1956 was one of the most turbulent years in the post-war era. Over a period of 12 months, the world witnessed the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the Budapest uprising, the Poznan revolt, the Suez affair and the Algerian war among other events. The Melbourne Olympics between 22 November and 8 December were not left unscathed.
It was the first Olympiad to be staged in the southern hemisphere. The Melbourne Games also marked the moment when the 'Third World' emerged onto the international stage.
