The AFL and CIO labor organizations merged. Membership estimated to be 15 million. An electronic device for recording television programs on magnetic tape is demonstrated in Chicago. 1957 Gordon Gould develops basic idea for the laser, but doesn't succeed in obtaining patent until 1986. 1957 Nuclear wastes stored by Soviet Union exploded.
Radioactive contamination affects thousands of square miles permanently.
1958 United States opens first nuclear power plant. The integrated circuit was developed by Kelby and Noyce for Texas Instruments. All rights reserved. Published in the United States of America.