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Quizzes > History

1950s trivia: Test your history and pop culture smarts

Quick, free 1950s quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Thomas KeithUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art icons of vinyl record radio microphone classic car on teal background for 1950s pop culture history quiz

This 1950s quiz helps you check what you remember about the decade, from headline news and rock 'n' roll to everyday life. Want to dig deeper? Try our American pop culture quiz, explore 20th century history trivia, or cruise through a classic car quiz.

In what year did the Korean War begin?
1950
1949
1953
1951
The Korean War started on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces invaded South Korea, marking the beginning of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula. It lasted until an armistice was signed in 1953. This conflict was a major focal point of Cold War tensions.
Which singer is often called the "King of Rock and Roll"?
Chuck Berry
Elvis Presley
Buddy Holly
Little Richard
Elvis Presley earned the title "King of Rock and Roll" due to his pioneering blending of gospel, country, and rhythm & blues. His dynamic stage presence and widespread popularity in the mid-1950s revolutionized popular music. He recorded chart-topping hits like "Heartbreak Hotel" and starred in numerous films.
In what year did Disneyland first open its doors?
1950
1955
1958
1960
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, officially opened on July 17, 1955, becoming the first theme park of its kind. Conceived by Walt Disney, it set new standards for entertainment experiences and family attractions. The grand opening was televised live, attracting millions of viewers.
Who became U.S. President in 1953?
Lyndon B. Johnson
Harry S. Truman
John F. Kennedy
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated as the 34th President of the United States on January 20, 1953. A five-star general during World War II, he led the Allied forces in Europe before entering politics. His presidency focused on Cold War strategy and domestic prosperity.
What did the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 outlaw?
Racial segregation in public schools
Voting restrictions
Poll taxes
Segregation in public transportation
In Brown v. Board of Education (1954), the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. This landmark decision overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine from Plessy v. Ferguson. It was a major victory for the civil rights movement.
Which vaccine did Dr. Jonas Salk introduce in 1955?
Polio vaccine
Smallpox vaccine
Measles vaccine
Rubella vaccine
Dr. Jonas Salk developed and introduced the first effective polio vaccine in 1955. His inactivated (killed-virus) vaccine drastically reduced poliomyelitis cases worldwide. Mass immunization campaigns followed, virtually eradicating the disease in many countries.
Which fashion trend became popular among American teenage girls in the 1950s?
Tie-dye shirts
Miniskirts
Poodle skirts
Flapper dresses
Poodle skirts, full circle skirts featuring an appliquéd poodle design, became an iconic 1950s fashion trend for teenage girls. They were often worn with bobby socks, saddle shoes, and fitted sweaters. This look symbolized youthful femininity and suburban American culture.
Which TV show debuted starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in 1951?
Gunsmoke
Father Knows Best
The Honeymooners
I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy premiered on October 15, 1951, starring Lucille Ball and her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz. The show broke new ground in television production and comedy, and its popularity has endured through reruns. It remains one of the highest-rated sitcoms in U.S. history.
When was the first Chevrolet Corvette introduced?
1953
1960
1950
1955
The Chevrolet Corvette, America's first mass-produced sports car, debuted on January 17, 1953. It featured a fiberglass body and was initially offered in Polo White with a red interior. The Corvette has since become an enduring icon of American automotive design.
Which iconic doll was first sold by the Ideal Toy Company in 1959?
Chatty Cathy
Ken
Barbie
GI Joe
The Barbie doll debuted at the American International Toy Fair on March 9, 1959, created by Ruth Handler for the Ideal Toy Company. Barbie became a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, beauty, and toy marketing for decades.
In which state did Ray Kroc open the first McDonald's franchise in 1955?
Florida
Texas
Illinois
California
Ray Kroc opened the first McDonald's franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. While the original McDonald's restaurant was started by the McDonald brothers in California, Kroc's franchise model launched the rapid expansion that made McDonald's a global brand.
Which landmark novel by J.D. Salinger was published in 1951?
The Catcher in the Rye
On the Road
To Kill a Mockingbird
Fahrenheit 451
The Catcher in the Rye was published in 1951 and became an instant classic for its portrayal of teenage angst and alienation. Salinger's first and most famous novel influenced generations of readers and writers. Its protagonist, Holden Caulfield, remains an iconic figure in American literature.
Which Cold War military alliance was formed in 1955 by the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries?
CENTO
NATO
SEATO
Warsaw Pact
The Warsaw Pact, officially the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, was signed in May 1955 by the Soviet Union and seven Eastern Bloc countries. It served as a counterbalance to NATO during the Cold War. The alliance remained in place until 1991.
Who delivered the "Atoms for Peace" speech to the United Nations in 1953?
Richard Nixon
Harry S. Truman
John F. Kennedy
Dwight D. Eisenhower
President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered the "Atoms for Peace" speech at the United Nations General Assembly on December 8, 1953. He proposed using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and reducing the threat of atomic warfare. This speech led to the creation of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Which musical film starring Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds was released in 1952?
On the Town
Easter Parade
An American in Paris
Singin' in the Rain
Singin' in the Rain premiered in 1952 featuring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. Though initially a moderate box-office success, it is now acclaimed as one of the greatest musicals ever made. Its dance sequences and songs remain iconic.
What was the name of the first oral contraceptive pill approved by the FDA in 1957?
Ortho-Novum
Loestrin
Enovid
Depo-Provera
Enovid, developed by Dr. John Rock and Dr. Gregory Pincus, was approved by the FDA in 1957 as the first oral contraceptive pill. It revolutionized women's reproductive health and family planning worldwide. Its introduction sparked social and cultural debates about birth control.
Which civil rights leader rose to prominence during the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott?
Rosa Parks
Thurgood Marshall
Malcolm X
Martin Luther King Jr.
