WHAT ALL HAPPENED APRIL TO MAY 1948
Find out what all happened April to May 1948

Faroe Islands gain autonomy from Denmark. (1. April 1948)

Following the demise of the British Mandate of Palestine, Egypt, Transjordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia invade Israel thus starting the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. (15. May 1948)

1948 Arab-Israeli War: the Kfar Etzion massacre is committed by Arab irregulars, the day before the declaration of independence of the state of Israel on May 14. (13. May 1948)

Czechoslovakia's Ninth-of-May Constitution comes into effect. (9. May 1948)

Wilhelmina, Queen regnant of the Kingdom of the Netherlands cedes throne. (12. May 1948)

In Jeju, South Korea, a civil-war-like period of violence and human rights abuses begins, known as the Jeju massacre. (3. April 1948)

The Council of Europe is founded during the Hague Congress. (7. May 1948)

A dike along the flooding Columbia River breaks, obliterating Vanport, Oregon, within minutes. Fifteen people die and tens of thousands are left homeless. (30. May 1948)

President Harry S. Truman signs the Marshall Plan, authorizing $5 billion in aid for 16 countries. (3. April 1948)

The Republic of China implements "temporary provisions" granting President Chiang Kai-shek extended powers to deal with the Communist uprising; they will remain in effect until 1991. (10. May 1948)

The U.S. Congress passes Public Law 557, which permanently establishes the Civil Air Patrol as an auxiliary of the United States Air Force. (26. May 1948)

1948 Arab-Israeli War: Haifa, a major port of Israel, is captured from Arab forces. (22. April 1948)

Cold War: Berlin Airlift — Military forces, under direction of the Soviet-controlled government in East Germany, set-up a land blockade of West Berlin. (1. April 1948)

The First Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China officially convenes in Nanking. (18. May 1948)

Jorge Eliécer Gaitán's assassination provokes a violent riot in Bogotá (the Bogotazo), and a further ten years of violence in Colombia known as La violencia. (9. April 1948)

Creation of the United Nations peacekeeping force the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. (29. May 1948)

Igor Stravinsky conducted the premier of his American ballet, Orpheus, in New York City at New York City Center. (28. April 1948)

Israel is declared to be an independent state and a provisional government is established. Immediately after the declaration, Israel is attacked by the neighboring Arab states, triggering the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. (14. May 1948)

Chiang Kai-shek is elected as the first President of the Republic of China. (20. May 1948)

Fighters from the Irgun and Lehi Zionist paramilitary groups attacked Deir Yassin near Jerusalem, killing over 100. (9. April 1948)