1961
1st Orbit of the Earth
1st man to orbit the Earth, Vostok -1
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Browse historical records dated to 1961. Records are rendered from the World History Database into this page's initial HTML.
1st man to orbit the Earth, Vostok -1
Increases the number of US advisers sent to South Vietnam
McCone completed his service as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission at the end of the Eisenhower administration.
Kennedy authorizes fighter bomber trainers to the Bien Hoa Air Base
Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem
300 US helicopter pilots in "Eagle Flight" units arrive in Vietnam
Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem
Commands or flies in Cuban air operations defending the Bay of Pigs area.
Rafael del Pino is separately recorded during air defense of cuba at Bay of Pigs.
Flies a Cuban T-33 during air combat against Bay of Pigs invasion aircraft.
Flies a Cuban Sea Fury during air combat against Bay of Pigs invasion aircraft.
Goodwin supports exile B-26 crews during the opening air operation.
Cabell goes to Rusk with Bissell to challenge cancellation of the planned D-Day air strikes.
Cabell gives Taylor a detailed statement explaining the circumstances surrounding cancellation of the D-Day air strike.
Warns of mass action if government refuses negotiations.
Stevenson discovers that intelligence officials supplied him with inaccurate information.
After an embassy interview in July 1961, officials concluded that Oswald had not expatriated himself and returned his American passport.
Benenson and Baker, in consultation with other writers, academics and lawyers, write via Louis Blom-Cooper to David Astor, editor of The Observer newspaper, who, on May 28, 1961, publishes Benensons article The Forgotten Prisoners.
Marks the launch of Appeal for Amnesty, 1961, the aim of which is to mobilize public opinion, quickly and widely, in defence of these individuals, and in particular communist party members, who Benenson named "Prisoners of Conscience".
Benenson and Baker, in consultation with other writers, academics and lawyers, write via Louis Blom-Cooper to David Astor, editor of The Observer newspaper, who, on May 28, 1961, publishes Benensons article The Forgotten Prisoners.
Marks the launch of Appeal for Amnesty, 1961, the aim of which is to mobilize public opinion, quickly and widely, in defence of these individuals, and in particular communist party members, who Benenson named "Prisoners of Conscience".
Benenson and his friend Alec Digges, an Irish communist, members of the International Brigade Association at the same address (2 Parton Street WC1, London) take control of the Amnesty shell. Amnesty International is founded by Peter Benenson, an English lawyer who had converted to Roman Catholicism in 1958
The leadership decide that the Amnesty appeal would form the basis of a permanent organisation, which on 30 September 1962 is officially named "Amnesty International"
Benenson and his friend Alec Digges, an Irish communist, members of the International Brigade Association at the same address (2 Parton Street WC1, London) take control of the Amnesty shell
The leadership decide that the Amnesty appeal would form the basis of a permanent organisation, which on 30 September 1962 is officially named "Amnesty International"
Threatens a nationwide campaign of non-co-operation. Releases a press release calling for a national constitutional convention
Becomes NASA administrator during Apollo expansion.
Marks the launch of Appeal for Amnesty, 1961, the aim of which is to mobilize public opinion, quickly and widely, in defence of these individuals, and in particular communist party members, who Benenson named "Prisoners of Conscience"
Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury
The Act provides loans and assistance to regions experiencing persistent unemployment.
Raises the question of armed struggle with the Working Committee
Raises the question of armed struggle with the National Executive. Authorized by Congress to form a military organisation, separate from the ANC
Begins organising Umkhonto we Sizwe as a separate military structure.
Signs legislation creating the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.
Arrested with 800 others during a CND march in London
Arrested with 800 others during a CND march in Londond
Fully released
Arrested with 800 others during a CND march in London
Is asked to lead the ANC newly created armed wing.
Lumumba and two other comrades (Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito) from the Government are lined up against a tree, President Tshombe and two other ministers are present for the executions. Dismissed by the forces of Kasavubu & turned over to the Katanga regime & murdered
Dennison directs Atlantic Fleet support positioned outside Cuban waters.
Miro Cardona is told that a provisional government proclaimed in Cuba would not receive automatic United States recognition.
Shamburger is killed when a Cuban fighter shoots down his B-26.
Herrera leads exile bombers during the pre-invasion attacks on Cuban airfields.
Diaz attempts a diversionary landing intended to distract Cuban defenders.
Robertson helps direct the landing phase from the Barbara J during the opening hours of the invasion.
Lynch submits an after-action report describing the landing operation and the rapid deterioration of the invasion.
Volunteers as an Alabama Air National Guard aircrew member supporting the exile air force.
Volunteers as an Alabama Air National Guard pilot supporting Bay of Pigs air operations.
Volunteers as an Alabama Air National Guard aircrew member supporting the Bay of Pigs operation.
Commands a formation of B-26 bombers during the pre-invasion air strike.
Leads a B-26 formation with Alabama Air National Guard advisers during the pre-invasion air strike.
Robert Kennedy participates in administration discussions about the invasion.
Cuban forces under Castro's command defeat the remaining Brigade 2506 resistance at the Bay of Pigs.
Castro orders large Cuban forces toward the beachhead while armour and aircraft increase pressure on Brigade 2506.
