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World War II ends in Europe.
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U.S. drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.
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Berlin Airlift begins (ends May 19, 1949)
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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) established
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The United Kingdom recognizes the People's Republic of China. The Republic of China severs diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom
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U.S. and other U.N. members fight North Korean forces (the Korean War ends July 27, 1953)
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Fidel Castro becomes premier of Cuba, installs Communist government
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The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is opened for signature.
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Richard Nixon becomes President of the United States
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Mikhail Gorbachev becomes leader of the Soviet Union, the following year he declares glasnost and perestroika