Switzerland Opens First Drive-Through Bank
On June 7, 1962, Switzerland introduced its first drive-through bank, a novel concept that provided motorists with the convenience of conducting banking transactions without leaving their cars. This innovation reflected a broader trend towards customer-centric services and efficiency in the banking industry. The drive-through bank model soon spread globally, becoming a standard feature in many […]
Wilt Chamberlain Scores 100 Points in a Single Basketball Game
Basketball history was made on March 2nd, 1962, when NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain scored an unprecedented 100 points in a single game while playing for the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks. Chamberlain’s record-setting performance remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
John Glenn Orbits the Earth in Friendship 7 Spacecraft
On February 20th, 1962, American astronaut John Glenn became the first person to orbit the Earth aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft. Glenn’s historic flight marked a significant milestone in space exploration and the ongoing quest to explore the cosmos.
Cuban Missile Crisis: JFK Announces Blockade
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal moment of the Cold War, U.S. President John F. Kennedy announced a naval blockade of Cuba in response to the discovery of Soviet missiles on the island. This event brought the world to the brink of nuclear war and highlighted the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation.
Cuban Missile Crisis Begins
USAF U-2 reconnaissance pilot photographs Cubans installing Soviet-made missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
21st Ecumenical Council
Pope John XXIII opens the 21st Ecumenical Council (Vatican II) with a call for Christian unity. This is the largest gathering of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in history; among delegate-observers are representatives of major Protestant denominations, in itself a sign of sweeping change.
Uganda
Uganda gained independence from the UK on 9 October 1962. The period since then has been marked by violent conflicts, including an eight-year-long military dictatorship led by Idi Amin.
“Love Me Do”
The Beatles’ first single, “Love Me Do,” was released in the United Kingdom, marking the beginning of a musical revolution that would sweep the world.
“We choose to go to the Moon”
President John F. Kennedy delivered his historic “We choose to go to the Moon” speech at Rice University on September 12th, setting the stage for the Apollo program and lunar exploration.
James Meredith
The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the University of Mississippi to admit James Meredith, a Black student.