Miro Cardona and Revolutionary Council members are briefed that the beachhead is under attack by Cuban tanks and aircraft.
first meets the Beatles in a record store
The Beatles are driven to London by their road manager, Neil Aspinall, and audition the next day for Decca Records, who reject them
Brian Epstein orders 144 copies of "Cry For A Shadow", written by George Harrison
Brian Epstein learns of the existence of The Beatles
Brian Epstein sees the Beatles at the Cavern for the first time
Local record store manager Brian Epstein is introduced to the Beatles, he signs a contract to manage them
Brian Epstein invites The Beatles to his shop and offers to manage them
Brian Epstein orders 144 copies of "Cry For A Shadow", written by George Harrison
Brian Epstein invites The Beatles to his shop and offers to manage them
A single "My Bonnie" by Tony Sheridan & backing by The Beatles is released in Germany
Local record store manager Brian Epstein is introduced to the Beatles, he signs a contract to manage them
The Beatles make their debut at the Cavern Club
A single "My Bonnie" by Tony Sheridan & backing by The Beatles is released in Germany
Local record store manager Brian Epstein is introduced to the Beatles, he signs a contract to manage them
Brian Epstein invites The Beatles to his shop and offers to manage them
A single "My Bonnie" by Tony Sheridan & backing by The Beatles is released in Germany
Nehru participates in the first summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade.
The border between East & West is sealed off
Construction of the Berlin Wall begins
The Berlin Wall goes up after 2,000 East Germans cross into the west the day before
Tunisia confronted France over the continued French military presence at Bizerte.
Lynch helps direct the landing from the Blagar and remains involved as Cuban aircraft repeatedly attack the vessel.
Bombs are exploded at power stations & Government offices by Umkhonto we Sizwe
Killed during the planting of bombs at power stations & Government offices by Umkhonto
Bombs are exploded at power stations & Government offices by Umkhonto we Sizwe. A bombing campaign held on the Afikaner Dinganes day, anniversarry Blood River
Bombs are exploded at power stations & Government offices by Umkhonto we Sizwe
Participates in the Bonn summit where the Six seek proposals for closer political cooperation.
Eisenhower breaks off diplomatic relations with Cuba
The CIA-chartered invasion fleet moves toward Cuba before the landing.
Receives final briefings on the Barbara J role in the landing plan
Perez San Roman serves as field commander of Brigade 2506 for the planned amphibious assault.
Villafana commands the exile air arm supporting Brigade 2506 operations.
Ferrer Mena serves as chief of staff for Brigade 2506 during final invasion preparations.
Oliva serves as deputy commander of Brigade 2506 as the force prepares for the invasion.
Castro's government imprisons most surviving Brigade 2506 members captured after the invasion.
Receives Harold Macmillan's letter requesting negotiations on British accession while serving as President-in-Office of the EEC Council.
Announces the Defence budget will be increased by 30%
Stalins body is removed from the Kremlin
Stalins body is removed from Lenins side in the Mausoleum on Red Square
Navarro lands a C-46 at Playa Giron, unloads badly needed supplies and assists evacuation of wounded personnel.
Enters Cabinet as minister of community development and Coloured affairs.
Cancels or limits further overt air strikes before the landing phase of the operation
Supports caution over additional air strikes because of diplomatic and deniability concerns
Soviet law expands capital punishment to specified major economic crimes.
Clark sends aircraft to locate the distant Caribe and persuade its master to turn north toward the operational area.
Mann urges officials to proceed cautiously while the administration considers the proposed invasion force.
Brian Epstein sees the Beatles at the Cavern for the first time
Sees the Beatles perform at the Cavern Club for the first time.
The Beatles make their Cavern Club debut in Liverpool.
Performs when the Beatles make their Cavern Club debut.
The Beatles make their Cavern Club debut in Liverpool.
Performs when the Beatles make their Cavern Club debut.
The Beatles make their Cavern Club debut in Liverpool.
Performs when the Beatles make their Cavern Club debut.
Clark works to turn surviving Cuban Expeditionary Force ships back toward Point Zulu after the landing force comes under heavy attack.
Gheorghiu-Dej becomes chairman of the newly created Council of State.
Appointed Chancellor of Austria
Leads Montserrat Labour Party government after the 1961 election
Cabell leaves his CIA deputy-director post following the Bay of Pigs failure and the administration's leadership changes.
Dulles leaves the CIA after the Bay of Pigs failure and the administration's subsequent review of Agency leadership.
Kennedy changes senior CIA leadership after the Bay of Pigs inquiry and reassessment of covert operations.
Bissell leaves senior CIA operational leadership after criticism of the planning and execution of the Bay of Pigs invasion.
McCone established a working group led by Inspector General Lyman Kirkpatrick to examine CIA organization and the case for a separate scientific directorate.
Civic Military Directory replaces the 1960 junta
Bissell reviews Cuban civilian-military relations and links between exile political leaders, the strike force and Joint Chiefs staff.
Kennedy attends a summit with Premier Khrushchev in Vienna to discuss cold war confrontations between the east & west, in particular the situation in Berlin
Healey moves to a new shadow secretary role as Labour reorganises its front bench.
Coloured Persons Reserves Act, apartheid legislation
John Hammond signs Dylan to Columbia Records
Signs Bob Dylan to Columbia Records.
A Comecon council session approved the Basic Principles of the International Socialist Division of Labour, which talked of closer coordination of plans and of "concentrating production of similar products in one or several socialist countries"
Comecon adopts principles for closer coordination and specialization among member economies.
The Government introduces a Bill to reduce Commonwealth Immigration. Commonwealth Immigrants must have a job to come or have useful qualifications
South Africa withdraws from the Commonwealth
Tries to keep South Africa within the Commonwealth but is forced to withdraw membership
South Africa leaves the Commonwealth. Despite leaving the Commonwealth preferential trade would continue
South Africas membership of the Commonwealth is terminated
Administers policies connected with apartheid urban restructuring.
