1958

1958 was a common year in the Gregorian calendar. It was marked by rapid political, scientific, and cultural change around the world.

On January 1, the Treaty of Rome came into force, creating the European Economic Community and Euratom, with six founding members: Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany.

Explorer 1, launched Jan 31, 1958, became the United States' first satellite, marking the start of the U.S. space program under NASA, which was established later that year on July 29.

Back on Earth, the Great Leap Forward was launched by the People's Republic of China, aiming to rapidly transform agriculture and industry; it led to massive social and economic upheaval and contributed to a severe famine in the following years.

In the United States, the National Defense Education Act of 1958 provided funding to strengthen science, engineering, and foreign language education in response to Cold War competition.

Sports and culture featured the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, with Brazil winning the tournament and Pelé emerging as a global star.

Late in the year, the Cuban Revolution intensified, with Fidel Castro's movement gaining momentum and Batista's government ultimately collapsing in 1959.