October 1947

Sunday 05:

The first televised White House address is given by U.S. President Harry S. Truman.

Tuesday 14:

Chuck Yeager flies a Bell X-1 faster than the speed of sound, the first man to do so in level flight.

Monday 20:

The House Un-American Activities Committee begins its investigation into Communist infiltration of Hollywood, resulting in a blacklist that prevents some from working in the industry for years.

Tuesday 21:

21 die as a fire destroys an asylum in Hoff, Germany.

Friday 24:

Walt Disney testifies to the House Unamerican Activities Committee, naming Disney employees he believes to be communists.

Sunday 26:

The Maharaja of Kashmir agrees to allow his kingdom to join India

Thursday 30:

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