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The First Female Head of Government in History Was Elected in 1960

Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) became the world's first female head of government when she was elected Prime Minister on July 21, 1960, following the assassination of her husband, Prime Minister Solomon Bandaranaike. She served three terms (1960–65, 1970–77, 1994–2000) and remained in office until age 84. Her election opened a new era; today over 70 women have served as heads of state or government worldwide.

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New Zealand Was the First Country to Give Women the Right to Vote, in 1893

On September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to grant all women the right to vote in national elections. The campaign was led largely by Kate Sheppard, who organized a landmark petition signed by nearly 32,000 women — about one quarter of the adult female population. Women in the United States gained this right in 1920, France in 1944, and Switzerland not until 1971.

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Chile Elected the World's First Democratically Chosen Marxist President

Salvador Allende became the world's first democratically elected Marxist head of state when he won Chile's 1970 presidential election. His government nationalized copper mines and other industries before being overthrown in a US-backed military coup on September 11, 1973, led by General Augusto Pinochet. This marked the beginning of a 17-year dictatorship that reshaped Chile's politics and economy.

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The First Modern Olympic Games Were Held in Athens in 1896

The first modern Olympic Games opened in Athens, Greece, on April 6, 1896, with athletes from 14 nations competing in 43 events. The games were organized by Pierre de Coubertin, inspired by the ancient Greek Olympics. About 241 athletes participated, all male. The US won the most gold medals, and American James Connolly became the first modern Olympic champion by winning the triple jump.