1967

1967 was a year in the Gregorian calendar, beginning on a Sunday. It is considered one of the most significant years of the twentieth century in terms of Middle Eastern politics, the Vietnam War, and advances in medical science.

At that time, the world was in the midst of the Cold War, in which the United States and the Soviet Union competed for political and military influence. Many African countries had recently gained independence, and efforts were underway to build new states.

The Six-Day War

In June 1967, a war occurred between Israel and Arab states including Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. The war lasted a short time and ended with Israel taking control of territories including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula. The consequences of that war continue to affect the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the present day.

Medicine and science

That year saw the first successful heart transplant performed on a human. The transplant was carried out by surgeon Christiaan Barnard, based in South Africa. The patient survived for a short time after the transplant, but the procedure opened a new avenue for the treatment of heart disease.

Global politics

The Vietnam War intensified, with the number of American troops stationed in the country continuing to grow. Nigeria experienced the outbreak of civil war after the region of Biafra declared secession. In general, 1967 was one of the years marked by protests and social change in many countries.