15 February 1952

King George VI of the United Kingdom is buried in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

King George VI, born Albert Frederick Arthur George Windsor, was the King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from December 11, 1936, until his death on February 6, 1952. He was born on December 14, 1895, and was the second son of King George V and Queen Mary. His elder brother was Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne in 1936, leading to George VI’s unexpected ascension to the throne.

George VI was not initially expected to become king, as his older brother, Edward VIII, was next in line. However, when Edward VIII chose to abdicate in order to marry Wallis Simpson, George VI reluctantly assumed the throne. His reign was marked by significant challenges, including World War II and the subsequent transformation of the British Empire into the Commonwealth of Nations.

During the war, George VI played a crucial role in boosting morale, particularly through his radio broadcasts to the nation. He and his wife, Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother), also undertook extensive tours of the United Kingdom and visited troops stationed abroad. His steadfast leadership during this tumultuous period earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Following the war, George VI’s health began to decline. He died of coronary thrombosis on February 6, 1952, at the age of 56. His eldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth, ascended the throne as Queen Elizabeth II, beginning a new era in British history. George VI’s reign is remembered for his sense of duty, his devotion to his country, and his role in guiding the monarchy through one of its most challenging periods.

29 June 1952

The first Miss Universe pageant is held. Armi Kuusela from Finland wins the title of Miss Universe 1952.

The Miss Universe pageant is an international beauty pageant that showcases the beauty, elegance, and intelligence of women from around the world. It is one of the most prestigious beauty pageants globally and has been held annually since its inception in 1952.

The pageant is owned and organized by the Miss Universe Organization, which is currently owned by the WME/IMG talent agency. The competition brings together representatives from more than 90 countries, who compete in various categories such as evening gown, swimsuit, interview, and sometimes a talent segment.

The winner of the Miss Universe pageant holds the title of Miss Universe for a year and becomes an ambassador for various charitable causes and organizations. She travels extensively during her reign, promoting awareness about her chosen platform and engaging in humanitarian efforts.

The pageant has gained significant popularity over the years and has become a global television event, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. The final competition is typically broadcast live and features performances by renowned musical artists.

The judging criteria for Miss Universe go beyond physical beauty and include factors such as poise, personality, intelligence, and social awareness. The contestants are often involved in philanthropy and advocacy work, addressing various social issues, and promoting positive change.

Miss Universe has had a significant impact on the lives of many titleholders, providing them with opportunities to pursue careers in modeling, acting, and philanthropy. The pageant has also faced its share of controversies and criticism regarding its focus on physical appearance and the objectification of women.

3 May 1952

The Kentucky Derby is televised nationally for the first time, on the CBS network.

The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race that takes place on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and is often referred to as “The Run for the Roses” due to the blanket of roses that is draped over the winner.

The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and it covers a distance of 1 1/4 miles (about 2 kilometers). The race has been run every year since its inception in 1875, making it the oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States.

The Kentucky Derby is the first race in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three races is considered one of the greatest achievements in horse racing.

The Kentucky Derby is known for its traditions, including the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses make their way onto the track, the drinking of mint juleps, and the wearing of elaborate hats by spectators.

The race has also seen its share of memorable moments, including Secretariat’s record-breaking win in 1973 and the upset victory of longshot Mine That Bird in 2009.

28 April 1952

The Treaty of San Francisco comes into effect, restoring Japanese sovereignty and ending its state of war with most of the Allies of World War II.

The Treaty of San Francisco San-Furanshisuko, Peace Treaty with Japan or commonly known as the Treaty of Peace with Japan, Peace Treaty of San Francisco, or San Francisco Peace Treaty, mostly between Japan and the Allied Powers, was officially signed by 49 nations on September 8, 1951, in San Francisco, California. It came into force on April 28, 1952 and officially ended the American-led Allied Occupation of Japan. According to Article 11 of the Treaty, Japan accepts the judgments of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East and of other Allied War Crimes Courts imposed on Japan both within and outside Japan.

This treaty served to officially end Japan’s position as an imperial power, to allocate compensation to Allied civilians and former prisoners of war who had suffered Japanese war crimes during World War II, and to end the Allied post-war occupation of Japan and return sovereignty to that nation. This treaty made extensive use of the United Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to enunciate the Allies’ goals.

This treaty, along with the Security Treaty signed that same day, is said to mark the beginning of the San Francisco System; this term, coined by historian John W. Dower, signifies the effects of Japan’s relationship with the United States and its role in the international arena as determined by these two treaties and is used to discuss the ways in which these effects have governed Japan’s post-war history.

This treaty also introduced the problem of the legal status of Taiwan due to its lack of specificity as to what country Taiwan was to be surrendered, and hence some supporters of Taiwan independence argue that sovereignty of Taiwan is still undetermined.