1957

1957 was a year characterized by decolonization, Cold War tensions, and rapid advances in science and culture. It featured significant political shifts, major scientific milestones, and influential artistic productions that reflected the era’s global currents.

In international politics, the year saw notable moves toward European integration and regional security strategies. The Federation of Malaya gained independence from Britain on August 31, with a constitutional monarchy and a prime minister leading the new state. Earlier, on March 25, the Treaty of Rome was signed by six Western European countries, creating the European Economic Community and laying groundwork for deeper economic integration. In January, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower announced the Eisenhower Doctrine to counter Soviet influence in the Middle East. The International Geophysical Year (1957–1958) began, mobilizing scientific projects worldwide.

In science and space, the year marked the dawn of the space age for many observers. The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 on October 4, the first artificial satellite, followed by Sputnik 2 and its passenger, Laika, on November 3. These events spurred a global focus on space exploration and related technologies.

Domestically, the United States faced civil rights tensions when the Little Rock Crisis unfolded, as federal authorities intervened to enforce desegregation at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The year also coincided with the Asian flu pandemic of 1957–58, which spread globally and caused substantial morbidity and mortality.

Culturally, 1957 saw the release of notable films such as The Bridge on the River Kwai and 12 Angry Men, alongside Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock. In sports, the Milwaukee Braves defeated the New York Yankees in seven games to win the World Series.