We Didn't Start The Fire Timeline

Winchell Covers Lindenbergh Kidnapping

Mar 1, 1932

Walter Winchell covers the infamous Lindenbergh Kidnapping and gains national attention.

Doris Day is in Tragic Car Accident

Oct 13, 1937

The car accident damage Doris' legs and ended her dancing dreams.

Harry Truman Becomes President

Apr 12, 1945

Harry Truman was Franklin D. Roosevelt's running mate in 1944. He became president on this date due to the unfortunate assassination of FDR.

Howdy Doody

Dec 27, 1947

"Howdy Doody", the first childrens show in the United States, aires it's first episode. It would go on to be the first show to run more than 1000 consecutive episodes.

South Pacific Premeires

Apr 7, 1949

South Pacific opens on Broadway and becomes an imediate hit. It ran for 1,925 performances.

Red China

Oct 1, 1949

After the communist take over of China it is renamed to the People's Republic of China.

McCarthyism

Feb 9, 1950

American Senator Joe McCarthy claimed that he had a list of 205 "Card Carrying" Americans working in the State Department, sparking national controversy.

Fight of the Century

Mar 24, 1950

Rocky Marciano wins against La Starza by a split decision by the judges. Both were undefeated at the time and the fight lasted half an hour.

Korean War begins

Jun 25, 1950

North Korea launches surprise attack on South Korea.

Johnnie Ray Releases first album

Jan 1, 1951

Johnnie Ray's first album, "Whiskey and Jin" is released and becomes a minor hit, starting his ride to stardom.

The King and I

Mar 29, 1951

The King and I premiered on Broadway with high expectations from the audience who hoped it to be better than it's predecessor South Pacific.

The Catcher in the Rye

Jul 16, 1951

The Cather in the Rye is published by Little, Brown and Company as an adult book. However ,because it's themes related more to teenagers the book was more popular with the younger people.

A Streetcar Named Desire

Sep 18, 1951

A Streetcar Named Desire premiered with Marlon Brando as the male lead. His performance was so highly praised that he immediately rose to stardom.

Richard Nixon Becomes VP

Jan 1, 1952

Richard Nixon becomes Vice President of the USA to IKE.

The New Queen

Feb 6, 1952

Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary takes the throne from her father George VI at the age of 25.

The Liberace Show

Jul 1, 1952

Liberace, a popular live pianist, airs his first television program The Liberace Show.

Death Of a Philosopher

Sep 26, 1952

The great philosopher, essayist, poet, and novelist, George Santayana, died on September 26th.

IKE Becomes President

Jan 20, 1953

IKE becomes president of the USA.

Rosenbergs Executed

Jun 19, 1953

Ethel and Julius Rosenberg executed for being accused of conspiracy to commit espionage.

Korean War ends

Jul 1, 1953

Korean War ends with nearly 4 million casualties.

Panmunjom

Jul 27, 1953

Armstice signed at Panmunjom, and abandoned town on the North Korean border, to pause the Korean War.

H-Bomb

Aug 12, 1953

First ready-to-use h-bomb, the "Joe 4", was tested in the USSR.

Marriage of the Century

Jan 14, 1954

Retired NY Yankee's center fielder, Joe DiMaggio, marries Marilyn Monroe. This becomes the most publicized relationship at the time.

Polio Vaccine

Apr 12, 1955

The polio vaccine is introduced to the world by Dr. Thomas Francis Jr.

Marilyn Sings to President Kenedy

May 19, 1962

Marilyn Monroe sings Happy Birthday to JFK. The dress she wore during her performance was sold for several million dollars and to this day is the most expensive personal dress ever sold.

Studebaker Goes out of Buisness

May 1, 1967

Studebaker car company declares bankruptcy and shuts down.

Sugar Ray wins World Title

Nov 30, 1979

Sugar Ray wins his first world title against Wilfred Benitez and receives a 1 million dollar prize.