What happened in August 1960?
The top front-page story of each day in August 1960, 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🌍 60,000 Catholics Gather – Eucharistic Congress opens in Munich with Pope's message criticizing materialism in the world.
- Aug 2🌊 Nehru Plans Pakistan Visit – Indian Prime Minister Nehru may visit Pakistan to sign a pact and discuss river sharing and Naga state formation.
- Aug 3🏊 Kansan Reaches Final – Farrell qualifies for the free-style final, completing 100 meters in 0:55.6; Hall and Tobin secure Olympic diving berths.
- Aug 4🧊 Antarctic Ice Growth – Antarctic ice sheet reported growing at a rate of 293 cubic miles yearly, according to a Soviet expert.
- Aug 5🏛️ North Rhodesia Ends Bias – North Rhodesia's council approves a law banning racial discrimination in restaurants and cinemas, marking a significant step towards equality.
- Aug 6🔬 Scientists Detect Vibrations – First observation of earth vibrations noted in four laboratories after Chilean quakes, aiding geological research.
- Aug 7🌍 Olympic Road Opened – A $3,000,000 highway project in Rome aims to enhance access for the upcoming Olympic Games, promoting suburban development.
- Aug 8🌍 Chile Exports Shoes – Chile begins exporting shoes to the U.S. as part of its recovery efforts following devastating earthquakes.
- Aug 9🎾 Dayton Ace Wins Match – Dayton Ace wins a four-set match, concluding the series at 3-2 after McKinley defaults.
- Aug 10🏅 Soviet Olympic Goals – Soviet chief sets ambitious goals for the upcoming Olympics, aiming for a strong showing from 310 athletes selected from a vast pool.
- Aug 11🌍 Senate Ratifies Antarctic Pact – The U.S. Senate ratifies the Antarctic Treaty, outlawing military activity and ensuring peaceful scientific cooperation in the region.
- Aug 12🚀 Capsule Recovery Success – Air Force successfully recovers a 300-pound capsule ejected by a U.S. satellite near Hawaii, aiding future space missions.
- Aug 13🚀 X-15 Climbs Record Height – X-15 rocket plane reaches 131,000 feet, setting an altitude record and providing a weightless experience for the pilot.
- Aug 14🏅 Olympics Bring Peace – 'Olympics' event in Harlem unites children of diverse backgrounds in sports, fostering joy and camaraderie where conflict once existed.
- Aug 15🏅 Olympians' Plane Arrives – American contingent of 87 athletes, including swimmers and water polo players, arrives in Rome for the upcoming Olympics.
- Aug 16🏅 Olympic Team Departs – 170 Olympic athletes and officials leave for Rome after a reception, showcasing national pride and unity.
- Aug 17🌍 Economic Aid Approved – Senate group endorses President's plan for economic assistance to Latin America, aiming to strengthen regional ties.
- Aug 18♟️ Chess Tournament Leaders – Four players, Bisguier, Byrne, Saidy, and Evans, are tied at 7.5-1.5 in the U.S. Open Chess Tournament standings.
- Aug 19🚀 New Discoverer Shot – A satellite with secret gear is launched into orbit, with a recovery force ready for its mission.
- Aug 20🚀 Soviet Satellite Launch – Russians orbit a satellite carrying two dogs and a TV, marking a significant achievement in space exploration.
- Aug 21🐶 Soviet Recovers Dogs – Soviet Union successfully recovers dogs after their space flight, marking a significant achievement in animal space exploration.
- Aug 22🔬 Biologist Films Microorganisms – A biologist aims to capture the real life of microscopic organisms, lifting study out of routine.
- Aug 23🚀 Satellite Dogs Shown – Belka and Strelka, the Soviet space dogs, are showcased in Moscow, marking a significant moment in space exploration history.
- Aug 24🏛️ World Church Council Stance – World Church Council reaffirms its opposition to segregation, calling it contrary to Christian values.
- Aug 25🔬 Polio Vaccine Approved – Live-virus polio vaccine is approved for use in the U.S., resolving a public health dispute over the selection of Sabin compounds.
- Aug 26🏅 Olympics Open in Rome – Olympics commence with 75,000 attendees celebrating athletes from 84 nations; U.S. team aims for gold.
- Aug 27🚀 U.S. Plans Space Launch – The U.S. Air Force announces plans to launch a monkey into space in October using the Discoverer Satellite.
- Aug 28🌍 African States Shift U.N – Newly independent African nations are set to alter power dynamics within the United Nations, impacting global politics.
- Aug 29🔬 Biologists Rush Textbooks – An institute publishes new high school textbooks after a nine-week project, set for testing in 105 schools this fall.
- Aug 30🌍 Soviet Canoeists Win Gold – Soviet athletes secure gold medals in kayak singles and doubles events at the Olympics, marking a significant achievement for the U.S.S.R.
- Aug 31🔬 Atomic Age Benefits Fungi – Scientists find yeasts and molds thrive on fallout and jet fuel, indicating potential for new applications.
Happy Birthday! 1960 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1960 in real headlines. See the 1960 book →
Born in August? Pick the day
Every birthday in August has its own On This Day in Headlines book: