A CIA- and MI6-backed coup ousted Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, restoring the Shah to full power.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK began regular television broadcasting in Tokyo, launching the medium that would remake Japanese daily life.

France formally granted full independence to Cambodia, ending nearly a century of colonial rule and installing King Norodom Sihanouk as leader of a sovereign nation.

CBS conducted a landmark experimental color television transmission, part of the intense industry rivalry over which broadcast standard would define the American television future.