The Beatles Arrive in the United States, Igniting “Beatlemania”
On February 7th, 1964, the Beatles, the iconic British rock band, arrived in the United States for the first time, sparking a cultural phenomenon known as “Beatlemania” and forever changing the landscape of popular music.
The 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is Ratified, Abolishing Poll Taxes
On this day in 1964, the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, prohibiting the imposition of poll taxes in federal elections. This was a significant step in advancing voting rights.
Sartre Wins and Declines Nobel Prize
Jean-Paul Sartre won and then declined the Nobel Prize for Literature. He regretted that it gave the appearance of scandal, but declined because he felt that accepting the award would limit his reach and influence as a writer.
China’s Atomic Bomb
China exploded an atomic bomb at 15:00 hours on October 16, 1964, thereby successfully carrying out its first nuclear test. This is a major achievement of the Chinese people in their struggle to strengthen their national defence and oppose the U.S. imperialist policy of nuclear blackmail and nuclear threats.
Voskhod I
USSR launches Voskhod I, first spacecraft with multi-person crew; it is also the first mission in which the crew did not wear space suits.