19581959

1958–1959 is a time span used in historical and archival contexts to refer to events occurring in late 1958 and throughout 1959. It is commonly encountered in references to seasonal schedules, international agreements, and technological milestones of the late 1950s.

In science and technology, the period saw important steps in the early space program and electronics. The United States established NASA in 1958, reflecting the intensification of the space race, and 1958 saw the launches of Explorer 1 and Vanguard 1. The Treaty of Rome entered into force on January 1, 1958, laying the groundwork for the European Economic Community. Early work in integrated circuits culminated in 1958–1959, with Jack Kilby’s first working IC demonstrated in 1958 and further developments occurring in 1959.

Politically, 1959 featured several major developments. The Cuban Revolution culminated in the overthrow of Batista and the installment of Castro’s government. In Asia, the Tibetan uprising of 1959 led to the Dalai Lama’s flight into exile. In North America, Alaska and Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959, with Alaska admitted in January and Hawaii in August.

Culturally and economically, the period witnessed continued postwar modernization and geopolitical realignments that shaped the late 1950s. Taken together, 1958–1959 represents a transitional window in which advancements in space, computing, and international politics intersected with significant changes in national status and regional power dynamics.