The 1950s

By GiannaDAmbrosia

  • President Truman Approves Hydrogen Bomb Construction

    President Truman Approves Hydrogen Bomb Construction
    With the idea of violence and war arising, many artists wrote songs about these topics. Artists could protest against the development of bombs in their songs.

  • America Engages in The Korean War

    America Engages in The Korean War
    With engagement of war comes protests and movements. These movements can shine through the popular music of that decade. On an economic level, America had just gotten out of World War II. Debt, taxes, and inflation rates go up due to war. On the other end, consumption and investment decrease. Economy affects the citizens of the United States.

  • Watson and Crick Discover The Structure of DNA

    Watson and Crick Discover The Structure of DNA
    James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double-helix structure of DNA. This allowed for the advancement of genetic testing in correspondence with the recently discovered structure of DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid. Scientific advancement of the time gave way to understanding the human body.

  • The First Colored TV Goes on Sale

    The First Colored TV Goes on Sale
    With the invention of colored TVs, the excitement and popularity of televisions sky rocketed. Music/bands could now be showcased on television in color and spread the popularity of rock music around the nation.

  • Racial Segregation in Schools is Declared Unconstitutional

    Racial Segregation in Schools is Declared Unconstitutional
    Through the supreme court case of Brown V. Board of Education, the US government ruled racial segregation in schools as unconstitutional. Desegregation allowed for the cultural mixing of blacks and whites. The aspects of rhythm and blues in the black community might have influenced the whites and the kickstart of rock and roll.

  • The Senate Censures Joseph McCarthy

    The Senate Censures Joseph McCarthy
    Joseph McCarthy, a US senator, was censured due to his radical and outspoken personality. McCarthy spoke out against communism during the 50s. He trademarked the McCarthyism movement of the decade. The Senate's ruling was 67-22. Censuring McCarthy did not end the Red Scare movement, but allowed for less radical views in the Senate.

  • First Kidney Transplant

    First Kidney Transplant
    Doctors in Boston successfully transplanted a kidney into a 23 year old man. This is known to be the first successful organ transplant. After its success, transplants have saved more than 400,000 lives. This allows for more successful operations of its type.

  • Elvis' Heartbreak Hotel is a Hit

    Elvis' Heartbreak Hotel is a Hit
    Elvis' very first hit song is Heartbreak Hotel. With this exposure in mainstream and popular music of the time, Elvis was able to impact society. Through his music, along with the music of others, it developed rock music of the day.

  • NASA is Created

    NASA is Created
    With the invention of America's very own space administration, the United States was able to make advancements in space exploration and technology. This allowed for the United States to compete with Russia in the space race.

  • Alaska and Hawaii are Now Admitted as States

    Alaska and Hawaii are Now Admitted as States
    With Alaska and Hawaii gaining statehood, America expands its reach. On top of that, the cultures of the Alaska and Hawaii can intermingle with the other 48 states. With Hawaii joining the US, instruments such as the slide guitar are now much more well known in music. This contributes to the country/western music of the time period.