1948 was a momentous year in the 20th century. Globalization was booming, with the arrival of universal doctrines and international organizations. Countries that were part of the imperialist empire became independent. A non-violence resistance leader was assassinated. What a year, what can I say.
1. January 30:
Mahatma Gandhi is assassinated in India. Gandhi was a pacifist leader during the India Independence Movement. He resisted tyranny and disobedience in his teachings.
2. March 8:
McCollum v. Board of Education: United States Supreme Court decision. Religious education is deemed unconstitutional in the United States. Tax based money could no longer be used to fund religious instruction. The case was brought to the attention of Supreme Court by Vashti McCollum, an atheist against the religious education. She felt her son was ostracized for not attending.
3. April 3:
Harry S. Truman signs the Marshall Plan which allows 16 countries to receive aid for reconstruction. $5 billion was given to European countries so that they can rebuild their economies after devastating loses in World War II.
4. April 7:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is founded. Their objective is for all people to attain the highest possible level of health.
5. May 14:
Israel is declared independent. The Jewish people finally have a national home. Outrage from Egypt, Iraq, Syria and Transjordan, caused tensions and sadly more war following British withdrawal.
6. June 24:
The Berlin Blockade begins. The Soviet Union blocked road and railway access to regions of Berlin, occupied by USA, France and Great Britain. The event was significant as it was the first major crisis of the Cold War.
7. August 16:
Babe Ruth dies of pneumonia. He is ranked No.1 on the list of Baseball’s Greatest Players.
8. October 6:
The sixth deadliest earthquake hits Turkmen Soviet State. 110,000 people are killed. The magnitude was 7.3 on the Richter scale.
9. November 12:
Japanese War Criminals are tried and convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for their role in World War II. Hirohito was not convicted and was not sentenced to death.
10. December 10:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is adopted. No rights could not be discriminated based on gender, race and disabilities. The problem with this declaration was that not many countries adhered to it. Asian countries, specifically believe that the doctrine is “Western”.
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