25 November 1947

Red Scare: The “Hollywood Ten” are blacklisted by Hollywood movie studios.

The Red Scare refers to the intense fear of communism and radical leftist ideologies that swept the United States during the late 1940s and 1950s, particularly during the early Cold War period. This paranoia was fueled by geopolitical tensions with the Soviet Union, domestic fears of espionage, and widespread concerns over communist infiltration in American institutions. A prominent episode during this time was the investigation of the “Hollywood Ten”, a group of screenwriters, directors, and producers who were accused of having communist affiliations. Subpoenaed to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1947, the Hollywood Ten refused to answer questions about their political beliefs or name others suspected of communist ties, citing their First Amendment rights. Their defiance led to charges of contempt of Congress, imprisonment, and subsequent blacklisting from Hollywood studios, effectively ending many of their careers. The case symbolized the broader crackdown on free expression and the climate of fear and suspicion that marked this era.

18 November 1947

The Ballantyne’s Department Store fire in Christchurch, New Zealand, kills 41; it is the worst fire disaster in the history of New Zealand.

The Ballantyne’s Department Store fire, which occurred on November 18, 1947, in Christchurch, New Zealand, stands as one of the country’s most devastating tragedies. The fire broke out in the prestigious Ballantyne’s building on Colombo Street and spread rapidly due to the extensive use of flammable materials in the construction and furnishings, coupled with inadequate fire safety measures of the time. Tragically, 41 people lost their lives, most of whom were employees trapped on upper floors with no effective evacuation routes. The disaster highlighted significant deficiencies in fire safety protocols, leading to widespread changes in building regulations, fire safety awareness, and emergency response practices across New Zealand. This harrowing event remains etched in the nation’s memory as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of workplace safety.

6 November 1947

Meet the Press, the longest running television program in history, makes its debut on NBC Television

Meet the Press is a long-running American television news and political talk show. It first aired in 1947 on NBC, making it one of the oldest television programs in the U.S. and the longest-running program in television history.

30 October 1947

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the foundation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is founded.

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was an international trade treaty established in 1947 with the goal of promoting free trade by reducing or eliminating trade barriers such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies. Signed by 23 countries in Geneva, Switzerland, GATT laid the foundation for the modern multilateral trading system, aiming to stimulate economic recovery after World War II and foster international cooperation in trade. GATT governed international trade relations from 1948 until 1995, when it was replaced by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Key Objectives and Principles of GATT:
GATT was designed to facilitate global trade and economic growth by ensuring that trade policies were transparent, non-discriminatory, and predictable. Its main objectives included:

Trade Liberalization: Reduce tariffs and other barriers to trade, making it easier for countries to export and import goods. This was aimed at promoting economic growth and improving standards of living worldwide.

Non-Discrimination: Establish the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) principle, which ensured that any trade advantage granted to one GATT member must be extended to all other members. This principle aimed to prevent discriminatory trade practices and create a level playing field.

Transparency: Encourage countries to make their trade policies and tariffs publicly known, reducing uncertainty and facilitating smoother trade relations.

Dispute Resolution: Provide a framework for resolving trade disputes among countries to prevent conflicts and ensure fair practices. This encouraged cooperation and stability in international trade.

Economic Recovery and Stability: GATT was established in the aftermath of World War II to help countries recover economically, reduce poverty, and promote peace through mutual economic dependence and cooperation.

25 February 1947

The formal abolition of Prussia is proclaimed by the Allied Control Council, the Prussian government having already been abolished by the Preußenschlag of 1932

The abolition of Prussia refers to the dismantling of the historic Kingdom and later State of Prussia, which played a significant role in European history for centuries. Prussia was a major German kingdom and later a constituent state of the German Empire, known for its militarism, bureaucracy, and influential cultural legacy.

The abolition of Prussia occurred in the aftermath of World War II and was part of the process of denazification and reconstruction in Germany. The Allied powers, particularly the Soviet Union, played a significant role in this process.

Potsdam Agreement (1945): The Potsdam Agreement, signed by the Allied powers (United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union) in 1945, outlined the principles for the post-war administration of Germany. It called for the dissolution of Prussia as a political entity.

Denazification and Decentralization: The Allied powers sought to dismantle institutions associated with Nazism and centralization of power. Prussia, with its long history and deep-rooted bureaucracy, was seen as a symbol of authoritarianism and militarism, and thus, its abolition was deemed necessary for the establishment of democratic governance in Germany.

Occupation and Division of Germany: Following World War II, Germany was divided into occupation zones administered by the Allies. The eastern part of Germany, including Prussia’s heartland, was occupied by the Soviet Union. The Soviet authorities took decisive steps to eliminate Prussian institutions.

1947 Prussian Landtag Election: In 1947, elections were held in the Soviet Zone of Occupation to establish regional parliaments (Landtags). The election in Prussia resulted in the dominance of the Socialist Unity Party (SED), which was under Soviet influence. This further facilitated the process of dismantling Prussia’s institutions.

Formal Dissolution: On February 25, 1947, the Allied Control Council issued a directive formally abolishing the State of Prussia. Its territories were divided among the newly formed German states such as Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg, and others.

Cultural and Historical Legacy: While the political entity of Prussia was abolished, its cultural and historical legacy continued to influence Germany. Many Prussian institutions, traditions, and landmarks still exist in modern Germany.

13 November 1947

The Soviet Union completes development of the AK-47, one of the first proper assault rifles.

