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Start of the Korean War
North Korea invades South Korea, starting the war. -
Soviet Union proclaims to have atomic bomb
Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin proclaims to have atomic bomb. -
Queen Elizabeth II becomes Queen
Queen Elizabeth II succeeds King George VI to the British throne and proclaimed Queen of the United Kingdom -
Creation of Polio Vaccine
Dr Jonas Salk announces vaccine to prevent polio -
President voices concern over "Domino effect"
US President Dwight D. Eisenhower in news conference is first to voice fear of a "domino-effect" of communism in Indo-China. -
Rosa Parks refuses to give away seat.
Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to move to the back of a bus and give her seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. -
Telephone goes overseas.
First transatlantic telephone cable goes into operation from Newfoundland to Oban. -
Dog goes to space.
USSR launches Sputnik 2 with a dog (Laika), 1st animal in orbit. -
Supreme Court orders high school to integrate.
US Supreme Court orders the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas to integrate -
1st Craft leaves Earth's orbit.
Luna 1 (Mechta) becomes 1st craft to leave Earth's gravity