Tries to keep South Africa within the Commonwealth but is forced to withdraw membership
The failure of the two leaders to resolve any of their differences during the summit led Khrushchev to view Kennedy as a weak president. Kennedy attends a summit with Premier Khrushchev in Vienna to discuss cold war confrontations between the east & west, in particular the situation in Berlin
Russia & the USA agree to enforce a truce within their areas of influence. Kennedy & Khrushchev meet to avoid direct confrontation between USA & Russia
Russia & the USA agree to enforce a truce within their areas of influence. Kennedy & Khrushchev meet to avoid direct confrontation between USA & Russia
Leaves court without conviction on the treason charges.
By 1980 "distribution according to need" should be in place
Proposes a 20 year plan to usher in a communist society
Congress votes to remove Stalins body from the mausoleum on Red Sqr
Consecrates Guildford Cathedral
Paz Estenssoro promulgates a constitution reflecting reforms of the National Revolution.
Castro forms a dictatorship & declares himself to be a Marxist-Leninist. As hundreds of thousands celebrate May Day, Castro announces Cuba is a socialist nation & abolishes elections
The Central Committee plenum adopts a new Party programme replacing that of 1919
Releases a press release calling for a national constitutional convention
Legislation is prepared to establish the Republic of South Africa
The Republic of South Africa comes into existence
The Constitution of 1961 established a representative democratic system and protected civil and political rights.
The fortified Berlin Wall begins taking shape after the initial closure of the sector boundary.
As Council President-in-Office, informs Britain that the EEC Council agrees to begin accession negotiations.
Lands a force of 1,500 Cuban exiles in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro
The Kennedy administration continues covert operations against Cuba, later launching the Cuban Project to "help Cuba overthrow the Communist regime"
Deposed by the army
Successfully leads a coup in Korea
Stevenson later learns that the official account of the air strikes was false.
Kennedy directs continuation of propaganda, political action, sabotage, infiltration and overflight activities while military review proceeds.
The indictment also includes crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Judges reject his attempt to minimize responsibility.
Meets Kennedy & will settle with East Germany if the west signs a peace Treaty
The Warsaw Pact calls on East Germany for "protection & control" of the Berlin borders
The border between East & West is sealed off
Construction of the Berlin Wall begins
President Kennedy asked General Maxwell D. Taylor, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Admiral Arleigh Burke and CIA Director Allen Dulles to form the Cuba Study Group, to report on lessons to learn from the failed operation
Serves on the Cuba Study Group even as CIA leadership comes under criticism for the failed invasion
Kennedy forms the Cuba Study Group to review the failed invasion.
President Kennedy asked General Maxwell D. Taylor, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Admiral Arleigh Burke and CIA Director Allen Dulles to form the Cuba Study Group, to report on lessons to learn from the failed operation
Robert Kennedy serves on the inquiry reviewing the failed operation.
Taylor chairs the presidential inquiry into the planning and execution of the invasion.
Testifies or is questioned during post-invasion reviews of CIA planning
Defends CIA organization and planning before post-invasion reviewers
Taylor submits findings and recommendations from the presidential review.
Burke serves on the presidential group examining the failed invasion.
Castro's government retains enough operational aircraft after the preliminary strikes to attack invasion shipping and bombers.
Stevenson responds after Cuba accuses the United States of directing air attacks.
Roa accuses the United States of responsibility for the air attacks on Cuba.
The Cuban Democratic Revolutionary Front was absorbed by the Cuban Revolutionary Council, and Arcacha moved the office to 544 Camp Street for several months
The Cuban Democratic Revolutionary Front was absorbed by the Cuban Revolutionary Council, and Arcacha moved the office to 544 Camp Street for several months
President Kennedy authorized Operation Mongoose, a covert programme directed against Fidel Castro's government.
The Kennedy administration continues covert operations against Cuba, later launching the Cuban Project to "help Cuba overthrow the Communist regime"
The CIA helped Cuban exiles in Miami to create the Cuban Revolutionary Council (CRC), chaired by Jose Miro Cardona, former Prime Minister of Cuba in January 1959. Cardona became the de facto leader-in-waiting of the intended post-invasion Cuban Government
CIA helps Cuban exiles create the Cuban Revolutionary Council.
The Cuban Democratic Revolutionary Front was absorbed by the Cuban Revolutionary Council, and Arcacha moved the office to 544 Camp Street for several months
Hunt helped prepare the exile political structure that evolved into the Cuban Revolutionary Council before the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Bissell joins Cabell in arguing that cancellation of the dawn strikes leaves Castro's remaining aircraft able to attack the brigade.
Bundy informs Cabell that dawn air strikes are not to proceed until they can be launched from the beachhead.
President Kennedy announced that he intended to appoint McCone to succeed Allen Dulles as Director of Central Intelligence.
Chief Justice Earl Warren administered McCone's oath as Director of Central Intelligence in the White House Cabinet Room.
Claims he acted within orders and bureaucratic authority.
Announces a major increase in Soviet defense spending during the renewed Berlin confrontation.
McNamara participates in discussions as Cuban forces attack the landing area.
Cabell is briefed on unresolved Defense Department support problems affecting the Cuban project.
Commands revolutionary forces mobilized during the Bay of Pigs emergency.
Takes part in revolutionary command arrangements during the Bay of Pigs emergency.
Kerensky records his position on democratic programme in exile.
Arrested with 800 others during a CND march in London
Clark sends destroyers toward the beaches to attempt evacuation of brigade survivors.
Clark sends destroyers toward the beaches in an effort to evacuate surviving brigade members.
Castro forms a dictatorship & declares himself to be a Marxist-Leninist
Bowles argues that the operation threatens United States diplomatic credibility.
