United Nations: Timeline

1942   World War II World War II

World War II, or the Second World War, was a worldwide [i] conflict [i] fought betwe ... 

: The term "United Nations" is first officially used to describe the Allied pact.

1945   Chile Chile

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America [i] occupying a long coast ... 

, Ecuador Ecuador

Ecuador, officially the Republic of Ecuador is a country in northwestern South America [i], bound ... 

, Paraguay Paraguay

Paraguay, officially the Republic of Paraguay , is a landlocked [i] country in South America [i]. ... 

 and Peru Peru

Peru, officially the Republic of Peru, is a country in western South America [i], bordering Ecuador [i] ... 

 join the United Nations.

1945   Founding negotiations of United Nations in San Francisco

1945   United Nations charter signed.

1945   United Nations founded.

1945   By a vote of 65 to 7, the United States Senate United States Senate

he United States Senate is one of the two chambers of the Congress of the United States [i], the other b ... 

 approves the entry of the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

 into the United Nations.

1946   First meeting of the United Nations

1946   Last meeting of League of Nations League of Nations

The League of Nations was an international organization [i] founded after the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 [i] ... 

 – it transfers its mission to United Nations and disbands itself.

1946   United Nations' first meeting in Long Island Long Island

Jer's Island is an island [i] in New York [i], USA [i]. ... 

.

1946   Afghanistan Afghanistan

Afghanistan ; Persian [i]: ?????? ?????? ?????????, Pashto [i]:' ... 

, Iceland Iceland

Iceland, officially the Republic of Iceland is a volcanic island nation [i] in the northern Atlantic Ocean [i] ... 

 and Sweden Sweden

The Kingdom of Sweden is a Nordic country [i] in Scandinavia [i]. ... 

 join the United Nations

1946   United Nations severs relations with Franco Francisco Franco

Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Tedulo Franco y Bahamonde Salgado Pardo , abbreviated Francisco Franc... 

's Spain Spain

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a Europe [i]an parliamentary monarchy [i]. ... 

 and recommends the member countries to sever diplomatic relations

1947   United Nations takes control of the free city of Trieste Trieste

Trieste is a city and port in northeastern Italy [i] right on the border with Slovenia [i]. ... 

1947   The United Nations General Assembly votes to partition Palestine between Arab Arab

The Arabs are predominantly speakers of the Arabic language [i], rather than a pure ethnic group [i], ... 

s and Jew Jew

Jews are followers of Judaism [i] or, more generally, members of the Jewish people , an ethno [i] ... 

s.

1948   The World Health Organization World Health Organization

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations [i], acting as a coordinati ... 

 is established by the United Nations.

1948   United Nations General Assembly adopts Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

1949   Soviet Union Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , more commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a Communist state [i] ... 

 vetoes United Nations membership of Ceylon, Finland Finland

The Republic of Finland , is one of the Nordic countries [i]. ... 

, Iceland Iceland

Iceland, officially the Republic of Iceland is a volcanic island nation [i] in the northern Atlantic Ocean [i] ... 

, Italy Italy

Italy, officially the Italian Republic , is a Southern European [i] country. ... 

, Jordan Jordan

Jordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , is an Arab [i] country in the Middle East [i] ... 

 and Portugal Portugal

Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic is located in southwestern Europe [i] on the Iberian Peninsula [i] ... 

.

1950   Indonesia Indonesia

Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a nation of islands [i] consist ... 

 admitted to the United Nations

1950   United Nations ends the diplomatic isolation of Spain Spain

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a Europe [i]an parliamentary monarchy [i]. ... 

1950   United Nations accepts the formation of Libya Libya

Libya , officially the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya [i] , is a country in North Africa [i] ... 

n national council

1950   Korean War: North Korea North Korea

[i]n [[country]... 

n and Chinese People's Republic of China

The People's Republic of China , is a country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

 troops force a desperate retreat of United Nations forces from North Korea.

1951   United Nations headquarters officially opens (New York City New York City

[i] in the [[United States]... 

).

