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