2012: Predicting the future, with hindsight

By Todd Leopold, CNN

Updated 2022 GMT (0422 HKT) January 1, 2012

What will the new year hold? Will history repeat itself? It's impossible to say. Here's a look at the impact of events big and small that occurred decades ago.
Photos: Photos: 2012: Events we will remember
2012: Events we will remember – What will the new year hold? Will history repeat itself? It's impossible to say. Here's a look at the impact of events big and small that occurred decades ago.
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President John F. Kennedy addresses the nation regarding the Soviet Union's buildup of missiles in Cuba. The crisis was eventually resolved with the U.S. removing missiles from Italy and Turkey and the USSR dismantling weapons in Cuba.
Photos: Photos: 2012: Events we will remember
October 22, 1962: Cuban Missile Crisis – President John F. Kennedy addresses the nation regarding the Soviet Union's buildup of missiles in Cuba. The crisis was eventually resolved with the U.S. removing missiles from Italy and Turkey and the USSR dismantling weapons in Cuba.
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Two days after scoring 100 points during a game against the New York Knicks, Philadelphia Warriors Wilt Chamberlain scores again against the Knicks. Unfortunately, the great record-grabbing moment was not captured on camera.
Photos: Photos: 2012: Events we will remember
March 2, 1962: Chamberlain scores 100 – Two days after scoring 100 points during a game against the New York Knicks, Philadelphia Warriors Wilt Chamberlain scores again against the Knicks. Unfortunately, the great record-grabbing moment was not captured on camera.
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Now the largest company in the U.S., Walmart started as Wal-Mart in Rogers, Arkansas. As of November 30, Walmart claims more than 5,400 stores internationally.
Photos: Photos: 2012: Events we will remember
July 2, 1962: First Wal-Mart opens – Now the largest company in the U.S., Walmart started as Wal-Mart in Rogers, Arkansas. As of November 30, Walmart claims more than 5,400 stores internationally.
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The debut of the British rhythm and blues band The Rolling Stones was at the Marquee Club in London. They are seen here in 1963, from left, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones and Bill Wyman.
Photos: Photos: 2012: Events we will remember
July 12, 1962: The Rolling Stones' first appearance – The debut of the British rhythm and blues band The Rolling Stones was at the Marquee Club in London. They are seen here in 1963, from left, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones and Bill Wyman.
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American actress and singer Marilyn Monroe became a major sex symbol before her premature death. The circumstances surrounding her death have caused speculation of whether it was a suicide or homicide.
Photos: Photos: 2012: Events we will remember
August 5, 1962: Actress Marilyn Monroes dies – American actress and singer Marilyn Monroe became a major sex symbol before her premature death. The circumstances surrounding her death have caused speculation of whether it was a suicide or homicide.
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Spider-Man creator Stan Lee poses at his office in 2004. Spider-Man's popularity earned the superhero his own comic book, several TV series and in the 2000s, three blockbuster movies.
Photos: Photos: 2012: Events we will remember
August 1962: Marvel introduces Spider-Man – Spider-Man creator Stan Lee poses at his office in 2004. Spider-Man's popularity earned the superhero his own comic book, several TV series and in the 2000s, three blockbuster movies.
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A family listens to a Magnavox Concert Grand radio in their home. Hit radio programs "Suspense" and "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" aired the last broadcasts in 1962. Many would say this ended the "Golden Age of Radio."
Photos: Photos: 2012: Events we will remember
September 30, 1962: End of 'Golden Age of Radio' – A family listens to a Magnavox Concert Grand radio in their home. Hit radio programs "Suspense" and "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" aired the last broadcasts in 1962. Many would say this ended the "Golden Age of Radio."
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