1952 was a year of profound change and innovation. The UK mourned the death of its monarch while welcoming a young new queen to the throne. At the same time, Britain emerged as a nuclear power and introduced the world’s first passenger jet, whilst across the globe, Cold War tensions simmered and yet technological and medical breakthroughs paved the way for a new era. From the rise of television favourites to Olympic triumphs and the birth of the music charts, this was a year of firsts—and of lasting impact.
World Events
- King Farouk of Egypt is ousted by a military coup (July 23). General Mohammed Naguib assumes power.
- India holds its first general election; Jawaharlal Nehru‘s Congress Party gains power
- Mother Teresa opens her first home for the dying and destitute in Calcutta, India.
- NATO conference approves European army (Feb.).
- Greece and Turkey join NATO.
- Military coup led by General Fulgencio Batista in Cuba
What happened in 1952 in the United Kingdom
- Feb 6 – King George VI dies of a lung condition; his daughter, Princess Elizabeth, becomes Queen.
- May 2 – The de Havilland Comet, the world’s first commercial jetliner, makes its first passenger flight.
- Oct – Britain successfully tests its first atomic bomb in the Monte Bello Islands, becoming the third nuclear power.
- Dec – The Great London Smog kills an estimated 4,000 people.
- Last trams run in London.
- Harrow train crash in North London kills over 100.
- De Havilland 110 crashes at the Farnborough Air Show, killing 30 spectators.
- Britain returns the islands of Heligoland to West Germany.
What happened in 1952 in the United States
- Dwight D. Eisenhower is elected President of the United States.
- Polio epidemic worsens; Dr. Jonas Salk develops a vaccine.
- The world’s first successful use of a mechanical heart takes place.
- The first patent for a bar code is issued to Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver.
- The first contraceptive pill is developed.
Popular culture in 1952: Fashion, Film, TV and Music
- The Diary of Anne Frank is published.
- KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) opens its first franchise.
- The first issue of MAD Magazine is released.
- NME (New Musical Express) publishes the UK’s first singles chart on November 14.
- Agatha Christie’s play The Mousetrap opens in London—it will go on to become the longest-running play in history.
- Mr. Potato Head becomes the first toy to be advertised on U.S. television.
- Microwave ovens are made available for home use in the U.S.
- Sooty appears for the first time on BBC television.
- The Flower Pot Men (Bill and Ben) premieres on the BBC.
Film and Television – What people were watching in 1952
Notable Films Released:
- The Greatest Show on Earth
- The Quiet Man
- Singin’ in the Rain
- High Noon
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- Moulin Rouge
- Ivanhoe
- Mandy
- Hunted
Television Highlights:
- I Love Lucy (CBS) remains the most-watched programme in the U.S.
- Dragnet (NBC) becomes a hit police procedural.
- UK favourites include:
- Come Dancing
- Muffin the Mule
- Andy Pandy
- Watch with Mother
- Sunday Night Theatre
- Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School
- BBC Cricket, Kaleidoscope, The Boat Race
Music – What people listened to in 1952
Popular Songs and Artists:
- “Here in My Heart” – Al Martino (first-ever UK No. 1 single)
- “Cry” – Johnnie Ray
- “Your Cheatin’ Heart” – Hank Williams
- “Wheel of Fortune” – Kay Starr
- “Blue Tango” – Leroy Anderson
- “Delicado” – Percy Faith
- “Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart” – Vera Lynn
- “You Belong to Me” – Jo Stafford
- “I Went to Your Wedding” – Patti Page
- “High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me)” – Frankie Laine
- “Heart and Soul” – The Four Aces
- “Why Don’t You Believe Me” – Joni James
- “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – Jimmy Boyd
- “It’s In the Book (Parts 1 & 2)” – Johnny Standley
Sports
- John Cobb sets a water speed record on Loch Ness (206.89 mph) but is killed during the attempt.
- Alberto Ascari wins his first Formula One World Championship.
- The Summer Olympics are held in Helsinki, Finland.
- The Winter Olympics are held in Oslo, Norway.
- Wimbledon Champions:
- Men’s Singles: Frank Sedgman (Australia)
- Women’s Singles: Maureen Connolly (USA)
What happened in 1952 in the motoring world
- The first Chevrolet Corvette prototype is completed.
- The Austin-Healey partnership is formed to produce the 100/4.
- Two-tone paint, hand signals, and optional extras still mark post-war motoring trends.
New Car Models Introduced:
- Austin A40 Somerset
- Austin-Healey 100/4
- Bentley R-Type and Continental
- Lotus Mark VI
- Riley RME and RMF
- Wolseley 4/44
Inventions and Breakthroughs in 1952
- Polio Vaccine – Dr. Jonas Salk develops the first successful vaccine.
- The Pill – The first oral contraceptive continues to advance.
- First Mechanical Heart Use – Successfully tested in the U.S.
- Barcode Patent – Issued to Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver.
- Home Microwave Oven – Available for domestic use in the U.S.
- First Patent for Barcodes – A quiet but revolutionary retail innovation.
- Mr. Potato Head – The first toy advertised on television.
- Comet Jetliner – The UK produces the world’s first commercial passenger jet.
Looking Back
1952 marked the end of one royal era and the beginning of another and so it was a year of innovation and modernisation, from passenger jets to atomic bombs, but also one of cultural creativity. The first music charts, classic toys, and iconic films all found their place in a world that was both grieving and growing. Amid the smog and sorrow, the world took flight—literally and figuratively.
Whatever your memory, this year was one of modernisation pointing to the 60s revolution which was yet to come!
→ Feel free to share your memories or thoughts in the comments below!
