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the Barbie Doll was invented in 1959 by Ruth Handler.
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Ken is invented.
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Barbie's girlfriend Christie, an African-American doll, is introduced in 1968.
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Barbie proves that it is possible to have it all. She becomes an Olympic skier, a gymnast, skater, doctor, surgical nurse, ballerina and a flight attendant. Barbie is selected as the "doll of the century" for the U.S. bicentennial celebration. She is placed in a time capsule, scheduled to be opened in 2076.
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Mattel takes steps to desegregate with all deliberate speed, introducing Black Barbie and Hispanic Barbie. "Oriental" Barbie follows the next year. The company also launches its ongoing International Collection, beginning with Italian Barbie, Parisian Barbie, and Royal U.K. Barbie.
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Mattel embraces cowboy chic with Western Barbie.
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Barbie joins the U.S. Army in 1989. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps fashions follow over the next three years.
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March 1999: The most expensive Barbie doll in the world is unveiled to mark her 40th anniversary. The doll wears jewllery containing 160 diamonds set in 18-carot white gold, and is worth £50,000.
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2004: Barbie and Ken's breakup is announced.
