1966

1966 was a year marked by political, social, and cultural changes around the world. In the United Kingdom, a general election in March returned Harold Wilson's Labour government with a strengthened majority. In the United States, the Vietnam War continued to escalate, with sustained air campaigns and increasing American troop deployments.

In Asia, the People's Republic of China launched the Cultural Revolution in 1966, beginning a decade of upheaval as the Red Guards were mobilized and Mao Zedong intensified political campaigns. In the Caribbean and South America, several nations gained independence from colonial rule, notably Barbados on November 30 and Guyana on May 26.

In Europe, England hosted and won the 1966 FIFA World Cup, defeating West Germany 4-2 at Wembley. The tournament is remembered for Geoff Hurst's hat trick in the final.

In spaceflight, NASA concluded the Gemini program with Gemini 12 in November 1966, a mission that demonstrated long-duration flight and a successful extra-vehicular activity by James Lovell and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin.

In culture, 1966 saw major music releases including Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, Bob Dylan's Blonde on Blonde, and The Beatles' Revolver, reflecting the era's evolving rock and pop scene.

These events collectively shaped political, social, and cultural trajectories during the mid-1960s.