1951   Korean War Korean War

The Korean War began on June 25 [i], 1950 [i] and ended with a truce [i] on July 27 [i], 1953 [i] . ... 

: Operation Ripper - In Korea Korea

Korea One of the world's oldest civilization [i]s, Korea began with the founding of Gojoseon [i] in 2333 ... 

, United Nations troops led by General Matthew Ridgeway begin an assault against the Chinese People's Republic of China

The People's Republic of China , is a country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

 "volunteers".

1951   Korean War: For the second time, United Nations troops recapture Seoul Seoul

Seoul listen) is the capital [i] and largest city of South Korea [i] . ... 

.

1952   Soviet Union Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , more commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a Communist state [i] ... 

 vetoes Japan Japan

is an island country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

's application for membership in the United Nations.

1952   United Nations begins work in the new United Nations building in New York City New York City

[i] in the [[United States]... 

1953   United Nations does not accept Soviet Union Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , more commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a Communist state [i] ... 

's suggestion to accept China China

China is a cultural region [i] and ancient civilization [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

 as a member

1956   Suez Crisis Suez Crisis

The Suez Crisis was a war [i] fought on Egyptian territory in 1956. ... 

: The United Nations General Assembly adopts a resolution calling for the United Kingdom United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a country and sovereign state [i] tha ... 

, France France

France, officially the French Republic, is a country [i] whose metropolitan territory [i] ... 

 and Israel Israel

Israel , officially the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia [i] on the so ... 

 to withdraw their troops from Arab lands immediately.

1956   Japan Japan

is an island country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

 becomes member of the United Nations.

1959   Cyprus Cyprus

Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasia [i]n island nation [i] in the eastern pa ... 

 joins United Nations.

1960   July 14 — The United Nations decides to send troops to Katanga to oversee Belgian troops withdrawal.

1960   October 12 — Cold War Cold War

The Cold War was the protracted geopolitical [i], ideological [i], and economic [i] ... 

: Nikita Khrushchev Nikita Khrushchev

Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchyov was the leader of the Soviet Union [i] after the death of Joseph Stalin [i] ... 

 pounds his shoe on a table at a United Nations General Assembly meeting, to protest discussion of Soviet Union Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , more commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a Communist state [i] ... 

 policy toward Eastern Europe Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe is the east [i]ern region [i] of Europe [i] variably defined. ... 

.

1960   November 22 — The United Nations supports the government of Joseph Kasavubu and Joseph Mobutu in Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also often referred to as DRC, 'RDC, 'DR Congo, ... 

.

1960   December 4 — The admission to the United Nations of Mauritania Mauritania

Mauritania , officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in northwest Africa [i]. ... 

 is vetoed by the USSR Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , more commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a Communist state [i] ... 

.

1960   December 7 — The United Nations Security Council is called into session by the USSR Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , more commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a Communist state [i] ... 

, to consider Soviet demands that the U.N. seek the immediate release of former Congolese Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also often referred to as DRC, 'RDC, 'DR Congo, ... 

 Premier Patrice Lumumba Patrice Lumumba

Patrice mery Lumumba was an African anti-colonial leader and the first legally elected Prime Minister [i] ... 

.

1960   Belgium Belgium

The Kingdom of Belgium is a country in northwest Europe [i] bordered by the Netherlands [i] ... 

 threatens to leave the United Nations, due to criticism of its Congo Congo

Congo is a name shared by two neighbouring countries in Central Africa [i], largely drained by the Congo River [i] ... 

 policy.

1961   Mongolia Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked [i] country [i] located in East Asia [i]. ... 

 and Mauritania Mauritania

Mauritania , officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, is a country in northwest Africa [i]. ... 

 join the United Nations.

1961   Congolese soldiers murder 13 Italian United Nations pilots.

1961   The Soviet Union Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , more commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a Communist state [i] ... 

 vetoes Kuwait's application for United Nations membership.

1962   Algeria Algeria

Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria is a country in north Africa [i], ... 

 is accepted into the United Nations.

1962   Apartheid: The United Nations General Assembly passes a resolution condemning South Africa South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the Africa [i]n continent [i]. ... 

