A peace treaty formally ending the war between the United States and Japan is signed. Libya rejects British administration and becomes independent as a monarchy.
China invades and occupies Tibet.
Portugal designates its African territories as overseas provinces. J. W. Forrester invents the magnetic-core memory. Henri Matisse completes his last major work, the extensive decorations, including stained-glass windows, for the Dominican chapel at Vence. The first episodes of television's first major situation comedy, I Love Lucy, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, are broadcast.