During the Montgomery Bus Boycott - which began after Rosa Parks' arrest on December 1, 1955 - Martin Luther King Jr. emerged as a leading figure in the civil rights movement. His leadership of the boycott propelled him to national prominence. The successful year-long protest ended legal segregation on Montgomery buses.
What major Soviet satellite was launched in October 1957?
Vostok 1
Sputnik 1
Luna 2
Soyuz 1
Sputnik 1, launched on October 4, 1957, was the world's first artificial satellite. Its success surprised the United States and marked the start of the space race. Sputnik transmitted radio pulses back to Earth before burning up in the atmosphere.
Which boxer retired in 1956 with an undefeated record of 49 - 0?
Muhammad Ali
Rocky Marciano
Sugar Ray Robinson
Joe Louis
Rocky Marciano retired in April 1956 with an unblemished professional record of 49 wins and no losses. He was the world heavyweight champion from 1952 until his retirement. Marciano remains the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated.
Which TV quiz show was at the center of a major scandal in 1958?
The $64,000 Question
Twenty-One
What's My Line?
Jeopardy!
Twenty-One became infamous in 1958 when it was revealed producers had given contestants answers in advance to manipulate ratings. This scandal led to congressional investigations and widespread reform of quiz show regulations. It remains a landmark in television history.
Who was the British Prime Minister at the start of the 1950s?
Anthony Eden
Winston Churchill
Clement Attlee
Harold Macmillan
Clement Attlee served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1945 until October 1951. At the start of the 1950s, he led Britain's postwar reconstruction and introduced key welfare state reforms. Winston Churchill succeeded him after the 1951 election.
What was Operation Wetback, initiated by the U.S. government in 1954?
A program to repatriate undocumented Mexican immigrants
A code name for the Vietnam armistice talks
A CIA operation in Guatemala
A naval blockade of Cuba
Operation Wetback was a 1954 immigration law enforcement initiative by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service to deport undocumented Mexican nationals. It involved mass roundups and deportations along the Mexico - U.S. border. The operation remains controversial for its methods and impact on civil rights.
Which airline ushered in the jet age for commercial flights with the de Havilland Comet in 1952?
Air France
Pan Am
TWA
BOAC
British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) began the world's first commercial jet service using the de Havilland Comet in May 1952. Although initial safety issues led to temporary grounding, the Comet marked the dawn of modern jet travel. BOAC later merged into British Airways.
Which treaty signed in 1954 temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel?
Saigon Agreement
Paris Peace Accords
Geneva Convention
Geneva Accords
The Geneva Accords of July 1954 ended the First Indochina War and temporarily partitioned Vietnam at the 17th parallel. It called for nationwide elections in 1956 to reunify the country, which never occurred. This division set the stage for the Vietnam War.
An assassination attempt on President Harry S. Truman occurred in 1950 at which location?
Blair House
Pentagon
White House
Camp David
On November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to assassinate President Truman at the Blair House, where he was residing during White House renovations. One attacker was killed and the other was wounded. Truman survived unharmed.
What was the name of the first nuclear-powered submarine launched in 1954?
USS Triton
USS Seawolf
USS Nautilus
USS Enterprise
USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was launched on January 21, 1954, as the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. It revolutionized naval warfare by offering unprecedented underwater endurance. Nautilus famously completed the first submerged transit of the North Pole in 1958.
In which year did the Hungarian Uprising against Soviet control occur?
1956
1958
1960
1953
The Hungarian Uprising took place in October - November 1956 as a nationwide revolt against the Soviet-imposed policies in Hungary. It was brutally suppressed by Soviet forces, resulting in thousands of casualties and refugees. The event exposed cracks in Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
Who painted the Marilyn Diptych in 1952?
Jackson Pollock
Mark Rothko
Andy Warhol
Roy Lichtenstein
Andy Warhol created the Marilyn Diptych in 1962, but it was based on a 1953 publicity still of Marilyn Monroe. The work is a key example of Pop Art, reflecting on mass media and celebrity culture. Warhol's style revolutionized modern art.
Approximately what was the average U.S. house price in 1950?
$7,400
$5,000
$15,000
$20,000
In 1950, the average cost of a new single-family home in the United States was approximately $7,400. Postwar housing demand and government policies like the GI Bill drove suburban development. By comparison, today's median house prices are far higher when adjusted for inflation.
Which company introduced the first commercial color television set in 1954?
Sony
Zenith
Philco
RCA
RCA introduced the first all-electronic color television system in 1954, with models like the CT-100. RCA's system was eventually adopted as the NTSC standard for color broadcasting in the U.S. It marked a major milestone in television technology.
Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his humanitarian work in Africa?
Albert Schweitzer
George Marshall
Linus Pauling
Dag Hammarskjöld
Albert Schweitzer, a medical missionary in Gabon, Africa, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his philosophy of "Reverence for Life" and his humanitarian work. He founded and ran a hospital in Lambaréné. Schweitzer's legacy endures in medical ethics and missionary service.
What scientific contribution did Rosalind Franklin make in 1952?
Invention of the electron microscope
Development of the polio vaccine
X-ray diffraction images of DNA structure
Discovery of penicillin
In 1952, Rosalind Franklin produced high-resolution X-ray diffraction images of DNA fibers, most notably Photograph 51. Her data provided critical evidence for the double-helix structure proposed by Watson and Crick. Franklin's work was foundational to modern molecular biology.
Who served as chief counsel for Senator Joseph McCarthy's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations during the Army - McCarthy hearings in 1954?
Edward R. Murrow
Joseph Welch
Roy Cohn
Louis Nizer
Roy Cohn was junior counsel for Senator Joseph McCarthy's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations during the 1954 Army - McCarthy hearings. He was known for his aggressive tactics and close partnership with McCarthy. The hearings ultimately damaged McCarthy's reputation.
Which covert CIA operation, approved by President Eisenhower in 1953, aimed to overthrow Iran's Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh?
Operation Northwoods
Operation Ajax
Operation PBSUCCESS
Operation Mongoose
Operation Ajax, orchestrated in 1953 by the CIA and British intelligence, aimed to overthrow Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. The coup restored the Shah's power and reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics. Details were declassified decades later.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Post-War Events -

