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Timeline of U.S. Women's History

Major events in women's history are covered in this timeline.

In this article, you will find:

1950

President: Harry S. Truman

  • Nearly 30 percent of all U.S. women work outside the home.

  • Althea Gibson became the first black American to play in the U.S. Open, breaking the color barrier in professional tennis.

  • Gwendolyn Brooks wins a Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry, Annie Allen, becoming the first black American to win the prestigious award.

  • Senator Margaret Chase Smith (R-Maine) delivered her "Declaration of Conscience" speech, denouncing Senator Joseph McCarthy.

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