-
Korean War begins
The North Korean military began the Communist lead invasion of South Korea. -
Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur
President Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his commands after criticizing the limited war efforts of the Truman administration, and starting unauthorized talks with China in the Korean war. -
Japanese Peace Treaty Conference
The Japanese Peace Treaty Conference was held San Francisco. -
McCarran–Walter Act
The McCarran–Walter Act was enacted, with the House and Senate overriding President Truman's veto of the bill. -
Korean War ends
The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, ending the Korean War. -
Army-McCarthy hearings
Army-McCarthy hearings: Senator McCarthy was nationally discredited after failing to provide credible evidence supporting accusations of communist activity in the U.S. government amid the two months of televised hearings. -
SEATO
The United States became a member of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). -
Civil Rights Movement begins
The African-American Civil Rights Movement began. -
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Pact was signed, establishing a mutual defense arrangement subscribed to by eight Communist states in Eastern Europe, including the Soviet Union. -
two planes collided
a United Airlines Douglas DC-7 and a Trans World Airlines Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation collided above the Grand Canyon in Arizona, killing all 128 people on board both aircraft. -
Eisenhower Doctrine
The Eisenhower Doctrine, wherein a country could request American economic assistance or military aid if threatened by outside armed aggression, was proclaimed. -
Space race
Space race: The Soviet Union launched Sputnik. -
Explorer 1
Explorer 1: The first U.S. satellite was launched into space. -
Alaska becomes state
Alaska was admitted to the Union, becoming the 49th state. -
Grammy Awards
The First Grammy Awards was held.