Castro directly commands Cuban armed forces responding to the Brigade 2506 landings.
Appointed Director of the Peace Corps
McCone was sworn in as Director of Central Intelligence and became the fourth Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Clark positions destroyers offshore to provide early warning for the Cuban Expeditionary Force ships.
Supports East German measures sealing the border between East and West Berlin.
Eisenhower breaks off diplomatic relations with Cuba
A Comecon council session approved the Basic Principles of the International Socialist Division of Labour, which talked of closer coordination of plans and of "concentrating production of similar products in one or several socialist countries"
Testifies extensively in his own defence.
His trial begins before the Jerusalem District Court.
As hundreds of thousands celebrate May Day, Castro announces Cuba is a socialist nation & abolishes elections
Brings the election forward to October 1961
The National Party wins 105 seats & the United Party wins 53 seats
Elizabeth II entertains President Kennedy
After spending New Year's Day with Ella German's family, Lee proposed marriage to her the following evening and was rejected.
Perez San Roman urgently requests an aircraft landing with ammunition and evacuation space for wounded brigade members.
The Second to Fourth Eyskens Governments ends in Brussels, concluding this period as Prime Minister of Belgium.
Martinez escapes into the countryside after the Las Delicias uprising is defeated.
Scores for Barcelona in the European Cup final against Benfica in Bern.
Hanged for war crimes at Ramle
Lumumba and two other comrades (Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito) from the Government are lined up against a tree, President Tshombe and two other ministers are present for the executions. Dismissed by the forces of Kasavubu & turned over to the Katanga regime & murdered
Had taken dictatorial powers, was deposed by the army & hanged for treason
Lumumba and two other comrades (Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito) from the Government are lined up against a tree, President Tshombe and two other ministers are present for the executions
Lumumba and two other comrades (Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito) from the Government are lined up against a tree, President Tshombe and two other ministers are present for the executions
Varona represents the Democratic Revolutionary Front in negotiations over procedures for choosing a future Cuban Revolutionary Council.
Hunt continued negotiations among rival Cuban exile leaders as the CIA tried to present a unified political alternative to Fidel Castro.
Ray negotiates with Varona and other opposition leaders over a unified political structure for the anti-Castro movement.
Stevenson confronts Cuban evidence challenging the defector cover story.
Roa challenges the claim that a Cuban pilot independently attacked government airfields.
Delivers his Farewell Address, warning of the potential influence of the military-industrial complex and emphasizing balanced national policy.
B-26s & SC-47s are redesignated as "reconnaissance bombers"
Farm Gate aircraft are authorized to fly combat missions
Faces charges including crimes against the Jewish people.
Ray flies an American-crewed B-26 during the final mission.
Begins his final term as Prime Minister while also head of state
Diaz commands an attempted diversionary landing near Baracoa.
Libya exports its first commercial shipment of crude oil.
The achievement marks first full day in orbit as an important Russian scientific milestone.
The achievement marks first human spaceflight as an important Russian scientific milestone.
Leads the first cabinet after independence from Great Britain
Del Valle commands the Brigade 2506 First Paratroop Battalion before the airborne phase of the invasion.
Appointed First Secretary of the Komsomol Krai Committee
Becomes the first State President of the Republic of South Africa.
Adoula forms a coalition government approved by the reconvened Parliament.
Bacallao Ponte commands the Brigade 2506 armoured battalion assigned to the invasion force.
Shepard pilots Freedom 7 on the first crewed American suborbital spaceflight, demonstrating the basic Mercury spacecraft and recovery system.
Fernandez establishes a command post directing forces toward the invasion area.
Hosts national celebrations for Yuri Gagarin after the first human orbital flight.
Appointed General Secretary of the United Nations
Verwoerd forms a republican ministry
His government ends in Helsinki, concluding this term as Prime Minister of Finland.
Becomes first Governor-General and representative head of state at independence
Consecrates Guildford Cathedral
Is convicted on major charges by the Jerusalem court.
Represents the monarch as Sierra Leone begins independence as a Commonwealth realm
Roberto Perez San Roman commands the Brigade 2506 heavy-gun battalion.
The United States Navy begins regular Polaris submarine operations from Holy Loch in Scotland
The American Polaris submarine USS Patrick Henry reaches Holy Loch as the United States establishes a forward submarine base in Scotland
The British Government defends the use of Holy Loch as a base for American Polaris submarines
Ileo heads a government aligned with President Kasa-Vubu during the continuing constitutional crisis.
Villa defeats Rotherham United 3-2 on aggregate in the first League Cup final.
Inaugurated President of the USA, 35th President, youngest ever President
"the security of South East Asia will be endagered if Laos loses its independence"
Prepares Tanganyika for independence
"the security of South East Asia will be endagered if Laos loses its independence"
Belgium is later deemed to be in breach of its obligation (under United Nations Resolution 290 of 1949) to refrain from acts or threats "aimed at impairing the freedom, independence or integrity of another state"
Kennedy enters office with the CIA Cuban invasion project already well advanced.
McCone began serving as a consultant so he could familiarize himself with CIA and the wider Intelligence Community before formally taking office.
Schlesinger advises Kennedy on intelligence organisation after the failure.
Mann hosts an interagency review of the Joint Staff draft plan for operations against Cuba.
