18. Nixon Famously Took Part In The "Kitchen Debate" With Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev In 1959... Exhibiting American Goods In The USSR
The 1950s was a time of boom in the USA - with America prospering economically in the aftermath of World War II - and it was the age of the rise of consumerism. As a result, then Vice-President Nixon travelled to Moscow in July 1959 for the so-called "Kitchen Debate" - in which he made a series of impromptu exchanges with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev at the opening of the American National Exhibition at Sokolniki Park. An entire house, complete with kitchen appliances exhibitors claimed the average US family could afford, was put on display in an attempt to show the benefits of capitalism compared to communism, while Khrushchev argued about the virtues of socialism and Nixon raved about Western consumerism. Mad, isn't it?
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
