What Happened in 1950
1950 Historical Highlights
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President Harry S. Truman authorized development of the hydrogen bomb.
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Alger Hiss was convicted of perjury for denying involvement in a Soviet spy ring.
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Senator Joseph McCarthy accused the U.S. State Department of harboring Communists, helping ignite the Red Scare.
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President Harry S. Truman ordered U.S. military forces to support South Korea following North Korea’s invasion.
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In Boston, thieves carried out the infamous Brink’s robbery, stealing more than $2 million from the Brink’s armored car company headquarters.
1950 Pop Culture & Fun Facts
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Walt Disney Productions released the animated classic Cinderella.
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The Broadway musical Guys and Dolls made its debut in New York City to great acclaim.
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The popular country music program Grand Ole Opry was televised for the very first time.
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Crusader Rabbit premiered as the first animated television series.
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The first edition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis was published in London.
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Ranch dressing was created at Hidden Valley Dude Ranch in Santa Barbara, California.
1950 Science & Inventions
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The Volkswagen Type 2, later nicknamed the Microbus, was introduced in Germany.
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The prototype Diners Club Card was used to complete the very first charge card transaction.
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Zenith Electronics introduced “Lazy Bones,” the first television remote control sold to the public.
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Bell Laboratories developed an early telephone answering machine.
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John Hopps created the world’s first cardiac pacemaker.
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William Shockley patented the transistor while working at Bell Labs.
1950 Sports Highlights
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Jackie Robinson signed the largest contract in Brooklyn Dodgers history at the time, earning $35,000.
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Joe DiMaggio recorded his 2,000th career hit.
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Earl Lloyd became the first African American to play in an NBA game.
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World Series Champions: New York Yankees
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NFL Champions: Cleveland Browns
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NBA Champions: Minneapolis Lakers
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Stanley Cup Champs: Detroit Red Wings
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U.S. Open Golf Ben Hogan
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U.S. Tennis: (Men/Ladies) Arthur Larsen/Margaret Osborne DuPont
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Wimbledon (Men/Women): Budge Patty/Louis Brough
Top Songs of 1950
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Gordon Jenkins and The Weavers – Goodnight Irene
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Nat King Cole – Mona Lisa
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Anton Karas – Third Man Theme
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Gary and Bing Crosby – Sam’s Song
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Gary and Bing Crosby – Simple Melody
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Teresa Brewer – Music, Music, Music
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Guy Lombardo – Third Man Theme
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Red Foley – Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy
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Sammy Kaye – Harbor Lights
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Sammy Kaye and Don Cornell – It Isn’t Fair
Top Movies of 1950
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Cinderella
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King Solomon's Mines
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Father of the Bride
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All About Eve
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Annie Get Your Gun
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Destination Moon
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Winchester '73
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Three Little Words
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Duchess of Idaho
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Fancy Pants
FREE 1950 Year You Were Born Printable
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