Benenson and his friend Alec Digges, an Irish communist, members of the International Brigade Association at the same address (2 Parton Street WC1, London) take control of the Amnesty shell
A Comecon council session approved the Basic Principles of the International Socialist Division of Labour, which talked of closer coordination of plans and of "concentrating production of similar products in one or several socialist countries"
Organizes Bakongo militants, launches an incursion into Angola, leading 4,000 to 5,000 militants
The CIA assumed that the invasion would spark a popular uprising against Castro, however by the time the invasion began, Castro had already executed some who were suspected of colluding with the American campaign. President Kennedy withdraws support for the invasion at the last minute by canceling several bombing sorties that could have crippled the entire Cuban Air Force
By about 10:30 on 18 April, Cuban troops and militia, supported by tanks, took Playa Larga after Brigade forces had fled towards Giron in the early hours. During the day, Brigade forces retreated to San Blas along the two roads from Covadonga and Yaguaramas. By then, both Fidel Castro and Jose Ramon Fernandez had re-located to that battlefront area
During the night of 14/15 April, a diversionary landing was planned near Baracoa, Oriente Province, by about 164 Cuban exiles commanded by Higinio 'Nino' Diaz
On the night of 15/16 April, the Nino Diaz group failed in a second attempted diversionary landing at a fresh location near Baracoa
Merardo Leon, Jose Leon, and 14 others staged an armed uprising at Las Delicias Estate in Las Villas, with only four surviving. Leonel Martinez and three others took to the countryside
Kennedy is briefed on a plan, code-named Operation Pluto, for a ship-borne invasion force to land near Trinidad, Cuba.
Kennedy asked Asks advisers whether the toppling of Castro might be related to weapon shipments and if it was possible to claim the real targets were modern fighter aircraft and rockets which endangered Americas securit
At about 06:00 Cuban time, eight Douglas B-26B Invader bombers attacked three Cuban airfields in three groups.
They struck San Antonio de los Banos, Ciudad Libertad near Havana, and Antonio Maceo International Airport at Santiago de Cuba.
Bomber aircraft displaying Cuban Fuerza Aerea Revolucionaria markings bomb the Cuban airfields of San Antonio de Los Bacos, Antonio Maceo International Airport, and the airfield at Ciudad Libertad
Kennedy decides against giving the faltering invasion US air support (though four US pilots were killed in Cuba during the invasion) because of his opposition to overt intervention.
Operation Puma, the code name given to the offensive counter air attacks against the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, called for 48 hours of air strikes.
The invasion force of Cuban exiles has been killed or captured by Castro
President Kennedy asked General Maxwell D. Taylor, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Admiral Arleigh Burke and CIA Director Allen Dulles to form the Cuba Study Group, to report on lessons to learn from the failed operation
Merardo Leon, Jose Leon, and 14 others staged an armed uprising at Las Delicias Estate in Las Villas, with only four surviving. Leonel Martinez and three others took to the countryside
Merardo Leon, Jose Leon, and 14 others staged an armed uprising at Las Delicias Estate in Las Villas, with only four surviving. Leonel Martinez and three others took to the countryside
By about 10:30 on 18 April, Cuban troops and militia, supported by tanks, took Playa Larga after Brigade forces had fled towards Giron in the early hours. During the day, Brigade forces retreated to San Blas along the two roads from Covadonga and Yaguaramas. By then, both Fidel Castro and Jose Ramon Fernandez had re-located to that battlefront area
Kennedy suggests reconnaissance spying flights using Laotian markings
Carreras attacks brigade ships and landing positions in a Cuban combat aircraft.
Dulles is briefed late on the invasion crisis, including men ashore, undelivered supplies and two ships lost to Cuban aircraft.
Lemnitzer forwards the Joint Chiefs' favorable evaluation of the proposed exile strike plan to the CIA.
His defence prepares an appeal to Israel's Supreme Court.
He faces fifteen counts under Israeli law.
Accepts a deputy premiership in Cyrille Adoula's coalition as parliament attempts to reunify the country.
Lemnitzer coordinates military review of the CIA invasion proposal.
Lemnitzer represents the Joint Chiefs during reviews of the operation.
Gray receives a detailed briefing on the planned exile strike force and its operational concept.
Appointed Heads of the military Junta
The Kennedy administration continues covert operations against Cuba, later launching the Cuban Project to "help Cuba overthrow the Communist regime". Elizabeth II entertains President Kennedy
Baker is killed after surviving the crash of his B-26.
Gray dies when his B-26 crashes after being hit by Cuban fire.
Signs an agreement with Cyrille Adoula accepting in principle the unity of the Congo.
Appointed First Secretary of the Komsomol Krai Committee
Addresses the Labour Party conference while serving as National Executive Committee chairman.
Robertson submits his after-action account of the Bay of Pigs landing operation to the Taylor inquiry.
Bundy confirms that no presidential diversion order has been issued, allowing the landing operation to proceed.
Departs Stock Island aboard Blagar to help direct the landing phase of the invasion
Departs Stock Island aboard Barbara J to help direct the landing phase of the invasion
Merardo Leon participates in the armed uprising at Las Delicias.
Jose Leon joins an armed anti-Castro uprising at the Las Delicias estate.
Urban Bantu Councils Act, apartheid legislation. Preservation of Coloured Areas Act, apartheid legislation
Coloured Persons Reserves Act, apartheid legislation
Meets US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Lyman Lemnitzer to discuss military cooperation and security in the Taiwan Strait.
Grissom pilots Liberty Bell 7 on the second American crewed suborbital flight under Project Mercury.
After Grissom's successful Mercury flight, Liberty Bell 7 sinks following premature opening of the spacecraft's explosive hatch.
Kennedy authorises limited fighter protection for the final exile B-26 mission.
Patrice Lumumba Friendship University rejected Lee's application because the institution was reserved for students from developing regions.
Killed after surviving the crash of a B-26 bomber during the final Bay of Pigs air mission.
Killed when his B-26 bomber crashed into the ocean after being hit by Cuban air defense.