's racist Racism

Racism is a belief in the moral or biological superiority of one race or ethnic group over another or ot... 

 apartheid policies, and calls for all UN member states to cease military and economic relations with the nation.

1962   The United Nations General Assembly elects U Thant U Thant

Maha Thray Sithu U Thant was a Burmese [i] diplomat [i] and the third Secretary-General [i] ... 

 of Burma Myanmar

Myanmar, officially the Union of Myanmar is the largest country in geographical area in mainland ... 

 as the new UN Secretary-General.

1962   United Nations troops occupy the last rebel positions in Katanga; Moise Tshombe Moise Tshombe

Moise Kapenda Tshombe was a Congolese [i] politician [i]. ... 

 moves to South Rhodesia.

1964   The United Nations Security Council adopts by a 9-0 vote a resolution deploring a British air attack on a fort in Yemen Yemen

Yemen, officially the Republic of Yemen, is a Middle East [i]ern country located on the Arabian Peninsula [i] ... 

 12 days earlier, in which 25 persons were reported killed.

1965   U Thant U Thant

Maha Thray Sithu U Thant was a Burmese [i] diplomat [i] and the third Secretary-General [i] ... 

 recommends China for UN United Nations

name = United Nations Nations Unies ... 

 membership.

1965   Pope Paul VI Pope Paul VI

Pope Paul VI , , born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini , reigned as Pope [i] of the ... 

 visits the United States. He appears for a Mass in Yankee Stadium Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium is the home stadium [i] of the New York Yankees [i], a major league [i] ... 

 and makes a speech at the United Nations.

1965   Vietnam War Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a conflict in which the Democratic Republic of Vietnam [i] and its al ... 

: In New York City New York City

[i] in the [[United States]... 

, 22-year old Catholic Worker Movement member Roger Allen LaPorte sets himself on fire in front of the United Nations building in protest of the war in Vietnam Vietnam

Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a country in Southeast Asia [i]. ... 

 (this was the second such incident in a week; on November 2 32-year-old Quaker member Norman Morrison did the same thing in front of The Pentagon The Pentagon

The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense [i], located at 48 N. ... 

).

1966   The Indonesia Indonesia

Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a nation of islands [i] consist ... 

n army demands that the country rejoin the United Nations.

1966   Lesotho Lesotho

Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a land-locked country [i], entirely s ... 

 and Botswana are admitted to the United Nations.

1966   The United Nations takes Namibia Namibia

Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in southern Africa [i] on the Atlantic [i] ... 

 from South Africa South Africa

The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the Africa [i]n continent [i]. ... 

.

1966   Barbados Barbados

Barbados is an independent island nation [i] located in the western Atlantic Ocean [i], just to the east ... 

 is admitted to the United Nations.

1967   A UN United Nations

name = United Nations Nations Unies ... 

 delegation arrives in Aden Aden

Aden IPA [i]: is a city in Yemen [i], 105 miles East of Bab-el-Mandeb [i] ... 

 due to approaching independen They leave April 7, accusing British authorities of lack of cooperation. The British say the delegation did not contact them.

1967   Israel Israel

Israel , officially the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia [i] on the so ... 

 and Syria Syria

Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in the Middle East [i]. ... 

 agree to observe a United Nations-mediated cease-fire.

1969   Jack Lynch Jack Lynch

John Mary Lynch, was the fourth Taoiseach [i] of the Republic of Ireland [i], serving two terms in offic ... 

, Taoiseach Taoiseach

The Taoiseach plural: Taoisigh or, more formally, An Taoiseach, is the head of government [i] ... 

 of the Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is the official description of the sovereign state which covers approximately f... 

, makes a speech to the United Nations, in which he asks them to deploy a peace-keeping mission in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom [i] and covers 5,459 square miles [i] in the north ... 

.

1971   Secretary General U Thant U Thant

Maha Thray Sithu U Thant was a Burmese [i] diplomat [i] and the third Secretary-General [i] ... 

 signs the United Nations proclamation of the vernal equinox as Earth Day Earth Day

[i] [i] ... 

