The 1950's: The Decade of Accomplishments

Unlike the other decades in the twentieth century, the 1950's is filled with multifarious acheivements and growths. In this decade, success outweighed failures. Some of the important and memorable people, events and technology developments from this decade are presented below.

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People

Rosa Parks
(February 4, 1913 - October 24, 2005)


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Rosaparks.jpg

Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white man on a public bus; she was arrested. This incident encouraged black people to stand up for their race.



Elvis Presley
(January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977)


http://www.mickeyelvis.com/images/elvis-presley-2.jpg

Elvis Presley was an idol to teens of the 1950's. He was the most successful actor and musician and is popularly known all over the world as 'The King of Rock n' Roll" for his dance moves and distinctive voice.



Theodor Seuss Geisel
(March 2, 1904 - September 24, 1991)



Theodor Seuss Geisel or Dr. Seuss was a very famous and beloved author, for he had written over 40 children's books and sold over 200 million copies. His first book, If I Ran the Zoo, was published on 1950. Many authors had mentioned Dr. Seuss as their inspiration and was well-liked by children all over the world.



Events

First Satellite to Orbit the Space

















http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/image/sputnik_asm.jpg

Sputnik1 was the first satellite to orbit the space on October 1, 1957. It was launched by the Russians; this led to a movement to reform science education.



First Animal to Orbit the Space


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Laika.jpg

Laika was the first animal ever sent to space. It rode in Sputnik II to orbit the space on November the 3 rd of 1957. For an animal, this was an admirable accomplishment. Some countries issued stamps to honor this special dog.



First to Reach the Top of the Everest


http://encarta.msn.com/media_461570177_761578850_-1_1/Tenzing_Norgay_on_the_Summit_of_Everest.html


Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to ascend the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, on May 29, 1953. This was the most successful achievement for humankind during that time. Later that year, Hillary was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.



The Sound of Music



In 1959, The Sound of Music was inspired by the Trapp Family Singers who escaped from the Nazi's and had been told from generations to another through stage performances and films. The soundtrack included Do Re Mi and Edelweiss. This story still remains the world's favorite



Technology Developments

First Credit Card


http://history1900s.about.com/od/1950s/a/firstcreditcard.htm

It all started when Frank McNamara forgot his wallet at a diner. He, then, invented a credit card so that the incident would not happen again. This invention had created sufficiency when involving with great deal of money or purchasing goods.



First Color TV


http://www.ev1.pair.com/colorTV/images/otherimages/ct100-assemblyline.jpg

The first successful color television was invented on December 17, 1953. It broadcasted more realistic and vivid television images to the publicity. This is a great leap to develop to a modernized media.



First Mass-Produced Computer


http://www.llnl.gov/pao/news/photo_gallery/historical_photos.html

The first mass-produced computer, IBM 704, was generated in 1956. It was one of the greatest technological developments during this decade and was influencial for other designers to create more advanced developments which became the deluxe computers we have today.