The classic series that recalls the definitive events of the 20th century, compiled from contemporary news coverage drawn from the world famous bbc and british pathé archives. This programme details not only the major political issues that dominated the day, but also key social changes and cultural trends. This hour long episode chronicles that remarkable year, 1961. This was an eventful year at home and abroad. In january john f. Kennedy is inaugurated as the 35th president of the usa. France is on the brink of civil war. The queen and the duke of edinburgh visit india. The world mourns dag hammarskjold. Princess margaret gives birth to a boy, and king hussein of jordan marries toni gardner from ipswich. It was also a year of great scientific advancement as yuri gagarin becomes the first man in space. But with the bay of pigs disaster, and east and west now glaring at each other over the berlin wall, the threat of nuclear conflict grows ever closer. Would the human race be around long enough to enjoy the fruits of all this knowledge and achievement? In the world of sports and entertainment stirling moss wins the monaco grand prix, arnold palmer wins the open at royal birkdale, elizabeth taylor wins the best actress oscar for butterfield 8, and cliff richard celebrates his 21st birthday