Featured moment
Korean War Begins
North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel, sparking a major proxy war in the Cold War.
The Cold War turns hot.
The Korean War began, Peanuts debuted in newspapers, and the Diners Club card launched modern credit.
The Cost of Living in 1950
Gallon of Gas
$0.27
Loaf of Bread
$0.14
Gallon of Milk
$0.82
World Population
2.53 billion
Featured moment
Peanuts Comic Strip Debuts
Charles M. Schulz's comic strip featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy was syndicated in seven US newspapers.
Featured moment
Diners Club Card Introduced
The first modern, multipurpose charge card launched, changing consumer spending habits forever.
The wider picture
More from 1950
A few more things worth remembering.
Cinema & TV
Cinderella Released
Walt Disney's animated feature was a massive critical and commercial success, saving the studio from debt.
Science & Space
First Organ Transplant
Dr. Richard Lawler performed the first successful human organ transplant (a kidney) in Chicago.
Cinema & TV
Sunset Boulevard Released
Billy Wilder's film noir starring Gloria Swanson became a cinematic masterpiece.
World Events
McCarthyism Gains Momentum
Senator Joseph McCarthy claimed to have a list of communists in the State Department, launching the "Red Scare."
Sports
Uruguay Wins 1950 World Cup
Uruguay upset host nation Brazil 2-1 in the Maracanã in one of the most famous matches in football history.
You arrivedin 1950.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 1950 to today.