Killed after his B-26 bomber was shot down during the final air mission of the Bay of Pigs operation.
Killed when his B-26 bomber was shot down by a Cuban T-33 fighter.
1st introduced to Lee Harvey Oswald
Oswald married Marina Prusakova in Minsk on April 30, 1961, after completing the required civil registration procedures.
Castro mobilises Cuban military and militia forces against the exile landings on the southern coast.
As hundreds of thousands celebrate May Day, Castro announces Cuba is a socialist nation & abolishes elections
The United States and the Soviet Union sign a "Joint Statement of Agreed Principles for Disarmament Negotiations," the McCloy-Zorin Accords
The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords
The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords
The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords
Oswald met Marina Prusakova at a trade-union dance in Minsk around March 17, 1961, and began seeing her soon afterward.
Meets Kennedy but finds out the US does not need a "broker" with Russia
McNamara examines the military assumptions behind the proposed exile invasion.
Appointed Minister of Coloured Affairs
Appointed Minister of Housing
Appointed Minister of Justice
Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem
Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem
US helicopters arrive at docks in South Vietnam along with 400 US personnel
Kennedy sends General Taylor & advisers to discuss troop support for Diem
Commits the United States to landing a man on the Moon.
Bissell coordinates a twenty-four-hour delay in moving the strike force from Guatemala toward Nicaragua.
Ayub promulgates reforms governing marriage, divorce and inheritance procedures.
NASA Administrator James E. Webb announced the site of the NASA centre dedicated to human space flight would be Houston, Texas, this becomes the Manned Spacecraft Center, renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1973
Calls for a national convention on South Africa future.
Organizes Bakongo militants, launches an incursion into Angola, leading 4,000 to 5,000 militants
Organises protest demanding a democratic constitutional convention.
The revolutionary government nationalizes most remaining large private businesses
Gray relays the urgent request for carrier air protection after cancellation of the planned Cuban exile air strikes.
Burke oversees naval advice and support arrangements for the operation.
Dies in an aircraft crash while travelling to negotiate a ceasefire in the Katanga conflict.
Barnes reports that senior Kennedy administration officials generally endorse continuation of preparations.
The Twenty-Second Party Congress adopts a new Communist Party programme replacing the 1919 programme.
Arrives in New York and enters the Greenwich Village folk scene.
Publishes a New York Times review that helps Dylan's reputation.
Stevenson publicly denies that United States forces will intervene in Cuba.
Berle and Schlesinger tell Miro Cardona that United States troops will not be sent to support the anti-Castro operation.
Represents neutral Cambodia within the emerging Non-Aligned Movement
Calls for an extra $3.25 billion in defense spending & an increase in US & NATO forces
Calls for an extra $3.25 billion in defense spending & an increase in US & NATO forces
The United States nuclear testing moratorium ends
The United States and the Soviet Union sign a "Joint Statement of Agreed Principles for Disarmament Negotiations," the McCloy-Zorin Accords
The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords
Kennedy authorises a limited one-hour Navy fighter cover mission for the brigade's final B-26 operation.
Kennedy authorises development of a new covert programme against Castro.
Kennedy is briefed on Operation Pluto, an invasion plan proposing a landing near Trinidad, Cuba.
Operation Puma calls for sustained strikes against Cuban aircraft and airfields.
Exile B-26 aircraft attack three Cuban airfields before the main landing.
Taylor's study group examines command, intelligence, air support and policy decisions that contributed to the Bay of Pigs defeat.
Kennedy permits the exile operation but refuses deployment of conventional United States forces.
Pakistan closes its border after relations deteriorate over Daoud's support for Pashtunistan.
Kabariti participates in parliamentary reform connected with Jordanian political and historical developments.
The new party programme describes the CPSU as the party of the whole people rather than solely the proletariat.
Announces plans for a corps of volunteers to improve conditions in undeveloped nations
Announces the Peace Corps has been created
Signs a law making the Peace Corps permanent
Announces the Peace Corps has been created
Signs a law making the Peace Corps permanent
Appointed Director of the Peace Corps
Is created Earl of Avon and enters the House of Lords
Schlesinger warns that United States responsibility for an invasion would become evident.
Perez San Roman directs Brigade 2506 field operations from the Playa Giron sector after the landing.
Pellon serves as co-pilot on the C-46 that successfully lands supplies at Playa Giron.
Oliva commands brigade forces establishing the eastern beachhead at Playa Larga.
Fernandez directs Cuban troops that retake Playa Larga and force a brigade retreat.
Fernandez leads Cuban forces that retake Playa Larga.
Hunt helps organise the political component of the failed exile operation.
Rusk explains the political reasons preventing the planned dawn strikes before the beachhead airfield is secured.
Artime is designated as the exile political leader expected to enter Cuba with the main invasion force.
Lansdale is given a leading role in the new covert Cuba programme developed after the Bay of Pigs failure.
Kennedy receives authority to impose broader trade restrictions against Cuba.
Rusk receives a CIA briefing on the basic Cuban covert-action plan before taking office.
Appointed acting President of Brazil after the resignation of Janio Quadros
Appointed President of Brazil
Appointed President of Ecuador after the removal of Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra
Appointed President of Ecuador
Bundy meets CIA and military officials and then briefs Kennedy on the revised invasion planning.
Takes office as Prime Minister of Finland and forms a government in Helsinki.
Appointed Prime Minister of Iran
Appointed Prime Minister of Ireland, forms a minority Fianna Fail Government
Appointed Prime Minister of Tanzania
Appointed Prime Minister of Turkey, 2nd term
Appointed Prime Minister of Turkey, acting
Marks the launch of Appeal for Amnesty, 1961, the aim of which is to mobilize public opinion, quickly and widely, in defence of these individuals, and in particular communist party members, who Benenson named "Prisoners of Conscience"
Braddock receives a briefing on propaganda arrangements intended to accompany the invasion.
