Decade - 1950s

a significant demographic shift known as the "baby boom." This period saw a sharp increase in childbirth due to a combination of factors including economic prosperity, family stability, and societal norms around gender roles and marriage. The baby boom generation has had lasting impacts on society, culture, and the economy.

If you were born in 1959, you would be 62 years old in 2021.

One disadvantage of living before the 1950's was limited access to advanced medical care and technology, which resulted in higher mortality rates for various diseases and conditions.

The term used to describe the rising birth rate during the 1940s and 1950s is the "Baby Boom." This period was characterized by a significant increase in birth rates, largely attributed to the end of World War II and a post-war economic boom.

Some popular idioms from the 1950s include "the bee's knees" (something excellent), "cool as a cucumber" (calm and composed), and "living in the fast lane" (engaging in a risky or extravagant lifestyle).

Germans typically wear a variety of clothing depending on the occasion. Traditional attire like Lederhosen and Dirndls are worn during festivals and special events, while everyday fashion consists of modern styles similar to other Western countries. In colder months, Germans often wear warm coats and accessories to stay comfortable.

Some teenage slang from the 1950s included phrases like "cool it," "cruisin' for a bruisin'," "pad," "threads," and "hot rod." These terms were often used by young people to express approval, warn of potential trouble, refer to a hangout spot, describe clothing, or talk about a fast car.

1000 people were hung at the Idaho penitentiary.

NIBRS is a system for reporting crime that is being used by more police agencies every year. UCR is the old method for collected less specific data than NIBRS and the report that comes out yearly with the analyzed data.

Cons to these systems include that both of these systems only collect data on reported crime and that the UCR collection only allows for one crime to be reported per incident. A pro is that that the information is standardized across the US.

Senator Joseph McCarthy was the leading figure in the 1950s Red Scare, or witch hunt for Communists in the government. The Senator from Wisconsin had nothing to do with the blacklisting of artists by the House UnAmerican Activities Committee, another group searching out Communists or "fellow travelers." McCarthy claimed that there were known communists in the State Department. He held investigations and hearings and ruined many careers. Presidents Truman and Eisenhower so feared his influence with the public that they did nothing to stop him. When McCarthy attacked the US Army as a hotbed of communist activity, the Senate finally censored him and he died a broken politician.

A mafia hat is typically called a fedora. This style of hat is often associated with the mafia due to its popularity among movie characters portraying mobsters.

Yes, there were criminals in the 1950s, just like in any other time period. The 1950s saw various high-profile criminals such as organized crime figures, bank robbers, and serial killers. Law enforcement agencies worked to combat criminal activities during this era.

Certain aspects of the 1950s, especially in America, were great. Post WWII America was prosperous. The 'baby boom' was in full swing. Housing was inexpensive, jobs were plentiful, and God and the family were still the backbone of society. And more than ever before, America was in their cars and on the go. In many respects it was a simpler time.

The fourteen year old boy wrongly convicted of murder in 1959 and sentenced to be hanged was George Junius Stinney Jr. He was the youngest person to be sentenced to death in the US in the 20th century.

In the 1950s-1960s, punishments varied based on the crime committed. Common punishments included fines, probation, community service, and prison sentences. Harsher penalties such as the death penalty and life imprisonment were also in use during this time period.

During the 1950s, there were various crimes committed, ranging from organized crime activities like the Mafia's influence to civil rights violations, espionage cases such as the Rosenberg spy case, and instances of public corruption. Additionally, there were also high-profile cases of murder, theft, and fraud that occurred during this time period.

I don't know about the show, but I had the album! it was a screenwriter named Sheldon Allman, who had a record called, I think, "Folk Songs for the 21st Century," that had the song "Do you have change for a hern/I beg you do not spurn/It may sound very funny/I just have martian money..." etc.

It was an album of offkey (not offcolor) songs with a science fiction theme. It was a classic, just sorry I gave it away somewhere along the way.

My recollection is that is was a short-lived sketch series by Red Skelton. I think he raised the question one week and brought a detailed poster the following week showing a whole new monetary system based on the hern.

No, no, no - - it was Milton Berle, who used the phrase as a running gag.

in the 1950s, teenagers had distinct fashion styles influenced by the post-war era and the rise of rock and roll culture. Here are some common clothing items worn by teenagers during that time:

Poodle skirts: These were full, swingy skirts usually made of felt and adorned with appliqué designs, most famously the poodle. They were often worn with crinoline petticoats underneath for added volume.

Blouses and sweaters: Teenage girls often paired their poodle skirts with button-up blouses or sweaters, sometimes embellished with pearls or bows.

Saddle shoes: These were popular among both boys and girls. Saddle shoes were two-toned shoes with a saddle-shaped piece of contrasting color across the middle.

Jeans: While jeans were originally worn by workers, they became popular among teenagers, especially with the rise of rebellious youth culture. They were often worn rolled up at the cuffs.

Leather jackets: Popularized by icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando, leather jackets became a symbol of rebellion and coolness among teenage boys.

Letterman jackets: These were worn by high school athletes and became a status symbol. They featured the wearer's school insignia and often had patches representing various achievements.

Bobby socks: Girls often wore white socks folded down at the ankles with their saddle shoes, completing the classic "sock hop" look.

T-shirts: Plain white T-shirts became popular among teenagers, especially when paired with jeans or under a leather jacket.

Full skirts and cardigans: Another popular combination for teenage girls was a full skirt paired with a cardigan sweater. This look was often accessorized with a scarf tied around the neck or in the hair.

Hair and accessories: Teenage girls typically wore their hair in styles like ponytails, poodle cuts, or bouffants. Accessories such as hair scarves, hair bows, cat-eye glasses, and headbands were also popular.

These fashion trends varied depending on location, socioeconomic status, and personal style, but they collectively captured the essence of teenage fashion in the 1950s.

They were known as the Beat Generation. This group of artists and writers sought to challenge mainstream culture and social norms through their work. Key figures included Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs.

Thousands of women authors published in the 1950's.

Some of the famous ones: Penelope Mortimer, Pamela Hansford Johnson, Rosemary Sutcliff, Iris Murdoch, Mary McCarthy, Lillian Hellman.

Some of the programs that grew in response to the decay of central cities in the 1950s included urban renewal projects, public housing initiatives, and the formation of community development corporations. These efforts aimed to revitalize deteriorating urban areas through infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and community-led development projects.

In the 1950s in England, a popular fad among writers was the movement known as the "Angry Young Men." This group of mostly working-class writers, such as John Osborne and Kingsley Amis, critiqued the social and political establishment of post-war Britain through their works, which often expressed frustration and disillusionment with society. Their writing style was characterized by realism, wit, and a rejection of traditional literary conventions.

"The Lonely Crowd" by David Riesman, published in 1950, analyzed the culture of conformity in the 1950s America. It explored the shift from inner-directed to other-directed personalities and the impact of societal norms on individual behavior.

Arthur Miller used "The Crucible" as an allegory for the Red Scare in the 1950s, drawing parallels between the Salem witch trials and the anti-communist hysteria of his time. He critiqued the dangers of mass hysteria, mob mentality, and the consequences of false accusations. Miller's play served as a commentary on McCarthyism and the importance of upholding individual rights and integrity.