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Harry Truman Inaugurated
Harry Truman wins the 1948 presidential election in a stunning upset, and is inaugurated the following January. -
People's Republic of China Established
The Marxist forces of Mao Zedong win the Chinese Civil War, proclaiming China to be a Marxist state. -
Korean War Begins
The North Korean Army invades South Korea. The following war involves the UN, US, USSR, and PRC and lasts for 3 years. -
Joseph Stalin Dies
Joseph Stalin, leader of the Soviet Union since the 1924 death of Lenin, dies. -
French Forces Defeated at Dien Bien Phu
The Viet Minh defeats the besieged French military at Dien Bien Phu, bringing the First Indochina War to a close. -
Mongomery Bus Boycotted
Citizens of Montgomery, Alabama boycott the Montgomery Bus Lines in reaction to the arrest of Rosa Parks. -
Sputnik Satellite Launched
The Soviet Union launches Earth's first artificial satelite, Sputnik-1. -
Castro Ousts Batista
The 26th of July revolutionary movement wins the Cuban Civil war and establishes Cuba as a Marxist State. -
Berlin Wall Erected
East Germany creates a wall dividing East and West Berlin. -
Kennedy Assassinated
US President John Kennedy is assassinated by Lee Oswald in Dallas, Texas. -
US Astronauts land on Moon
The United States lands astronauts on the Moon, winning in the Space Race. -
Shah Leaves Iran
Following almost a year of revolution, the Shah agrees to leave Iran. Soon after, an Islamic Theocracy is established. -
Soviet Union Invades Afghanistan
To support the pro-Soviet government, the Soviet Union invades Afghanistan. -
Chinese Soldiers Fire on Student Protesters at Tiananmen Square
Chinese soldiers open fire on students protesting the Chinese Government at Tiananmen Square. The students had been occupying the square since April.