15th September 1959: Nikita Khrushchev became the first Soviet leader to visit the United States

Scott Allsop (0:00)

On the 15th of September 1959, Nikita Khrushchev became the first Soviet leader to visit the United States. Welcome to HistoryPod.

Khrushchev had become a dominant figure in the Soviet leadership following the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953 He also promoted the idea of peaceful coexistence between the communist and capitalist systems, despite continuing disagreements over issues including Berlin, nuclear weapons and the future of Eastern Europe. In July 1959, Khrushchev expressed his desire to visit the United States while meeting a group of American governors in Moscow. Eisenhower subsequently extended an invitation, and the two governments agreed to a 12-day tour of the United States that would include Washington, New York, California, Iowa and Pennsylvania. Both governments hoped that the visit would provide an opportunity to discuss international problems and reduce tensions.

Khrushchev arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on 15 September aboard a Soviet Tupilov Tu-114 aircraft. Eisenhower welcomed him at the airport, after which the two leaders travelled together through Washington. Later that afternoon, they held a meeting, accompanied by senior officials and advisors, that was described as friendly and frank. The press statement confirmed plans for further discussions at Camp David later in the month. The remainder of Khrushchev's visit saw him travel across the United States to meet politicians, businessmen and members of the public. This attracted considerable media attention, but didn't resolve the major disputes of the Cold War. Nevertheless, when Eisenhower and Khrushchev met again at Camp David at the end of the visit, they agreed to continue discussions, signalling a temporary improvement in relations that became known as the Spirit of Camp David.