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The 1950s is a decade that stands on its own in American history. It was unique in lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment! Arguably some of the most nostalgic years, the decade was marked by the post World War II boom, dawn of the Cold War, and the Civil Rights Movement. It would prove to set the course for decades to come!
The video here of “The 1950s in Color – Life In America” will take you back!
Family Structure
Family roles were clearly defined within the ideal American family. The father was the breadwinner so that the mother could stay home and care for the house and kids. It was simple, and it just worked!
Booming Economy
More consumer goods were available to people than ever before, and the economy was booming. More people were buying houses and cars, and gas was cheap. It was the American dream defined!
Car Culture
Car culture took off in the 1950s with President Eisenhower signing the Federal-Aid Highway Act in 1956 that created 41,000 miles of national highways. Gas cost 25 cents per gallon on average at this time, and family roadtrips became a staple!
Golden Age of Television
Televisions became something the average family could afford, and this led to the Golden Age of Television. I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, The Twilight Zone, and Leave It To Beaver were some of the family-friendly offerings available to gather around and watch in the evenings!
Rock ‘n Roll
Rock and roll emerged during the 1950s and took the country by storm. Some of the acts at the time were Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, the Everly Brothers, and Carl Perkins. They would shape the face of music forever.
The 1950s and its booming prosperity helped create a widespread sense of security and stability in the nation. And for this, we can look back on it with such fond memories.
This certainly transported me back to my childhood! How about you? 🙂
