Featured moment
Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat, sparking a year-long boycott that defined the Civil Rights Movement.
Rock and roll and civil rights.
Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, Disneyland opened, and Rock Around the Clock hit number one.
The Cost of Living in 1955
Gallon of Gas
$0.29
Loaf of Bread
$0.18
Gallon of Milk
$0.92
World Population
2.77 billion
Featured moment
Disneyland Opens
Walt Disney opened his ambitious theme park in Anaheim, California, changing family entertainment forever.
Featured moment
Rock Around the Clock Hits #1
Bill Haley & His Comets brought rock and roll into the mainstream, signaling a massive cultural shift for youth.
The wider picture
More from 1955
A few more things worth remembering.
Science & Space
Polio Vaccine Declared Safe
Jonas Salk's vaccine was officially declared safe and effective, leading to nationwide celebrations.
World Events
Warsaw Pact Signed
The Soviet Union and seven Eastern Bloc countries signed a mutual defense treaty in response to NATO.
Pop Culture
James Dean Dies in Car Crash
The 24-year-old actor's tragic death cemented his status as an eternal cultural icon of teenage disillusionment.
Pop Culture
Ray Kroc Opens First McDonald's Franchise
Kroc opened his first franchised restaurant in Illinois, beginning the global fast-food empire.
You arrivedin 1955.
The longer view
This was only the opening scene.
Follow the world as it changed around you, from 1955 to today.