Guyana achieves independence from Great Britain
Guyana achieved independence from the United Kingdom as a dominion on 26 May 1966 and became a republic on 23 February 1970, remaining a member of the Commonwealth.
Nations
The U.S. formally passes the Higher Education Act into law, making student loans widely available for the first time
Federal student loans were first offered in the U.S. in 1958 under the National Defense Education Act. However, they were only available to select categories of students, such as those studying engineering, science, or education. Low-income student loans only became more broadly available in the 1960s under the Higher Education Act of 1965, which also increased federal money given to universities, created scholarships, and established a National Teachers Corps.
U.S. President Lyndon Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the Act is considered to be the most effective piece of federal civil rights legislation ever enacted in the country.
Zambia gains independence from the United Kingdom
The Zambia Independence Act 1964 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which granted independence to Zambia (formerly the protectorate of Northern Rhodesia) with effect from 24 October 1964.
The Malaysia Agreement creates the modern nation of Malaysia
Under the agreement, the United Kingdom, Federation of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore combined North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore with the existing states of the Federation of Malaya in order to create the modern nation of Malaysia.
Kenya attains self-rule and celebrates first Madaraka Day
Madaraka Day (“Internal self rule” or Self-Governance Day) is now a national holiday celebrated every 1 June of every year in the Republic of Kenya.
Iranian women win the right to vote
Iranian women did not obtain this right easily, either. They earned voting rights in 1963, on the heels of 56 years of protest and persistence.
Nigeria gains independence from the United Kingdom
The Federation of Nigeria was granted full independence on 1 October 1960 under a constitution that provided for a parliamentary government and a substantial measure of self-government for the country’s three regions.
Mali declares independence
French Sudan joined with Senegal in 1959, achieving independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. Shortly thereafter, the Sudanese Republic declared itself the independent Republic of Mali.
Benin achieves independence from France and becomes a republic
In 1958, France granted autonomy to the Republic of Dahomey, and full independence on 1 August 1960, which is celebrated each year as Independence Day, a national holiday.