What Happened in 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.
World Events
- 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.
What happened in 1950 in the United Kingdom
- 23 Feb – In the general election, Labour held onto power with a majority of just five.
- 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.
What happened in 1950 in the 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.
Popular culture in 1950: Fashion, Film, TV and Music
- James Dean gets his break when he appears in a Pepsi Commercial
- Diner’s Club issues the first credit cards
- Disposable diapers were invented by Marion Donovan.
- Telephone Answering Machine was created by Bell Laboratories.
- John Hopps invented the world’s first cardiac pacemaker. It was larger than life and had to be used outside the body of the first recipient.
Film and Television – What people were watching in 1950
Notable Films Released:
- 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 – What people listened to in 1950
Popular Songs and 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
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 Champions:
- Men’s Singles: Budge Patty (USA)
- Women’s Singles: Louise Brough (USA)
What happened in 1950 in the motoring world
- 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 Car Models Introduced:
- Aston Martin DB2
- Jaguar Mark VII
- Ferrari 195 Inter
- Morgan +4
- Rolls-Royce Phantom IV
Inventions and Breakthroughs in 1950
- 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!
