Timeline Description: The 1950s is a mixture of fending off communism and bringing up babies. A post-war generation springs up, introducing new music and new innovations meant to make life fun and easy.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1950 | The Korean War (1950 to 1953) Communist North Korea invades South Korea. The United Nations is called on for help, and forces are sent to help push the North Koreans back across the border. Fighting ends on July 27, 1953. |
| 1950 | Zenith creates the "Lazy Bones." The first television remote control, called "Lazy Bones," was created by the Zenith Radio Corporation in 1950. Attached to the television set by a long cable, the remote can change channels from anywhere in the room. |
| February 27, 1951 | 22nd Amendment is ratified. The 22nd amendment limits the terms a President of the United States can serve to two. |
| 1951 | UNIVAC starts computing. The first commercial computer, UNIVAC (Universal Automatic Computer), is delivered to the U.S. Census Bureau. Its first job is to calculate the information from the 1950 U.S. Census. |
| 1952 | The U.S. tests the H-bomb. After World War II, President Truman has scientists work on a hydrogen bomb for American defense. It is tested on November 1, 1952 on a small island in the Pacific. |
| 1953 | A new president and a new queen. Dwight D. Eisenhower is inaugurated as the United States' 34th President. He serves for two terms. Queen Elizabeth II of England is crowned queen. It is the first time a coronation ceremony is shown on television. |
| 1954 | SEATO is formed. In order to stop the spread of communism, a group of allies form SEATO, the South East Asia Treaty Organization. Its members include the United States, Thailand, the Philippines, France, Great Britain, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia. |
| 1955 | Warsaw Pact forms. To respond to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Soviet Union forms the Warsaw Pact. Its members include most of the Central and Eastern European states. |
| 1955 | Disneyland opens in California. On July 17, 1955 the "Happiest Place on Earth" opens its gates for the first time. Despite many opening-day problems, Disneyland becomes a huge success. |
| 1956 | Elvis Presley gains popularity. Elvis' first single with RCA records, "Heartbreak Hotel," is released in January 1956. It becomes his first number one hit. |
| 1957 | First in space. The Soviet Union launches the first earth-orbiting satellite, Sputnik I, on October 4, 1957 ahead of the United States. Sputnik II is launched on November 3rd. |
| 1958 | A new satellite and a new space agency. In response to the Sputnik launches, the U.S. launches the Explorer I on January 31st. Later in the year the U.S. government starts a new space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). |
| 1958 | The integrated circuit is invented. While working at Texas Instruments, Jack Kirby develops the integrated circuit. His little 7/16 x 7/16 inch device changes the electronics industry forever. |
| 1959 | Castro becomes prime minister. After years of fighting, Fidel Castro and his revolution movement finally take over Cuba. In February of 1959, he is made Prime Minister of Cuba. |
| 1959 | New states join the Union. On January 3rd, Alaska becomes the 49th state of the United States. Hawaii follows on August 21st, becoming the 50th state. The 1950s will be remembered as a time of trying to maintain freedoms throughout the world while encouraging the growth of new ideas, styles, and technology. |