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Period: to
Cold War 1947-1966
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Harry Truman
Harry S. Truman began his second term a the 33rd President of the United States in 1949. He led the country through the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Truman implemented the Marshall Plan to aid European recovery. He also made the decision to intervene in Korea during the Korean War. -
South Pacific
The Broadway musical "South Pacific" premiered to great acclaim. It addressed controversial themes like racial prejudice. It's music, composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein, became iconic. The show won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950. -
Red China
The People's Republic of China was officially established by Mao Zedong. This marked a communist victory in the Chinese Civil War. The U.S. refused to recognize the new government for many years. Red China became a major player in Cold War geopolitics. -
Liberace
Liberace was a pianist and showman known for his flamboyant style. He became a household name through television performances. His popularity peaked during the 1950s with extravagant concerts. He was one of the highest-paid entertainers of his time. -
Zhou Enlai
Zhou Enlai served as Premier of China under Mao Zedong. He was known for his diplomacy and efforts to stabilize foreign relations. Zhou played a key role in Chinese political and economic development. He remained influential through decades of upheaval. -
Joe McCarthy
Senator Joseph McCarthy claimed communists had infiltrated the U.S. government. His accusations led to a nationwide Red Scare. Many innocent people were blacklisted or lost their jobs. McCarthyism became a symbol of paranoia and injustice. -
Jonnie Ray
Jonnie Ray became a musical sensation in the early 1950s. Known for his emotional performance style, he was dubbed the "Prince of Wails." He influenced the development of rock and roll. His hit "Cry" launched him to stardom. -
Rosenbergs
Julius and Ethel Rosenburg were convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. They allegedly passed atomic secrets to the Soviets. Their trial and execution were highly controversial. They were executed in 1953 despite international protests. -
England's Got a New Queen
Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the British throne after the death of her father. Her coronation marked the beginning of a new era in British history. She would become the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Her rule symbolized continuity during a time of change. -
Santayana Goodbye
Philosopher George Santayana passed away at the age of 88. He is best known for the quote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Santayana's works influenced both philosophy and literature. His death marked the end of an era in classical philosophy. -
H-Bomb
The U.S. successfully tested its first hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Ocean. The test was significantly more powerful than previous atomic bombs. This escalated the nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union. It marked a turning point in Cold War tensions. -
Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President of the United States. He was a World War II hero and Supreme Allied Commander. As president, he focused on infrastructure and containment of communism. His calm leadership reassured Americans during uncertain times. -
Khrushchev
Nikita Khrushchev became leader of the Soviet Union after Stalin's death. He initiated de-Stalinization and attempted reforms. His bold actions and fiery rhetoric defined the Cold War era. He was eventually removed from power in 1964. -
Peter Pan
Mary Martin starred in the television musical "Peter Pan." It was broadcast live to millions of homes. The production became a holiday tradition. It showcased the power of live television in the 1950s. -
Rock Around the Clock
Bill Haley His Comets released "Rock Around the Clock." The song became a massive hit and symbolized the rise of rock and roll. It introduced the genre to a wider audience. Teenagers embraced the new sound across America. -
Dien Bien Phu Falls
The French were defeated by Viet Minh forces at Dien Bien Phu. This battle ended French colonial rule in Indochina. It led to the Geneva Accords and the division of Vietnam. The event foreshadowed deeper U.S. involvement in Vietnam. -
Marciano
Rocky Marciano retired undefeated as the heavyweight boxing champion. His career record was 49 wins with no losses. Marciano became a sports icon for his power and resilience. He remains the only heavyweight champion to retire unbeaten. -
Brooklyn's Got a Winning Team
The Brooklyn Dodgers won the World Series. This was their first and only championship before moving to Los Angeles. The victory brought immense joy to Brooklyn fans. It was a historic moment in baseball history. -
Davy Crockett
The Davy Crockett craze swept America thanks to a Disney TV show. Children wore coonskin caps and sang the catchy theme song. The show sparked a merchandising frenzy. It highlighted American frontier mythology. -
Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle won the Triple Crown in baseball, solidifying his status as a superstar. He was a switch-hitting slugger for the New York Yankees. His athleticism and charm captivated fans. Mantle became one of the greatest players in baseball history. -
