1949 — Brief bathing suits for women, called “bikinis,” are introduced to the American fashion scene.

Elsewhere that year:

• George Orwell foresees a grim future in his satirical masterpiece 1984, a novel that introduces the “Big Brother” concept of totalitarian government.
• The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute warn that cigarette smoking may cause cancer.
• The U.S. Senate ratifies the agreement establishing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• Johnny Marks, songwriter, writes the popular holiday song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
• The Atomic Energy Commission designs a breeder-reactor that produces power by nuclear fusion, creating more fuel than it uses.