March
Sharpeville Massacre: 21 March
67 Black Africans, protesting against the South African government "Pass Law", were killed by police at a march by the Pan African Movement. The Pass Law required that all black Africans must carry an ID booklet at all times. Another 200 people were injured because when people started throwing stones, the police panicked and opened fire. As a result of this massacre, a State of Emergency was declared in South Africa on 30 March.
August
Russian Dogs in Space: 20 October
The Russian's second satellite, the Korbal, crashed soon after lift-off, killing its canine passenger Laika. They did not stop trying however and this satellite, carrying two dogs and a host of other animals, was successfully launched into space. The satellitle orbitted Earth seventeen times before returning and the animals within were perfectly content.
October
US Mice in Space: 13 October
3 furry white mice were sent 700 miles into space by the Americans. Fortunately, the animals survived and landed safely. It was the farthest into space that any living creature had ever been sent . . . and survived.
November
JFK Elected:9 November
At 43, John Kennedy is the youngest president the United States has ever had! The Democrat beat his Republican opponent, Richard Nixon, by a mere 120 000 votes.
