1949
President Truman outlines his Point Four" proposal for U.S. technical aid to underdeveloped countries. He also proposes a program of domestic legislation called the "Fair Deal," which favors repeal of the Taft-Hartley Labor, farm price supports, expansion of social security, low rent public housing and more civil rights laws.

Rogers and Hammerstein produce the musical South Pacific, featuring such songs as "Some Enchanted Evening" and "There's Nothing Like a Dame."

The Senate ratifies agreement establishing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Eleven U.S. Communist Party leaders are found guilty of conspiracy to overthrow the government and sentenced to prison terms.

The permanent headquarters of the United Nations is dedicated in New York City.

Alger Hiss is tried on two counts of perjury concerning his dealings with Chambers. The jury is unable to reach a decision, but at a second trial Hiss is found guilty and given a five-year prison term Arthur Miller publishes the Pulitzer Prize winning Death of a Salesman.

Johnny Marks, songwriter, writes the popular holiday song "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer." .