.

1972   International Human Rights Day is proclaimed by the United Nations.

1974   The United Nations General Assembly grants the Palestine Liberation Organization observer status.

1975   The United Nations proclaims International Women's Day.

1975   United Nations Resolution 3379: By a vote of 72 to 35 (with 32 abstentions), the United Nations General Assembly approves a resolution equating Zionism Zionism

Zionism is a political movement [i] that supports a homeland [i] for the Jew [i] ... 

 with racism Racism

Racism is a belief in the moral or biological superiority of one race or ethnic group over another or ot... 

. The resolution provokes an outcry among Jews around the world.

1976   Seychelles Seychelles

Seychelles, officially the Republic of Seychelles , is an archipelago [i] nation of 115 islands in ... 

 joins the United Nations.

1976   Angola Angola

Angola is a country in south-west Africa [i] bordering Namibia [i], the Democratic Republic of the Congo [i] ... 

 joins the United Nations.

1976   Samoa Samoa

Samoa, officially the Independent State of Samoa, is a country comprising a group of islands [i] ... 

 joins the United Nations.

1986   Former United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim Kurt Waldheim

Kurt Josef Waldheim is an Austria [i]n diplomat [i] and conservative politician [i]. ... 

 is elected president of Austria Austria

Austria is a landlocked [i] country in central Europe [i]. ... 

.

1988   U.S. Lieutenant Colonel William R. Higgins, serving with a United Nations group monitoring a truce in southern Lebanon Lebanon

Lebanon, officially the Lebanese democratic Republic , is a small, largely mountainous [i] country ... 

, is kidnapped. (He is later killed by his captors.)

1992   UN Security Council Resolution 794 is unanimously passed, approving a coalition of United Nations peacekeepers led by the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

 to form UNITAF, tasked with ensuring humanitarian aid gets distributed and establishing peace in Somalia Somalia

Somalia , formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic, is a coastal nation at the Horn of Africa [i] ... 

.

1993   US President Bill Clinton Bill Clinton

William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States [i], serving from 1993 to ... 

 sends 6 American warships to Haiti Haiti

Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti, occupies one third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola [i] ... 

 to enforce United Nations trade sanctions against the military-led regime in that country

1995   Iraq disarmament crisis Iraq disarmament crisis

The issue of Iraq's disarmament reached a crisis in 2002-2003, when U.S. President [i] ... 

: Following the defection of his son-in-law, Hussein Kamel al Majid, minister of industry and military industrialisation, Saddam Hussein Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti , was the President [i] of Iraq [i] from July 16 [i] ... 

 makes new revelations about the full extent of Iraq Iraq

The Republic of Iraq, is a Middle East [i]ern country [i] in southwestern Asia [i] encomp ... 

's biological and nuclear weapons programs. Iraq Iraq

The Republic of Iraq, is a Middle East [i]ern country [i] in southwestern Asia [i] encomp ... 

 also withdraws its last UN United Nations

name = United Nations Nations Unies ... 

 declaration of prohibited biological weapons and turns over a large amount of new documents on its WMD programs.

1995   A United Nations tribunal on human rights Human rights

Human rights refers to the concept of human beings [i] as having universal rights [i], or status, regard ... 

 violations in the Balkans Balkans

The Balkans is the historic and geographic name used to describe a region [i] of southeastern ... 

 charges 21 Bosnian Serb commanders with genocide Genocide

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide [i] Article 2 as "any of the following a ... 

 and crimes against humanity.

1995   In Somalia Somalia

Somalia , formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic, is a coastal nation at the Horn of Africa [i] ... 

, the United Nations peacekeeping Peacekeeping

Peacekeeping, as defined by the United Nations [i], is "a way to help countries torn by conflict create ... 

 mission ends.

1995   Bosnian Serbs march into Srebrenica while UN United Nations

name = United Nations Nations Unies ... 

 Dutch peacekeepers Peacekeeping

Peacekeeping, as defined by the Uni