Stories from 1948
Browse a timeline of top world events from 1948. Or, use Proust to tell your life story and share personal
moments from any year in history.
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January 1, 1948
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Switzerland
George de Mestral invented Velcro after studying under microscope small grass burrs that had gotten stuck in his socks during a walk.
January 1, 1948
Walter Frederick Morrison and Warren Franscioni invented the Frisbee.
January 30, 1948
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India
A Hindu extremist assassinated Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement who was known for his non-violent tactics. He is more commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma meaning 'great soul'.
April 3, 1948
President Truman signed the Marshall Plan to help Europe recover from World War II, promising to give $13 billion over a four-year period. Stabilizing European economies would help ensure U.S. growth while curbing the spread of communism in poor countries, a major concern for the United States with the start of the Cold War.
May 1, 1948
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South Africa
South African Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd enacted the policy of apartheid, making racial segregation and discrimination legal.
May 14, 1948
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Israel
The State of Israel was founded.
June 8, 1948
Milton "Mr. Television" Berle got his shot at comedic stardom when Texaco Star Theater was broadcast over the television airwaves.
June 20, 1948
Journalist Ed Sullivan hosted the first episode of variety show Toast of the Town, which would become the Ed Sullivan Show 7 years later.
