What Happened in 1947
1947 Historical Highlights
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President Harry S. Truman made history as the first U.S. president to deliver a televised address to the American public.
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Presidential advisor Bernard Baruch used the term “Cold War” to describe the growing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union following World War II.
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Philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. donated land along New York City’s East River for the construction of the United Nations headquarters.
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The Boulder Dam in Nevada was officially renamed the Hoover Dam in honor of Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States.
A photograph of the Hoover Dam from the series Ansel Adams Photographs of National Parks and Monuments.
1947 Pop Culture & Fun Facts
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Reports spread that a UFO had crash-landed in Roswell. While the U.S. military denied extraterrestrial involvement, the incident sparked decades of speculation and conspiracy theories.
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Howdy Doody Show made its debut on NBC, becoming one of early television’s most beloved children’s programs.
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The first-ever Cannes Film Festival was held in Cannes, launching what would become one of the world’s most prestigious film events.
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French designer Christian Dior debuted his first collection, unveiling the iconic “New Look” featuring rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and dramatically full skirts.
1947 Inventions & First Appearances
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Pan American World Airways became the first American airline to offer regularly scheduled passenger flights around the world.
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Physicist John Bardeen co-invented the transistor, a breakthrough that would revolutionize modern electronics.
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Edward H. Lowe introduced Kitty Litter, transforming pet care by creating the first commercially successful cat litter product.
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New consumer products hit store shelves in 1947, including Ajax cleaners, Bazooka gum, Hi-C beverages, Prell shampoo, Reynolds Wrap, TRESemmé, and Wheat Thins crackers.
Sports Highlights of 1947
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Jackie Robinson signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first African-American player in Major League Baseball.
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On April 27, Babe Ruth Day was celebrated at Yankee Stadium and honored nationwide in tribute to the legendary slugger.
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The first televised World Series game was broadcast, with the New York Yankees defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers 5–3.
Jackie Robinson was named Major League Baseball’s Rookie of the Year.
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World Series Champions: New York Yankees
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NFL Champions: Chicago Cardinals
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NBA Champions: Philadelphia Warriors
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Stanley Cup Champs: Toronto Maple Leafs
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U.S. Open Golf Lew Worsham
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U.S. Tennis: (Men/Ladies) Jack Kramer/Pauline Betz
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Wimbledon (Men/Women): Jack Kramer/Margaret Osbourne
1947 Billboard Music Top Songs
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Francis Craig – Near You
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The Harmonicats – Peg O’ My Heart
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Ted Weems – Heartaches
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Ray Noble and Buddy Clark – Linda
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Tex Williams – Smoke, Smoke, Smoke That Cigarette
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Vaughn Monroe – I Wish I Didn’t Love You So
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The Three Suns – Peg O’ My Heart
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Al Jolson – Anniversary Song
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Larry Green – Near You
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Sammy Kaye – That’s My Desire
Top Grossing Movies of 1947
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Forever Amber
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Welcome Stranger
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Gone with the Wind
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Mother Wore Tights
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The Hucksters
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The Bachelor and the Bobby
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Gentleman's Agreement
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Till the Clouds Roll By
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Road to Rio
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This Time for Keeps
FREE 1947 Year You Were Born Printable
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