Vaccinations In The American History Of The 1950s

The 1950s were a decade in American history that was filled with many of successes. Everybody was excited and relieved now that the war was finally over and that their loved ones were safely home with their families. Families in the 1950s were very conservative and always had the perfect family image, until the “teenagers” came along. Teens were not the most likable people in society, because they listened to crazy, tasteless music and were known as rebels. The crazy, tasteless music changed music forever. Since the 50s were right after WWII, many foreign policies emerged, some provided assistance to countries that were in need. The U.S. was also dealing with and epidemic for years, until the early 50s when a vaccine was created which also changed the way vaccinations were given to the public. The 1950’s were the most influential decade towards contemporary America because, throughout this decade not only did we discover vaccinations that saved hundreds of live, but we also had the rise of Rock N’ Roll which changed music forever including a foreign policy which helped rebuild economies in Europe called the Marshall Plan.

The Polio Vaccine

Many people, mainly kids suffered from polio, which is a disease that causes the child to become paralyzed. This disease was feared greatly at the time, until Dr. Jonas Salk created a vaccination for the disease in 1952. Within six years, the vaccine brought the disease under control. Everybody was really excited for this new vaccination. There are many pictures from the 50s with Dr. Salk himself giving the vaccination to kids. The March of Dimes foundation took many photos; one of the many is of a young boy with his mother, Salk, and a nurse giving the vaccine. This picture is actually his wif...

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...out this journey of figuring out what played a huge role in the 50s and what plays a huge role in 2014 today was quite fascinating. The Polio vaccine not only saved people then but it continues to save people now, and America developed new vaccines and medications because of that. The Marshall Plan did not last long but it did make a huge impact on the world. It helped the economies of not only European countries but of Americas as well, and it stopped the spread of communism. Rock N’ Roll emerged in the 1950s from the African Americans, later taken on by white teens and the King himself. It also changed the way Americans listened to music and the way they heard each and every genre differently. Overall, the 1950s were the most influential period in America’s history because it had the most long-lasting affect than any other decade in the early twentieth century.