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ANZUS treaty
The United States, Australia, and New Zealand sign a mutual security part. -
The Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics open in Finland. Thirty nations participate. During these games, the first triple jump in figure skating history is performed. -
Steel industry strike
President Truman authorizes the seizure of United States steel mills in order to avoid a strike. This was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. -
Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes president
Former general, Dwight D. Eisenhower wins against Democratic challenger Adlai E. Stevenson. -
The Korean War is over
Fighting stops in the Korean War. Everyone signs an armistice agreement. -
The McDonald corporation
K=Ray Kroc founds the idea for the McDonald's corporation, agreeing to franchise the idea of Dick and Mac McDonald. -
Polio viruses are created
The first large scale vaccination of children against polio begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. -
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on the bus to a white man and is arrested. Her act will lead to a bus boycott. -
Explorer l
Explorer l, the first U.S. space satellite, is launched by the Army at Cape Canaveral. -
Alaska becomes a state
Alaska is admitted to the United States as the 49th state. It was followed on August 21 by Hawaii.