1964

1964 was a year in the history of the Gregorian calendar. It was a leap year with 366 days. It occurred during the Cold War, when the United States and the Soviet Union competed for political and military influence.

That year saw the continuation of decolonization in Africa and Asia, with new states joining the United Nations. The civil rights movement in the United States also continued.

The United States and Civil Rights

In 1964, the United States passed the Civil Rights Act, which prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and national origin in public accommodations and employment. In the same year, Lyndon B. Johnson won the United States presidential election.

Africa and the Middle East

That year saw various state transitions and national unions. Tanzania was formed from the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, following Zanzibar's revolution at the beginning of the year. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU), founded in 1963, began its work mediating border disputes.

Somalia and the Horn of Africa

In 1964, Somalia and Ethiopia were involved in a military border conflict that was resolved through a ceasefire agreement, with the OAU and neighboring states mediating. The dispute concerned territory inhabited by ethnic Somalis.