Vaccine
Jonas Salk developed the first effective polio vaccine. The vaccine was a breakthrough in medical science. It led to widespread immunization and saved millions of lives. Polio cases dramatically declined in the following decades. -
Einstein Dies
Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientific minds, passed away. He developed the theory of relativity and won a Nobel Prize. His work changed physics forever. He was also a vocal advocate for peace and civil rights. -
Disneyland
Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California. It was the first theme park of its kind and set a new standard for family entertainment. Millions of visitors were enchanted by its immersive lands and characters. Disneyland became a symbol of American imagination and optimism. -
James Dean
Actor James Dean died in a car crash at the age of 24. He started in films like "Rebel Without a Cause." Dean became a cultural icon symbolizing youthful rebellion. His untimely death cemented his legendary status. -
Alabama
Rosa Parks' arrest in Montgomery, Alabama sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a national leader during the Boycott. The protest led to a Supreme Court decision banning bus segregation. -
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley burst onto the music scene with his unique blend of rock, blues, and country. His charisma and energetic performances earned him the nickname "The King of Rock and Roll." He became a cultural icon and a global phenomenon. Elvis revolutionized music and inspired generations of artists. -
Bardot
Brigitte Bardot rose to fame as a French actress and sex symbol. She started in films that challenged conservative norms. Her style and persona influenced fashion and popular culture worldwide. Bardot became a lasting icon of 1950s glamour. -
Peyton Place
Grace Metalious published the novel "Peyton Place," which shocked readers with its frank portrayal of small-towm secrets. It became a bestseller and a cultural sensation. The book spawned films and a successful TV series. It pushed boundaries in American literature and television. -
Trouble in the Suez
Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, sparking conflict with Britain, France, and Israel. The Suez Crisis revealed waning Europeans colonial power. The U.S. and USSR both pressured the invaders to withdraw. The event marked a turning point in Middle Eastern politics. -
Princess Grace
Hollywood actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The wedding was a media sensation and symbolized a real-life fairy tale. She gave up acting to become Princess of Monaco. Grace brought glamour and attention to the tiny principality. -
Budapest
A revolution erupted in Hungary as citizens protested Soviet control. The uprising was violently crushed by Soviet tanks. Thousands were killed or fled the country as refugees. The event demonstrated the brutal grip of Soviet power in Eastern Europe. -
Little Rock
Nine African American students faced resistance when integrating Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. President Eisenhower sent federal troops to enforce desegregation. The Little Rock Nine became symbols of courage in the Civil Rights Movement. Their struggle highlighted the challenges of enforcing Brown v. Board of Education. -
Bridge on the River Kwai
The film "The Bridge on the River Kwai" won seven Academy Awards. It depicted British POWs building a railway bridge for the Japanese during WWII. The movie explored themes of honor and madness. It became a classic of war cinema. -
Sputnik
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite. It shocked the world and started the space race. The U.S. responded with increased investment in science and education. Sputnik changed global perceptions of technological power. -
Pasternak
Boris Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for his novel "Doctor Zhivago." The book was banned in the Soviet Union for its critical view of the regime. Pasternak was forced to decline the prize due to political pressure. His work became a symbol of artistic freedom. -
Stark weather Homocide
Charles Stark weather went on a killing spree across the Midwest with his teenage girlfriend. They murdered 11 people, shocking the nation. The case captured media attention for its brutality. It influenced pop culture portrayals of teen rebellion. -
Lebanon
U.S. Marines were sent to Lebanon to support its pro-Western government. The intervention was part of the Eisenhower Doctrine to resist communism in the Middle East. It showed America's willingness to use military power abroad. The operation ended peacefully and quickly. -
Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle returned to power during a political crisis in France. He founded the Fifth Republic and became its first president. De Gaulle asserted independence from the U.S. and NATO. His leadership reshaped modern French politics. -
California Baseball
The Dodgers and Giants moved from New York to California. This marked a the westward expansion of Major League Baseball. It changed the landscape of American sports. Baseball now had a strong presence on both coasts. -
Children of Thalidomide
Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women for morning sickness. The drug caused severe birth defects in thousands of babies. The tragedy led to tighter drug regulations worldwide. It remains a warning about the dangers of inadequate testing.