What happened in December 1961?
The top front-page story of each day in December 1961, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Dec 1🕊️ U.N. Nuclear Arms Treaty – U.N. committee unanimously supports Ireland's proposal for a treaty against the spread of atomic weapons.
- Dec 2📈 Market Stages Rally – Stock market averages rise 4.62 points in a strong rally, with heavy trading and positive business news across multiple sectors.
- Dec 3🌍 Nyerere Seeks Unity – Tanganyika's Prime Minister Nyerere advocates for an East African Federation to prevent fragmentation and racialism.
- Dec 4🗳️ Syrian Elections Results – Moderate rightist politicians gain leads in Syrian elections, with Kuzbari ahead in Damascus and strong showing by People's Party.
- Dec 5✈️ French Supersonic Transport – France plans a 1,500-M.P.H. supersonic jet, expected to be the world's first, with government backing and two major concerns involved.
- Dec 6🏅 Kennedy Urges Fitness – President Kennedy emphasizes fitness for youth while accepting the 1961 Gold Medal, promoting a broad exercise program.
- Dec 7🌍 Kennedy's Reassuring Speech – President Kennedy's address in Brussels aims to uplift Europe after a period of economic depression, fostering hope among leaders.
- Dec 8🎉 7th Imperial Ball – The 7th Imperial Ball at Plaza raises funds for musicians and supports hospitalized veterans through a festive celebration.
- Dec 9🎉 Tanganyika Gains Independence – Tanganyika celebrates its independence from British rule with a four-day celebration, symbolizing national aspirations.
- Dec 10🔬 Miniaturization in Electronics – Miniaturization is revolutionizing the electronics industry, paving the way for new technologies and innovations.
- Dec 11🌍 Thailand Canal Proposed – A consortium, including four U.S. firms, discusses plans for a 30-mile canal across Thailand, aiming to enhance trade.
- Dec 12🚀 Soviet Supports Space Plan – The Soviet Union joins the U.S. in backing a call for a dormant panel to meet on space exploration at the United Nations.
- Dec 13🌍 Tariff Cuts Agreement – U.S. and Europe near an agreement on tariff cuts, potentially reducing rates by up to 20% before year-end.
- Dec 14🌍 U.N. Votes for Elections – A U.N. unit calls for elections to help free South-West Africa, aiming to promote democratic governance in the region.
- Dec 15🏛️ New Program for Handicapped – U.S. announces a $1 million federal fund for research and training programs to assist the handicapped.
- Dec 16🌍 U.S. Aids Ghana Project – The U.S. announces a $133 million loan for Ghana's Volta River project, aiming to strengthen ties with the West.
- Dec 17🌍 U.N. Bond Proposal – Eight countries propose a $200 million bond issue to avert financial collapse at the United Nations amid resistance from the Red Bloc.
- Dec 18🌍 Kennedy in Venezuela – Thousands cheer President Kennedy as he departs Caracas for Colombia, marking a positive reception during his Latin America tour.
- Dec 19🌍 Underground Atomic Blast – Japan detects an underground atomic test in New Mexico, also recorded in Europe and the Canadian Arctic.
- Dec 20💉 Sweden Tests Cancer Vaccine – Sweden begins testing a cancer vaccine on healthy volunteers to determine if it can produce antibodies.
- Dec 21🌍 Katanga Unifies Congo – Katanga agrees on a unified Congo in Kitona parley, hailed as a statesmanlike pact by leaders Tshombe and Adoula.
- Dec 22🌍 Unity Pact on Congo – The U.N. declares a final accord on Congo, with Tshombe agreeing to national unity and law respect.
- Dec 23🚀 Ion Engine Innovation – New ion engine invention could enhance space flight range using electrified atoms for thrust.
- Dec 24🌍 Search for Extraterrestrial Life – The quest for life beyond Earth raises profound questions about existence and humanity's place in the universe.
- Dec 25🏈 Oilers Win Championship – The Houston Oilers defeat the San Diego Chargers 10-3, securing their second consecutive American Football League title.
- Dec 26🎄 Thousands Attend Rites – Thousands gather at churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus, with crisp weather boosting attendance and calls for active Christian engagement.
- Dec 27🐠 Fish Species Census – Diving teams count 93 fish species in the Atlantic, marking a significant biodiversity survey from Maine to the Caribbean.
- Dec 28🏗️ Soviet Factories Rise – Huge Soviet factories are constructed in Siberia, showcasing advancements in hydroelectric plants despite extreme cold.
- Dec 29🏗️ Jersey Marina Planned – Sica seeks federal loan of $1.425 million to build a 1,500-slip marina, potentially the largest on the East Coast.
- Dec 30📈 Stocks Advanced in 1961 – Stock market saw significant gains in 1961, with the average up 55.25, marking the highest volume since 1929.
- Dec 31🌍 Algeria Decision Approaches – De Gaulle announces France will end its commitment in Algeria in the coming year 'by one means or another'.
Happy Birthday! 1961 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1961 in real headlines. See the 1961 book →
Born in December? Pick the day
Every birthday in December has its own On This Day in Headlines book: