What happened in May 1956?
The top front-page story of each day in May 1956, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- May 1🌍 China's Peasants Reclaiming Land – Peiping resettles hundreds of thousands in virgin areas along borders as part of a literacy drive to increase food production.
- May 2🔬 Salk's Polio Vaccine Progress – Salk announces durable immunity against paralytic polio is likely, marking a significant advancement in vaccine development.
- May 3🔬 Polio Vaccination Push – Public Health Service urges states to increase vaccination efforts against polio, expecting a substantial supply of Salk shots by summer.
- May 4🌍 Japan Approves Reparations – Manila approves a $550 million reparations agreement with Japan, paving the way for normalized diplomatic ties.
- May 5💥 Atomic Test Series Begins – A series of atomic tests starts in the Pacific, with the explosion of a small device observed near Eniwetok.
- May 6🖼️ Simplon Tunnel Anniversary – Italy and Switzerland celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Simplon Tunnel, an important engineering achievement connecting the two countries.
- May 7🏟️ West German Soccer Tie – West German team ties All-Stars 2-2 in soccer opener at Randalls Island, drawing 19,786 fans for the match.
- May 8🌍 Tito Appeals for Peace – Tito in Paris urges global leaders to seek peace through new methods, gathering 20,000 supporters at his event.
- May 9🌍 U.S. Wins Golf Trophy – The U.S. golf team defeats Canada 21-6, showcasing strong performances from Bolt and Fleck in the trophy matches.
- May 10🔬 Cancer Cures Reported – A report indicates that early cancer care could save 800,000 lives in the U.S., highlighting significant advancements in treatment.
- May 11🌍 U.N. Reports Peace Will – Hammarskjold informs the U.N. Security Council of a cease-fire by four Arab states and Israel, emphasizing the need for local initiative for peace.
- May 12🏃 Sime Sets World Record – Sime dashes to a world 220-yard record of 20.1 seconds in North Carolina, surpassing three meet standards.
- May 13🔬 First Atom Plant Completed – $85 million atom plant near Pittsburgh is half completed and expected to operate in 1957, marking a significant milestone in nuclear energy.
- May 14⚓ Nautilus First Trip – Nuclear submarine Nautilus receives a warm welcome during its first visit, showcasing advancements in naval technology.
- May 15🌍 Soviet Arms Reduction – Soviet Union announces plans to cut armed forces by 1.2 million personnel, signaling a potential shift in military strategy.
- May 16🌍 New 5-Year Plan Offered – India proposes an ambitious five-year economic plan, though experts deem the goals overly optimistic amid reliance on private enterprise.
- May 17✈️ Carrier Saratoga Tested – The Aircraft Carrier Saratoga's steam catapult is tested, deemed safer than previous types, marking a significant advancement in naval technology.
- May 18🚁 Heliport Plans Announced – Plans for a new heliport at West 30th St. are revealed, aiming for operational service by October 1, according to air officials.
- May 19🎭 St. James Theatre Sale – $2.1 million bid for St. James Theatre made to Shubert, required to sell under consent decree.
- May 20🌍 Global Farming Crisis – Experts urge a fairer share of the world's income to address the global crisis in farming and ensure sustainability.
- May 21🔬 New Civilization Vision – Scientists forecast a vast population rise by 2050, emphasizing technology's role in future civilization and the need for brain power.
- May 22🔬 U.S. Science for Peace – Americans in the Soviet Union emphasize the importance of science for peace during a celebration in Moscow.
- May 23🔬 Cancer Research Initiative – Ohio State Prison convicts to receive cancer cell injections to aid research in fighting the disease.
- May 24⚛️ Atom Power Unit Opens – Calder Hall in Britain set to provide electricity to the national grid starting in October, marking a significant nuclear milestone.
- May 25🌍 Buddha's 2,500th Celebration – Throngs in New Delhi celebrate the 2,500th anniversary of Buddhism, marking the religion's impact and promoting world peace.
- May 26🔬 Electricity Aids Surgery – Electricity successfully aids in heart surgery on an 11-year-old, stopping the organ for 30 minutes during the operation.
- May 27🏆 Cornell Wins Rowing Race – Cornell's eight defeats Penn by two lengths in a significant rowing competition, showcasing athletic prowess.
- May 28🏆 Moss Car Wins Race – Moss drives a Maserati to victory, beating Fangio's Ferrari in the 1,000 Kilometers race.
- May 29🏔️ Swiss Scale Everest – Swiss climbers successfully reach the summit of Mount Everest, marking a significant achievement in mountaineering history.
- May 30⚓ Grenadier Guards Anniversary – The Grenadier Guards celebrate their 300-year history with exhibits in London, including a letter from George Washington.
- May 31🏛️ Mozart Opera Opens – 'Abduction' by Mozart kicks off the music festival at Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, Connecticut.
Happy Birthday! 1956 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1956 in real headlines. See the 1956 book →