Events in 1954

April 1, 1954

First NATO Interception of Tu-95 Bear

RAF fighters made history by conducting the first NATO interception of a Soviet Tu-95 'Bear' strategic bomber off the Scottish coast. This encounter established long-lasting protocols for aerial surveillance during the Cold War.

April 7, 1954

Introduction of the Domino Theory

President Dwight D. Eisenhower introduced the Domino Theory during a press conference, establishing a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy that suggested communist takeover of one nation would lead to communist expansion in neighboring countries.

April 22, 1954

McCarthy Hearings

The Army-McCarthy hearings of 1954 marked a pivotal moment in American political history, featuring televised congressional investigations into alleged Communist infiltration of U.S. institutions, ultimately leading to Senator McCarthy's downfall.