1951 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.

1951

Life in 1951 was still very strict. Women were still obligated to the status of housewife and men were the main breadwinners in the family. Children, including teenagers, were to be seen and not heard. Changes were just starting that by the mid-1950’s would give the youth many newfound freedoms. Things like rock and roll music, and other outlets that teenagers had available to them would create the culture that the 1950’s are known for today.

Changes in clothing styles, specifically for teens, started to appear. Guys started wearing their hair longer with sideburns and slicked back with grease. They also wore jeans and leather jackets with the collars turned up. The girls wore ponytails, poodle skirts, pedal pushers, and scarves.

Popular celebrities were very influential. Teens wanted to be just like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Ricky Nelson to name a few. One thing to note is that the popular size for women back in the 1950’s is much different than it is today. Curves were popular; those with bigger bust and smaller waistlines like Marilyn Monroe were in style.

Popular television shows were I Love Lucy, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, and Superman to name a few. Sock hops, hula hoops, and cruising were very popular among young people. Some popular slang words were squares, chicks, be bop, threads, keen, back seat bingo (kissing in the back seat), kill (impress), and cat (a cool person).

Although, young people were experiencing more freedom and independence they were, for the most part, still respectable to adults and they still were dignified and decent. Children still obeyed parents. Females were still expected to act a certain “ladylike” way and males were still expected to act like gentlemen. Sex was taboo. Premarital sex was not accepted. If a girl found herself “in the family way” (a slang for pregnant) often she was shipped off to live with relatives or admitted to a special school for girls.

Although the times were changing, many of the major changes didn’t take place until the 1960’s. When there was a shift in morals, attitudes, family life, race relations, and overall feelings about the government. To many, this is why the 1950’s are seen as the best time, when families and morals were intact and times were much simpler and enjoyable.