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