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We didn't start the fire
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Harry Truman
Harry Truman is inaugurated as U.S. president after being elected in 1948 to his own term; previously he was sworn in following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He authorized the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan during World War II, on August 6 and August 9, 1945, respectively. -
Television
Television is becoming widespread (in black and white format) and becomes the most popular means of advertising. -
The Rosenbergs
The Rosenbergs, Ethel and Julius, were convicted on March 29 for espionage. -
George Santayana
Santayana goodbye: George Santayana, philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist, dies on September 26. -
Roy Campanella
Roy Campanella, an African-American baseball catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers, receives the National League's Most Valuable Player award for the second time. -
"Rock Around the Clock"
"Rock Around the Clock" is a hit single released by Bill Haley & His Comets in May, spurring worldwide interest in rock and roll music. -
Disneyland
Disneyland opens on July 17 as Walt Disney's first theme park. -
Space Monkey
Space Monkey: Able and Miss Baker return to Earth from space aboard the flight Jupiter AM-18. -
John F. Kennedy
JFK blown away: President John F. Kennedy is assassinated on November 22 while riding in an open convertible through Dallas. -
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune: A hit television game show which has been TV's highest-rated syndicated program since 1983.
