Ontario's company stages 'Henry V' at the Edinburgh Festival, showcasing Canadian talent on an international stage.
- Aug 30🏛️ New Arctic Capital – Canada establishes a new capital in the Arctic, showcasing resilience and innovation in the face of wilderness challenges.
- Aug 31🎾 U.S. Tennis Opens – The U.S. Tennis Championships begin, featuring top players like Hoad and Shirley Fry as favorites for the titles.
Happy Birthday! 1956 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1956 in real headlines. See the 1956 book →
Born in August? Pick the day
Every birthday in August has its own On This Day in Headlines book: