Featured moment
Cuban Revolution Succeeds
Fidel Castro's forces overthrew the Batista government, establishing a communist state 90 miles from the US.
Fidel, Barbie, and Motown.
The Cuban Revolution succeeded, Barbie hit the shelves, and Motown Records was founded.
The Cost of Living in 1959
Gallon of Gas
$0.31
Loaf of Bread
$0.20
Gallon of Milk
$1.02
World Population
2.98 billion
Featured moment
Barbie Doll Introduced
Mattel launched the iconic fashion doll, which became the most profitable toy line in history.
Featured moment
Motown Records Founded
Berry Gordy Jr. founded the record label that would define the sound of R&B and soul for decades.
The wider picture
More from 1959
A few more things worth remembering.
Music
The Day the Music Died
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" died in a tragic plane crash in Iowa.
World Events
Alaska and Hawaii Become States
The US admitted its 49th and 50th states, finalizing the modern flag design.
Cinema & TV
Some Like It Hot Released
Billy Wilder's cross-dressing comedy starring Marilyn Monroe pushed the boundaries of the Hays Code.
Science & Space
First Photos of the Moon's Far Side
The Soviet probe Luna 3 transmitted the first images of the side of the Moon never seen from Earth.
You arrivedin 1959.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 1959 to today.