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The World in 1959
Headlines from the world that surrounded us in 1959
This section features direct quotes and photos from "Year 1959 - the Picture News Annual".
Forward by Richard M. Nixon, Vice President of the United States
" During the year 1959 it has become more and more clear that man's quest for peace in an era of cold war competition will not be marked by the spectacular breakthroughs which have recently taken place in the field of science and which have brought us into the "space age." Responsible world leaders have recognized that there is no magic formula which will settle the differences between the free world and the Communist bloc; no conferences at the summit which will, in itself, dramatically end world tensions. The road to peace is long and hard and, if we are to stay on it, both our people and our leaders must display patience and understanding to a maximum degree.
As this book records in picture and word, the year was highlighted by a new series of personal discussions between world leaders. President Eisenhower's strong leadership was hailed by millions. We have welcomed the idea of peaceful competition between nations and systems of government-competition which if directed into peaceful channels can only result in improving the lot of all mankind. But we believe that if competition is to be practiced it must be fair competition.
If certain rules of the game are not followed by all parties concerned, healthy competition cannot develop. So long as Americans remain true to the principles of freedom which are our heritage, we can face, with faith and confidence, any competition that may lie ahead.
Our hope will be that under these conditions, the vast energies which nations now devote to weapons of war will instead be used to clothe, house and feed the people of the world. This is the only goal worthy of our aspirations. Competing in this way, all mankind will gain."
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"Shared responsibility for peace of the world is reflected in the grave, thoughtful faces of President Eisenhower and Khrushchev."
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The American Scene:
"Optimistic nation hopes for peace, plans for space, enjoys record prosperity."
Eisenhower prestige survives despite lame-duck term, Democratic Congress.
Politically 1959, contrary to the pundits' prognostications, turned out to be an Eisenhower year. Congress liked him (despite overwhelming Democratic majorities, it upheld all of his major vetos), the people of the U.S. liked him (in the polls his popularity stood higher than ever), and the people of Western Europe pinned their hopes for peace on him (witness the millions who paid him spontaneous homage in Bonn, London and Paris). The 86th Congress had been expected to go its Democratic course, brushing aside the Administration program, and with its eye on the 1960 election, enacting its own vote catching platform. In practice, however, it did not work out that way.
[This section is currently under construction. Many more newsworthy events and photos from 1959 will be incorporated below.]