The AK-47, which stands for “Avtomat Kalashnikova 1947,” is a selective-fire, gas-operated assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. It was officially adopted by the Soviet Union in 1949 and has since become one of the most widely used and recognizable firearms in the world.

Design and Development:
Mikhail Kalashnikov designed the AK-47 in the late 1940s, and it was introduced into Soviet military service in 1949.
The rifle was designed to be reliable, easy to manufacture, and effective in a variety of combat conditions.
It has a distinctive curved magazine and is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge.

Operating Mechanism:
The AK-47 operates on a gas piston system with a rotating bolt. Gas from the fired cartridge is redirected through a gas tube to operate the action.
This design contributes to the rifle’s reliability in adverse conditions, such as mud, sand, and water.

Construction:
The AK-47 is known for its simple and rugged construction. It is often praised for its durability and ability to function in harsh environments.
The rifle’s components are often machined or stamped, making it relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Caliber:
The original AK-47 fires the 7.62x39mm cartridge, which is an intermediate cartridge. It strikes a balance between the power of full-sized rifle cartridges and the lower recoil of pistol cartridges.

Selective-Fire:
The AK-47 is capable of automatic or semi-automatic fire, depending on the model. Some versions also have a three-round burst mode.
The ability to fire in fully automatic mode has contributed to the rifle’s reputation for firepower.

Global Impact:
The AK-47 and its variants have been widely used by military forces, paramilitary groups, and insurgencies around the world.
It has become a symbol of revolutionary movements and is often associated with guerrilla warfare.

Variants:
Numerous variants and derivatives of the AK-47 exist, produced by various countries and manufacturers. These include the AKM, AK-74, and others.

Criticisms:
While praised for its reliability, the AK-47 is often criticized for its comparatively lower accuracy, especially in long-range engagements.

14 October 1947

Chuck Yeager becomes the first person to exceed the speed of sound.

Chuck Yeager was a legendary American aviator and test pilot who became the first person to break the sound barrier in level flight. He was born on February 13, 1923, in Myra, West Virginia, and passed away on December 7, 2020.

Yeager’s breakthrough moment occurred on October 14, 1947, when he flew the Bell X-1 rocket plane, named “Glamorous Glennis” after his wife, faster than the speed of sound. This historic achievement took place at Muroc Army Air Field (now Edwards Air Force Base) in California. Yeager’s accomplishment marked a significant milestone in aviation history and opened the door to supersonic flight.

Chuck Yeager’s career in aviation was not limited to breaking the sound barrier. He served as a test pilot for the U.S. Air Force and contributed to the development of numerous aircraft. He flew a variety of planes, including the X-1A, X-1B, X-3, X-4, X-5, and others. His expertise and bravery in testing new and experimental aircraft made him a highly respected figure in the aerospace community.

In addition to his achievements in aviation, Chuck Yeager also served as a combat pilot during World War II and the Vietnam War. He earned numerous awards and honors throughout his military career, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star.

Yeager’s story gained widespread recognition beyond the aviation community, partly due to Tom Wolfe’s book “The Right Stuff” and the subsequent film adaptation. The book and movie portrayed the lives of test pilots, including Yeager, during the early days of the space race.

Chuck Yeager’s contributions to aviation and his pioneering spirit continue to be celebrated, and he is remembered as a true American hero who pushed the boundaries of flight.

10 June 1947

Saab produces its first automobile.

Saab Automobile, often referred to simply as Saab, was a Swedish car manufacturer that was known for producing innovative and distinctive vehicles. The company was founded in 1945 as a subsidiary of the aerospace company Saab AB. Initially, Saab focused on manufacturing aircraft, but in the late 1940s, they diversified into the automobile industry.

Saab cars were recognized for their unique design, advanced engineering, and emphasis on safety. The company gained a reputation for producing practical and reliable vehicles with a focus on performance and handling. Some of their notable models include the Saab 92, Saab 99, Saab 900, and Saab 9-3.

Saab cars were often distinguished by their aerodynamic design, incorporating features such as wraparound windshields and unconventional hatchback designs. The company also pioneered the use of turbocharging technology in mass-produced vehicles, offering improved power and fuel efficiency.

Saab developed a strong following among enthusiasts who appreciated the brand’s engineering prowess and individuality. The company’s commitment to safety was evident in its numerous innovations, such as the introduction of headlight wipers, impact-absorbing bumpers, and the implementation of advanced crash testing.

However, despite its loyal customer base and innovative products, Saab faced financial difficulties over the years. In 2011, Saab Automobile filed for bankruptcy and halted production due to a lack of funding. Several attempts were made to revive the brand, including investments from various companies and consortiums, but none were successful in restoring Saab’s long-term viability.

23 February 1947

International Organization for Standardization is founded.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes standards for various industries and fields. ISO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has members from over 165 countries.

ISO’s main objective is to promote worldwide standardization and to facilitate international trade by developing and publishing internationally recognized standards for products, services, and systems. These standards cover a wide range of topics, including quality management, environmental management, information technology, energy management, and many more.

ISO standards provide a common set of guidelines and best practices that businesses, governments, and other organizations can use to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of their products, services, and operations. Compliance with ISO standards can also help organizations demonstrate their commitment to meeting customer needs and regulatory requirements.

ISO standards are developed through a consensus-based process that involves input from industry experts, national standards bodies, and other stakeholders. Once a standard is developed and published, it is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and up-to-date with changes in technology, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.