1950

What Happened in 1950

1950 marked the beginning of a new decade and a new chapter in post-war life. While the shadow of World War II still loomed large, the world was rapidly modernizing. From global conflicts to ground-breaking inventions and a wave of cultural change, this was a year that helped shape the Baby Boomer generation.

A mid‑century American street scene – everyday life in post‑war America.

Major Events

United Kingdom

23 Feb – In the general election, Labour held onto power with a majority of just five.
May – King George VI opened the Festival of Britain on the South Bank in London.
British spies Burgess and Maclean defected to the USSR.
26 May – Petrol rationing ended after 11 years.
25 June – The Korean War began. The first British troops were deployed; ultimately, up to 100,000 UK service personnel would serve.
25 October – Clement Attlee (Labour) called another general election but lost to Winston Churchill (Conservative), who would lead until 1964.
C.S. Lewis published The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Steel was nationalised (later reversed by the Conservatives).
Violent storms and a tornado devastated southern England.
The UK’s first National Park – the Peak District – was established.

United States

31 Jan – President Harry Truman publicly announced support for developing a hydrogen bomb.
The Great Brink’s Robbery in Boston saw over $2 million stolen; only $58,000 was recovered.
Truman sent U.S. military advisors to Vietnam.
The Organic Act of Guam granted U.S. citizenship to Guam residents.
A tragic train crash in Queens killed 79.
A blizzard left over 1 million homes without power.
An assassination attempt was made on President Truman by Puerto Rican nationalists.
McCarthyism intensified with new anti-communist legislation.

Global Headlines

Korean War: North Korea invaded South Korea (25 June), leading to UN involvement. U.S. and UK troops were deployed, and by December, the conflict escalated with Chinese intervention.
NATO: 12 nations agreed to create the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for mutual defense.
Warsaw Pact: Formed in response to NATO.
Jerusalem declared capital of Israel.
Tibet: Chinese forces occupied Tibet, prompting the Dalai Lama to flee.
South Africa: The Group Areas Act enforced formal racial segregation.
Einstein warned of nuclear mutual destruction.
The Tollund Man – a preserved 4th-century body – was discovered in Denmark.

Film, TV & Pop Culture

Popular Films

Cinderella
Samson and Delilah
Father of the Bride
King Solomon’s Mines
All About Eve
The Third Man
Treasure Island
The Happiest Days of Your Life

Popular TV

The Lone Ranger
Andy Pandy
Muffin the Mule
Come Dancing
Kaleidoscope
BBC Cricket
Sunday Night Theatre

Music

Influential Songs & Artists

“Mona Lisa” – Nat King Cole
“Goodnight, Irene” – Gordon Jenkins & The Weavers
“Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer” – Gene Autry
“If I Knew You Were Comin’” – Eileen Barton
“The Tennessee Waltz” – Patti Page
“The Thing” – Phil Harris
“Music! Music! Music!” – Teresa Brewer

Motoring

The first Volkswagen Type 2 (Microbus) rolled off the assembly line.
The UK accounted for 52% of all car exports globally – the highest of any nation.

New Cars Introduced:

Aston Martin DB2
Jaguar Mark VII
Ferrari 195 Inter
Morgan +4
Rolls-Royce Phantom IV

Sports

Uruguay won the FIFA World Cup (hosted in Brazil).
Fangio won his first Monaco Grand Prix.
Giuseppe Farina won the first ever Formula 1 World Championship.
Wimbledon winners: Budge Patty (Men), Louise Brough (Women)

Inventions & Technology

Credit cards were introduced by Diners Club.
Disposable diapers were invented by Marion Donovan.
Telephone answering machine developed by Bell Labs.
First cardiac pacemaker invented by John Hopps (external device).

Looking Back

Do you remember 1950? Were you starting school, riding your first bike, or hearing the radio mention a faraway place called Korea? Perhaps it was the year your family bought a new car, or your parents tuned into the BBC to watch Come Dancing.

Whatever your memory, this year marked the true beginning of the Baby Boomer world taking shape.

→ Feel free to share your memories or thoughts in the comments below!