Pop Culture
Debuting in 1959 but rooted in 50s trends, this doll revolutionized the toy industry and women’s fashion representation.
Barbie
“I found my thrill…”
on Blueberry Hill
What type of shoes did teens typically remove at sock hops, giving the dance its name?
saddle shoes
This California place opened in 1955 and became a favorite family destination.
Disneyland
This U.S. senator's name became synonymous with anti-communist witch hunts during the early 1950s.
Joseph McCarthy
This sitcom, which debuted in 1951, revolutionized television with its use of multiple cameras and a live studio audience.
I Love Lucy
“Earth angel, Earth angel, the one I…
adore
This upbeat partner dance, often done to rock and roll, became wildly popular at 50s dances.
The jitterbug
The 1950s saw rapid suburban growth along this major interstate highway, originally part of Eisenhower's system.
Interstate 95
In 1957, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to this city to enforce school desegregation.
Little Rock, Arkansas
The 1950s saw the rise of “method acting” thanks to this influential actor, known for On the Waterfront.
Marlon Brando
“Why do fools fall in love…”
"Why do birds sing so gay"
This artist, known as the “Father of Rock and Roll,” got teens dancing with hits like “Johnny B. Goode.”
Chuck Berry
This U.S. territory became a state in 1959.
Hawaii
The 1950s saw the beginning of this war involving France and Vietnamese nationalists, setting the stage for future U.S. involvement.
First Indochina War
This author’s 1951 novel became a cultural touchstone for postwar youth alienation.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
“Little Darlin', oh Little Darlin'…
“Oh where are you?”
Before sock hops became mainstream, they were often hosted by this type of organization to raise funds, AND why were they called sock hops?
Student Councils and Because students had to remove their shoes to protect gymnasium floors, so they danced in their socks.
Though not a state until 1959, this future state hosted strategic U.S. military bases during the Cold War.
Alaska
In 1954, this company introduced the first commercial color television set, though it would take years to catch on with the public.
What is RCA (Radio Corporation of America)?
Before Elvis became a global sensation, he first recorded at this small Memphis studio.
Sun Studio
“Goodnight, sweetheart, well it's time to go…”
“I hate to leave you, but I really must say”?
What popular hairstyle did many boys wear to sock hops?
The pompadour
This international city hosted the 1952 Summer Olympics, marking the first appearance of the Soviet Union in the games.
Helsinki
This African nation became independent from Britain in 1957, the first sub-Saharan country to do so.
Ghana