    Describe major political and social milestones of the early 1950s, including key conflicts and policy shifts.

  2. Identify Pop Culture Icons -

    Recognize influential figures and entertainment trends that defined the era, from music and movies to fashion and technology.

  3. Recall Landmark Legislation -

    Summarize significant laws and governmental actions of the 1950s and their impact on American society.

  4. Analyze Societal Impact -

    Examine how historical events shaped everyday life and cultural norms during the 1950s.

  5. Evaluate Historical Significance -

    Assess the long-term effects of 1950s developments on subsequent decades and modern culture.

  6. Connect Past to Present -

    Draw parallels between 1950s events and current trends to deepen your understanding of historical continuity.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Korean War Kickoff (1950 - 1953) -

    The Korean War marked the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era, pitting UN forces led by the U.S. against North Korean and Chinese troops. Use the mnemonic "K.O. in RIP" (Korean, '50 to '53) to remember it lasted three years; this often comes up in any 1950s history quiz.

  2. Brown v. Board of Education (1954) -

    This landmark Supreme Court case declared school segregation unconstitutional, reshaping civil rights in America. When prepping for your 1950 quiz, recall "Brown can't be Clowned" to lock in that pivotal 1954 decision.

  3. Salk Polio Vaccine Breakthrough (1955) -

    Jonas Salk's injectable vaccine cut polio cases by over 90%, a defining medical milestone from the 1950s. Remember the formula "P+V=S" (Polio + Vaccine = Safety) next time questions about public health achievements appear on a 1950s trivia quiz.

  4. Birth of Rock 'n' Roll (Mid-1950s) -

    Elvis Presley's 1956 hit "Heartbreak Hotel" and Chuck Berry's electric guitar riffs fueled a pop-culture revolution. For a quick study boost, group key artists under "E.C.B." (Elvis, Chuck, Bill Haley) when tackling questions about 1950s music on a general knowledge quiz.

  5. Television's Golden Age & Suburban Boom -

    By 1955, shows like I Love Lucy reached 70% of U.S. households, accelerating consumer culture and suburban growth. Link "TV=Suburb" as a formula to recall how broadcast entertainment and Levittown-style neighborhoods defined 1950s American life in your 1950s general knowledge quiz.

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