1950 History and Events

The Gearhead Geek / 49-54 Chevy web site members have wondered what were some of the events that happened in the years 1949 - 1954. I was not yet on this world during those times, so I did some research on the events of that time frame. I tried to verify everything through several sources but make no promises as to the accuracy of the information presented here. If you find something wrong let us know and we will correct it.

The 1950's

The 1950s in America is known for many things. Emerging victorious from World War II five years earlier, the United States in 1950 was reaping the benefits of a growing economy. 1950 Americans had an increased choice of leisure time activities. Conformity was the trend among the middle-aged. Middle-class values became ideal. The Korean War started. The rise of modern jazz took place. , The first of the 'fast food' restaurants and drive-ins appeared. (Jack in the Box - founded in 1951; McDonalds - first franchised in 1955 in Des Plaines, IL; and AandW Root Beer Company - formed in 1950, although it had already established over 450 drive-ins throughout the country) A baby boom was happening. The all-electric home was the ideal. White racist terrorism increased in the South. The invention of the television and TV dinners. Abstract Art came on the scene. The first credit card was issued. (Diners Club, in 1951) Drive-in theaters peaked in the late 50s with over 4,000 outdoor screens. (Where teenaged couples could find privacy in their Hot Rods.) There was a youth rebellion to middle-aged cinema.

Older viewers were prone to stay at home and watch television. (About 10.5 million US homes had a TV set in 1950) In the period following WWII when most of the films were idealized with conventional portrayals of men and women, young people wanted new and exciting symbols of rebellion. In the late 1940s and 1950s Hollywood responded to the youth demands with the anti-hero. Star newcomers like James Dean, Paul Newman (who debuted in the costume epic The Silver Chalice (1954)) and Marlon Brando, replaced more proper actors like Tyrone Power, Van Johnson, and Robert Taylor. Sexy anti-heroines included Ava Gardner, Kim Novak, and Marilyn Monroe .

1950 saw the emergence of new industries that were anchored on new technologies. One among these is the aerospace industry. The great success of the heavy bombers during the war emphasized the importance of innovation. Improvements in engine design, metallurgy, and arms technology helped advance the industry as well as improve manufacturing procedures.

The onset of the Cold War ensured that the industry was there to stay. At its peak, the industry hired hundreds of thousands of workers in four major factories. The industry was also fueled by a $3 billion government spending.

Other industries that grew during this time were boosted by the growth of different related industries. For example, the housing boom experienced after the war. New homes meant additional furniture and appliances as well as new cars. The consumer-led growth likewise spread to other areas. The introduction of television to the masses spurred the growth in electronics. There were also after effects in the growth of industries. As the demand for homes and cars increased, many Americans were lured out of central cities to the suburbs. The construction of better highways also contributed to these phenomena.

The end of World War II led to the end of the Great Depression and the start of a long period of economic expansion through the 1950s. Social changes and the youth movements forever changed the nature of the family and the county.

1950

For many Americans, the wars and the depression were a distant memory and the country was feeling good about itself. Most Americans trusted the government and believed in politicians. Society was experiencing growth, economically and socially, and new ideas of prosperity and success for families and the country as a whole were taking shape.

Television was becoming more and more a part of everyday life, more families had televisions in their homes. AM radio was also becoming more popular, along with the advent of 45 records, jukeboxes, and eventually albums.

The Musical landscape was expanding. The sound of rock and roll was creeping into the mainstream with the help of radio and television. Teenagers were experiencing more independence and freedom than what their parents had as teenagers.