- The first McDonald's restaurant opened in 1955. It was located in San Bernardino, California, and featured a car hop service.
- The hula hoop became a popular toy in 1958. It was invented by a French comedian named Alain Gilles.
- The television became a common household item in the 1950s. The first television broadcasts began in the 1920s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that televisions became affordable for the average family.
- The first rock and roll record was released in 1951. It was "Rocket 88" by Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm.
- The first Barbie doll was introduced in 1959. She was named after the daughter of the Mattel co-founder, Ruth Handler.
- The first drive-in movie theater opened in 1933. It was located in Camden, New Jersey.
- The first microwave oven was invented in 1945. It was used to heat food for soldiers during World War II.
- The first color television broadcast was in 1954. It was a test pattern broadcast by NBC.
- The first video game console was introduced in 1958. It was the Magnavox Odyssey.
- The first artificial satellite was launched in 1957. It was the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1.
