John F. Kennedy wins the election, the closest in U.S. history to that date, edging Nixon by about 110,000 votes out of more than 68 million cast. Soviet Premier Nikita Krushchev demands an apology, but President Eisenhower refuses, and Krushchev cancels peace conference which had been scheduled in Paris. With the addition of Hawaii as the 50th state in 1959, the 50-star U.S. flag is adopted. Observers give Nixon the edge in debating points, but Kennedy was judged to have won more votes because of his charm and photogenic appearance. He had stated falsely before a grand jury that he had not been given answers before the shows were broadcast.
Information is drawn from news accounts, archives and other historical records.
20th Century Countdown. The Odessa American's daily countdown of the last 100 years, from 1900 through 1999, with a short summary of some news and newsmakers affecting residents of Odessa. Copyright 1999 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster .