World Events in 1947
Indian Independence and Partition
On 15 August, India gained independence from Britain, but was simultaneously partitioned into India and Pakistan. The partition triggered massive population movements and communal violence that killed between one and two million people.
The Marshall Plan Announced
In June, US Secretary of State George Marshall proposed a massive programme of economic aid to rebuild war-torn Europe. The European Recovery Program would ultimately provide over $13 billion to 16 countries.
Royal Wedding
On 20 November, Princess Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. In austerity Britain, the lavish ceremony provided a welcome moment of pageantry, broadcast by BBC Radio to 200 million listeners worldwide.
Truman Doctrine
In March, President Truman declared that the US would support free peoples resisting subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures. The policy, initially aimed at Greece and Turkey, formalised America's commitment to containing communism.
CIA Established
In September, the National Security Act created the Central Intelligence Agency, consolidating US intelligence activities. The CIA would become a central institution of the Cold War era.
Music in 1947
"Now Is the Hour"
Gracie Fields
A tender farewell song that became one of the most popular records in post-war Britain, resonating with families still separated by the aftermath of war.
"Near You"
Francis Craig and His Orchestra
This Nashville-produced hit topped the Billboard charts for 17 consecutive weeks, making it the longest-running number one of the year.
#1 Film of 1947
The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer
Box Office: $5.5 million
Cary Grant starred in this screwball comedy alongside Myrna Loy and a young Shirley Temple, becoming one of the top-grossing films of the year.
Born in 1947
David Bowie
Pioneering rock musician and cultural chameleon
Elton John
Singer-songwriter and one of the best-selling music artists of all time
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bodybuilder, Hollywood actor, and Governor of California
Hillary Clinton
US Secretary of State, Senator, and first woman nominated for President by a major party
Salman Rushdie
Author of Midnight's Children and The Satanic Verses
Lost in 1947
Henry Ford
Founder of the Ford Motor Company and pioneer of mass production
Age 83
Al Capone
Notorious American gangster who controlled organised crime in Chicago during the 1920s
Age 48
Stanley Baldwin
Three-time British Prime Minister during the interwar period
Age 80
Max Planck
German physicist who originated quantum theory
Age 89
Technology in 1947
The transistor was invented at Bell Labs, one of the most significant technological breakthroughs of the century. The first commercial microwave oven, the Radarange, was sold. Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier. Polaroid demonstrated the instant camera.
- ● Transistor invented by Bardeen, Brattain, and Shockley at Bell Labs
- ● Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 aircraft
- ● Raytheon introduced the first commercial microwave oven, the Radarange
- ● Edwin Land demonstrated the Polaroid instant camera
Cost of Living in 1947
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £750 | $5,600 |
| Average salary | £300 | $2,600 |
| Pint of milk | 3d | $0.18 |
| Loaf of bread | 5d | $0.12 |
| Dozen eggs | 2s 2d | $0.70 |
| Pint of beer | 9d | $0.20 |
| Cinema ticket | 1s 1d | $0.36 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1947
Austerity Britain endured one of the harshest winters on record, with coal shortages causing widespread misery. Yet spirits were lifted by Princess Elizabeth's engagement and wedding to Philip Mountbatten. In America, the post-war consumer boom was gathering pace, though tensions over communism were growing. The partition of India and Pakistan brought independence but also horrific violence.
In the News in 1947
The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in caves near Qumran. Thor Heyerdahl sailed across the Pacific on the Kon-Tiki raft. Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in Major League Baseball. The first Ferrari car was built in Maranello, Italy.