1956
Many school districts in the South defied the Supreme Court ruling that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. Many schools were closed down when federal funding was cut off for non-compliance.
A Super Constellation and a DC-7 which had left L.A. three minutes apart collided and crashed into the Grand Canyon, killing 130.
For the second time, the Democrats nominated Adlai Stevenson for president and for the second time he lost the election to Republican Dwight Eisnehower.
Actress Grace Kelly married Prince Ranier II of Monaco, renouncing her U.S. citizenship to take the title of Princess.
NBC-TV gave Tonight! host Steve Allen his first of many prime-time variety shows.
Elvis Presley skyrocketed to fame with Heartbreak Hotel, Don't Be Cruel, Hound Dog and Love Me Tender. Presley's appearance on 
The Ed Sullivan Show brought TV its highest viewer numbers to date.
My Fair Lady began its seven-year run on Broadway.
The top-grossing film was The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston.
