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Iron Curtain Speech
Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivers his famous "Iron Curtain" speech at a college in Missouri. He stressed the necessity for the United States and Britain to act as the guardians of peace and stability against the menace of Soviet communism, which had lowered an “iron curtain” across Europe. -
Alger Hiss Testifies
Alger Hiss testifies before the House Un-American Activities Committee, denying that he is, or ever was, a member of the Communist Party. -
Truman’s Surprise Reelection
President Harry S. Truman is elected to a second term as president, defeating Republican Thomas Dewey, Progressive Henry Wallace, and Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond in the election of 1948. -
Soviet Atom Bomb
The Soviet Union successfully detonates its first atomic bomb. The loss of its atomic monopoly comes as a terrible shock to the United States and its people. -
Rosenbergs Convicted
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg are convicted of passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union.