Last Half of the 20th Century: Movies, Music, & More!

Shifting from the post-war optimism of the first half to a more complex and tumultuous period.

These 50 years were marked by a shift from the post-war optimism of the first half to a more complex and tumultuous period.

The mood and meaning of the era evolved as the world faced significant social, political, and cultural changes.

In the 1950s, the United States experienced a growing middle class. The post-war era was marked by economic prosperity, suburbanization, and conformity. The Cold War and the Red Scare led to a fear of communism, while the Civil Rights Movement began to gain momentum. Television became a popular medium, and rock ’n’ roll music emerged as a new cultural force.

On the music scene, Elvis Presley was the biggest star of the decade, known as the “King of Rock and Roll.” His music and dance moves revolutionized popular culture. Frank Sinatra was also a major star, known for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads.

In the movies, Marilyn Monroe was the biggest star of the decade, known for her glamorous image and iconic roles in films like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “The Seven Year Itch.” James Dean and Marlon Brando were also popular, with their roles in “Rebel Without a Cause” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” respectively…