Carrillo participates in the six-man exile committee designing procedures for a post-Castro provisional government.
Kennedy states that responsibility for the operation rests with the President.
Somoza permits the exile air and maritime force to operate from Nicaragua.
Arrives at Puerto Cabezas and prepares small boats for the invasion force
Arrives at Puerto Cabezas and helps prepare landing craft for the invasion force
A Radio Moscow broadcast predicts an imminent CIA-supported invasion of Cuba.
Kennedy advisers note a Soviet broadcast predicting an imminent invasion of Cuba.
"the security of South East Asia will be endagered if Laos loses its independence"
Capital punishment is extended to include economic crime
The farthing ceases to be legal tender
Defined as a party of the whole people rather than a dictatorship of the proletariat
The Government introduces a Bill to reduce Commonwealth Immigration. Commonwealth Immigrants must have a job to come or have useful qualifications
Renews pressure for a German peace settlement and threatens a separate treaty with East Germany.
Kasa-Vubu reconvenes Parliament to create a broader central government.
Kennedy tells Khrushchev that the United States intends no military intervention while defending the aspirations of anti-Castro Cubans.
Replaces the governor-general as republican head of state.
Calls for a national stay-at-home against the new republic.
In February 1961, Oswald asked the American Embassy to return his passport and said that he wanted to return to the United States.
Requests a defense pact with the United States after attacks by the Vietcong
Kennedy denies intended United States military intervention while defending Cuban exiles.
President Kennedy restores Eisenhower to the active list of the Regular Army with the rank of General of the Army.
Wheeler orders restricted carrier air cover for Cuban Expeditionary Force shipping outside Cuban territorial waters.
Leaves the presidency and retires to his farm near the Gettysburg battlefield.
The American Embassy received Lee's letter announcing his marriage and asking about possible prosecution if he returned to the United States.
Bissell works with CIA planners to prepare a revised military plan meeting White House political restrictions.
Mann asks that formation of the Cuban Revolutionary Council not be announced until after the Mexico City peace conference.
Cuban exile leaders unanimously select Miro Cardona to chair the Cuban Revolutionary Council.
Pazos is considered among the principal candidates for chairmanship of the Cuban Revolutionary Council.
Chibas joins the exile delegation associated with Miro Cardona's newly formed Cuban Revolutionary Council.
Bissell discusses creation of a Cuban Revolutionary Council to provide political leadership for the anti-Castro operation.
Hevia is considered for senior leadership in the exile political structure being prepared to replace Castro.
Artime joins leading Cuban exiles in negotiating the composition and political programme of a future revolutionary council.
Mandela helps direct the organisation initial sabotage strategy.
Del Valle's paratroop battalion seizes the San Blas road centre and is reinforced by other brigade elements.
Rudd flies a Sea Fury against the invasion force.
Diaz leads a second unsuccessful diversionary landing attempt near Baracoa.
Sueiro Rios commands the Brigade 2506 Second Infantry Battalion.
Dulles briefs a closed Senate Foreign Relations Committee session on the Cuban exile programme.
Lee wrote Senator John Tower seeking help because Soviet authorities had not yet allowed him and Marina to leave.
Cabell joins preparations for the presidential meeting on the strike-force plan and military coordination.
Healey continues as a Labour shadow secretary of state before taking the defence portfolio.
Appointed Shadow Foreign Secretary after changes to Labour's front-bench team.
Khruschev threatens to settle with East Germany if a peace Treaty is not agreed
Announces on TV Berlin had become "the great testing place of Western courage & will"
Increases the US garrison in Berlin by 1,500
Issues decrees nationalizing banks, insurance companies and major industrial enterprises.
On January 4, 1961, Oswald told Soviet officials that he no longer wanted Soviet citizenship and requested only an extension of his residence permit.
On December 25, 1961, Marina was informed that Soviet exit visas would be granted to her and Oswald.
Lee and Marina submitted the numerous certificates, photographs, and forms required for Soviet permission to leave the country.
Ends the Soviet nuclear testing moratorium and orders a new series of weapons tests.
Khrushchev protests the invasion, calls on Kennedy to end the attack and promises assistance to Cuba.
Stalin's body is removed from Lenin's Mausoleum following renewed condemnation at the Twenty-Second Party Congress.
Stalingrad is renamed Volgograd as de-Stalinization reshapes Soviet public symbols.
Bowles raises objections to the invasion plan within the State Department.
Promotes Buddhism as the state religion during his final premiership
Incites strike action
Bissell receives a war-room briefing on the main strike force and the separate Diaz diversion.
Berle requests a paper assessing the consequences of disbanding the exile strike force and possible alternatives.
Hawkins gives senior CIA and military officers a detailed briefing on the proposed Cuban strike plan.
Found shot through the head by his own gun. Death of Ernest Miller Hemingway, suicide
Dennison continues naval and aerial searches for scattered brigade survivors.
Continues using the United Arab Republic name after Syria withdraws from the union.
Prendes flies combat patrols against exile aircraft and shipping.
Clark commands the naval task group assigned to support and monitor the operation.
Robert Kennedy participates in the presidential inquiry examining responsibility for the failed invasion.
Taylor begins examining decisions, intelligence and military assumptions behind the failure.
Leads a fact-finding mission to South Vietnam for President Kennedy
Co-authors recommendations for greater US support to South Vietnam
Co-authors recommendations for increased US support to South Vietnam
Directs Das Brot der fruhen Jahre.
