China's communist regime invades both Tibet and South Korea. A UN force, made up mostly of US troops, intervenes in Korea. Neither side gains an advantage and two years later the USSR proposes a cease-fire.

The Ferranti Mark 1, the world's first commercially produced computer, is introduced in Europe.

The world's first jet airliner, the De Havilland Comet, is introduced.

Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes President. A British expedition led by Edmund Hillary reaches the top of Mount Everest. The F-100 jet fighter, the first supersonic production aircraft, is introduced.

British medical student Roger Bannister runs the mile in under 4 minutes. The world's first nuclear-powered vessel, the US submarine Nautilus, is launched.

The first pocket transistor radio is introduced. The first McDonald's is opened in California. Rosa Parks boycotts against segregation on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama.

Krushchev becomes leader of the USSR. Hungary withdraws from Warsaw Pact, but communist rule is restored by Soviet-led armed invasion. IBM develops the computer disk drive.

The Soviet Union launches the Sputnik satellite, beginning the Space Race. The Treaty of Rome is signed, forming the basis of the European Economic Community. First nuclear reactor built in the US.

Oil is discovered in the area that will later be known as the United Arab Emirates. First microchip is developed in the US. NASA is formed and launches the first US satellite, Explorer 1.

Revolution in Cuba brings Fidel Castro to power. Boeing 707 jet airliner introduced, cuts transatlantic flying time to 8 hours. Hawaii becomes 50th US state. First US weather satellite is launched.