In 1954, significant events shaped global history. The Vietnam War began with the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, leading to the end of French colonial rule in Indochina. This year also marked the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional in the United States. Additionally, 1954 saw the first successful test of the hydrogen bomb by the United States, escalating the arms race during the Cold War. The year was also notable for the debut of the popular television show The Tonight Show, which became a staple of American entertainment.