Begins the Theo Lefevre Government in Brussels and serves as Prime Minister of Belgium.
Kennedy is informed that strikes hit airfields near Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
Hunt advises exile contacts that military training must occur outside United States territory.
Is transferred to Katanga, where he is placed in the custody of political enemies before his execution.
1,209 captured exiles are tried, a few executed and the rest sentenced to 30 yrs in prison for treason, after 20 months of negotiation with the USA, Cuba releases the exiles in exchange for dollars & medicine
Had taken dictatorial powers, was deposed by the army & hanged for treason
The court rejects the state high treason case.
Is acquitted with the remaining Treason Trial defendants.
Is acquitted at the conclusion of the Treason Trial.
1st day of trial under the Nazis & Nazi Collaborators Punishment Act
Sentenced to death after found guilty of all 12 charges brought against him
Israel begins the trial of Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem
SS Colonel Adolf Eichmann is found guilty of war crimes in Israel
Adolf Eichmann, the former German Gestapo official accused of a major role in the Nazi murder of 6 million Jews, is sentenced by a Jerusalem court to be hanged
Kennedy reviews a proposed landing near Trinidad at the Escambray Mountains.
Kennedy reviews the proposed landing near Trinidad and the Escambray Mountains.
McNamara receives a briefing on the proposed Trinidad invasion plan.
Mann argues that the Trinidad concept makes outside sponsorship too visible and presses for a more deniable landing site.
Bundy joins the presidential review of the Trinidad plan as Kennedy demands a less overt American appearance.
Rusk participates in the new administration review of the Trinidad landing proposal.
Rusk receives a briefing on the proposed Trinidad landing.
Kennedy demands a less conspicuous landing site than Trinidad.
The Soviet Union detonates the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear device ever tested.
The Soviet Union detonates Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear explosive ever tested.
Opens the Twenty-Second Party Congress and renews public criticism of Stalin-era repression.
Presents a new party programme promising to build the material foundations of communism within twenty years.
Founds Umkhonto we Sizwe, "The Spear of the Nation". Founds the High Command of the Umkhonto we Sizwe
Leaflets are circulated nationally announcing the birth of Umkhonto we Sizwe
Umkhonto we Sizwe publicly announces its existence.
The United Nations endorses agreed United States-Soviet principles for future general and complete disarmament negotiations.
Belgium is later deemed to be in breach of its obligation (under United Nations Resolution 290 of 1949) to refrain from acts or threats "aimed at impairing the freedom, independence or integrity of another state"
Lee appeared unexpectedly at the closed American Embassy on July 8 and contacted consul Richard Snyder by telephone.
The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords
The United Nations General Assembly adopts the McCloy-Zorin Accords
Roa formally protests the air attacks before the United Nations.
Stevenson states that United States armed forces will not intervene in Cuba.
Stevenson presents the administration claim that Cuban defectors conducted the attacks.
Kennedy inherits a policy intended to remove Castro and reduce Soviet influence in Cuba.
Urban Bantu Councils Act, apartheid legislation
The Soviet planetary programme launches Venera 1 toward Venus, beginning a long series of dedicated Venus missions.
Agrees with Kennedy on the goal of a neutral Laos governed by a coalition rather than direct superpower confrontation.
Meets President John F. Kennedy in Vienna for tense discussions on Berlin, Laos and nuclear issues.
Increases the number of US military advisers in South Vietnam
Begins a visit to Britain where he is greeted by ectstatic crowds
1st man to orbit the Earth, Vostok -1
Pilots Vostok 1 during the first human journey into outer space.
Pilots Vostok 2 on a flight lasting more than twenty-four hours.
The Soviet Union launches Gherman Titov on Vostok 2 for a day-long orbital mission.
Schlesinger warns that the invasion could seriously damage United States credibility.
Warsaw Pact governments support East German measures to tighten controls around Berlin.
The Warsaw Pact calls on East Germany for "protection & control" of the Berlin borders
Addresses the National Association for Mental Health and argues for replacing large isolated mental hospitals with community-based care.
Guevara serves at a western command post guarding against a diversionary landing.
Guevara serves at a western Cuban command post during the invasion emergency.
The White House Conference on Aging opens as the administration addresses policy for an expanding elderly population.
Berle participates in the White House discussion of the Trinidad invasion concept and its political risks.
Oliva helps organise withdrawing brigade elements as Cuban forces close on the remaining invasion positions.
Yuri Gagarin completes the first human orbital spaceflight, a major Soviet achievement under Khruschev.
Birth of Diana, Princess of Wales, youngest daughter of Edward John Spencer, Viscount Althorp, later John Spencer, Eighth Earl Spencer, and his first wife, France's Spencer, Viscountess Althorp
Birth of Frank Bruno
Birth of Frederick Carlton "Carl" Lewis.
Birth of Nicholas Lyndhurst
Birth of Peter Andrew Beardsley
Birth of William Hague
Death of Adnan Menderes, executed
Hanged for war crimes at Ramle
Death of Ernest Miller Hemingway, suicide
Death of Erwin Rudolf Josef Alexander Schrodinger
Death of Frank James "Gary" Cooper
Death of Gary Cooper
Death of Michael Barne
Dismissed by the forces of Kasavubu & turned over to the Katanga regime & murdered. Belgium is later deemed to be in breach of its obligation (under United Nations Resolution 290 of 1949) to refrain from acts or threats "aimed at impairing the freedom, independence or integrity of another state"
Lumumba is executed in Katanga with Maurice Mpolo and Joseph Okito.
Is sentenced to death by the District Court.
Provenance
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