Featured moment
Cuban Missile Crisis
A 13-day standoff between the US and USSR over Soviet missiles in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
Thirteen days on the brink.
The Cuban Missile Crisis nearly caused nuclear war, Spider-Man debuted, and Marilyn Monroe passed away.
The Cost of Living in 1962
Gallon of Gas
$0.31
Loaf of Bread
$0.20
Gallon of Milk
$1.04
World Population
3.15 billion
Featured moment
Spider-Man Debuts in Amazing Fantasy #15
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduced Peter Parker, a relatable teen hero who became Marvel's mascot.
Featured moment
First James Bond Film (Dr. No) Released
Sean Connery debuted as 007, launching one of the longest-running and most successful film franchises in history.
The wider picture
More from 1962
A few more things worth remembering.
Literature
Silent Spring Published
Rachel Carson's environmental science book documented the adverse effects of pesticides, launching the modern environmental movement.
World Events
Nelson Mandela Arrested
The South African anti-apartheid leader was arrested, beginning his 27 years of imprisonment.
Pop Culture
Marilyn Monroe Found Dead
The 36-year-old icon was found dead of a barbiturate overdose, a tragic end for Hollywood's biggest star.
Science & Space
John Glenn Orbits the Earth
Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth, a major morale boost for the US space program.
Technology
Telstar 1 Launched
The first active communications satellite enabled the first live transatlantic television broadcast.
You arrivedin 1962.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 1962 to today.