This Day in History: <br />The Barbie Doll Makes Its Debut March 9, 1959 The 11-inch doll was <br />introduced to the world <br />at the American Toy Fair. The doll was the <br />brainchild of Mattel, Inc. <br />cofounder, Ruth Handler. Handler based Barbie on <br />the German comic strip character Lilli. She named the toy after <br />her daughter Barbara, whose <br />favorites toys were the inspiration for Barbie. Mattel created the first <br />television commercial for <br />children to advertise the doll. Since its creation, <br />Barbie has been both an <br />inspiration and a controversial figure. The doll has been praised <br />as a role model for young girls, <br />while also criticized for its perceived materialism.
