Timeline (1950-1955)
April 1, 1950 - For the first time, the 1950 census counts a population in the United States over 150 million people.
The census made is an important event because it provides essential information. The census helps us determine the growth of the population, the economic base of the population, the education level of the population and how federal funds are distributed based on the population of each state. The results of the 1950 census reflected a 14% increase in population. At the time the most populous state in the United States was New York, followed by California. As a result, the geographic center of the United States population had now moved west into Richland County, Illinois, 8 miles north-northwest of Olney.
June 25, 1950 - The Korean War begins its three year conflict
War is always a sad but eventful mark in our history. In this instance, troops of North Korea, backed with the Soviet weaponry, invade South Korea. The act of war eventually leads to involvement of the United States two days later. USA president Truman ordered that the USA Air force and Navy head to the peninsula. On June 30, 1950 ground forces and air strikes are approved against North Korea. Like in many wars dead is the only thing that is certain.
August 19, 1953 - The United States CIA assists in the overthrow of the government in Iran
Once again the United States takes action on a violent dilemma of other countries. In this instance the USA government both support and aid in the overthrow actions. The government of Premier Mohammed Mosaddeq is finished and the leadership of Shah of Iran in reinstated. The reason behind the overthrow was the suspicion and conclusive evidence of Mossadeq's communist learnings. In the end Mossadeq was arrested, served three years in prison and later died under house arrestin 1967. Iran remain a ally to the United States during the cold war up until the end of the Shah's rule finished by a revolution in the 1979.
December 30, 1953 - The first color televisions go on sale.
Televisions are a staple in any American homes and off course in an event worth noting. The cost of a color TV was about $1,175, a very high price for the average American. Early color TV development used three picture tubes (red, green and blue) and filters and mirrors to project one color image. At the time however, there were not many color channels available. The availability of Color TV pushed the broadcasting channels to progress away from black and white. As a direct result of the color TV, color programs became very popular.
February 23, 1954 - The first large scale vaccination of children against polio begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This date marked a preventive rather than reactive action to a very dangerous virus that affected mostly kids. A disease that could be deadly at times but most importantly it left many children crippled. The effects of the disease were mostly hidden and only surfaced when it was very late. A case to note was that of the future president Franklin Delano Roosevelt who was affected by the disease in the 1921 outbreak that left his legs permanently paralyzed. The disease was also highly contagious. In the end the mass application of the vaccine to children in the United States significantly reduces the cases which brought a feeling of peace of mind to the parents.
May 17, 1954 - Racial segregation in public schools is declared unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court
Segregation is one of those acts that brought much pain to the African American population of the United States. The first stone being the Slavery abolishment. The dicision of the supreme court to declare segregation unconstitutional opened the door to many scholars and parents. The opportunity to achieve equality was possible. African American children could now attend classes with other Anglo students. Opportunities to attend highly acclaimed schools was no longer a dream but a reality.
July 17, 1955 - Disneyland Opens
Disneyland, Walt Disney's metropolis of nostalgia, fantasy and futurism, opened in Anaheim, California. The cost to build the park was $17 million dollars. The park was built on 160 acres of former orange groves. The construction of the amusement part took a full year to complete. The park although was very costly to build and the first day of opening had a few mishaps, was very profitable. The park remains fully operational and a main attraction to this date.
