101 Best 1950 Trivia Questions And Answer

The 1950s was a transformative decade marked by pivotal historical events and cultural revolutions. The Korean War began in 1950, significantly impacting global politics. Rock ‘n’ roll music emerged, revolutionizing the music industry and youth culture. The space race also started, with the Soviet Union launching Sputnik in 1957, propelling humanity into a new era of technological advancement.

This decade witnessed the rise of television as a dominant medium, influencing public opinion and lifestyle. The civil rights movement gained momentum in the United States, challenging social norms and advocating for equality. The 1950s laid the groundwork for many modern societal changes.

1950 Trivia Questions And Answer

Here’s a list of 101 trivia questions and answers from the 1950s, divided into various categories for your convenience.

General Knowledge

Question: In which year did the Korean War begin?
Answer: 1950

Question: Who was the President of the United States in 1950?
Answer: Harry S. Truman

Question: Which country became the first to issue a credit card in 1950?
Answer: The United States

Question: What was the name of the first human-made satellite launched in 1957?
Answer: Sputnik 1

Question: Which 1950s invention revolutionized home entertainment?
Answer: The television

Question: Who recorded the song “Rock Around the Clock” in 1954?
Answer: Bill Haley & His Comets

Question: Which famous rock and roll artist died in a plane crash in 1959?
Answer: Buddy Holly

Question: What genre of music did Elvis Presley help popularize in the 1950s?
Answer: Rock and roll

Question: What was the name of the famous 1950s music TV show hosted by Dick Clark?
Answer: American Bandstand

Question: Which song did Chuck Berry release in 1958 that became a major hit?
Answer: “Johnny B. Goode”

Movies

Question: What 1950 film starred Gloria Swanson and was directed by Billy Wilder?
Answer: Sunset Boulevard

Question: Which 1952 film, starring Gregory Peck, became a huge success and was about a lawyer defending a black man accused of rape?
Answer: To Kill a Mockingbird

Question: Who played the lead role in the 1956 film The Ten Commandments?
Answer: Charlton Heston

Question: In 1959, which movie became the first to gross over $100 million at the box office?
Answer: Ben-Hur

Question: Which 1951 film featured the song “Que Sera, Sera” by Doris Day?
Answer: The Man Who Knew Too Much

Question: What was the name of the first color TV broadcast in 1954?
Answer: The Tournament of Roses Parade

Question: Which popular 1950s TV show featured the characters Lucy and Ricky Ricardo?
Answer: I Love Lucy

Question: Which 1950s TV show featured a talking horse named Mister Ed?
Answer: Mister Ed

Question: Which TV show was the first to be broadcast live via satellite in 1957?
Answer: The Ed Sullivan Show

Question: Which 1950s game show was hosted by Bob Barker and became a staple of American TV for decades?
Answer: Truth or Consequences

Sports

Question: Who won the 1950 FIFA World Cup?
Answer: Uruguay

Question: Which baseball player broke Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1954?
Answer: Hank Aaron

Question: Which city hosted the 1952 Summer Olympics?
Answer: Helsinki, Finland

Question: What year did the New York Yankees win the World Series in the 1950s?
Answer: 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, and 1956

Question: Who was the first African-American to compete in the U.S. Masters Golf Tournament in 1955?
Answer: Lee Elder

Question: Which country did the United States fight against during the Korean War from 1950-1953?
Answer: North Korea (and China)

Question: Who became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1951?
Answer: Winston Churchill

Question: What famous political event occurred in Hungary in 1956?
Answer: The Hungarian Revolution

Question: What major Cold War event took place in 1957, involving the Soviet Union’s first satellite?
Answer: The launch of Sputnik

Question: Who was the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate, elected in 1950?
Answer: Margaret Chase Smith

History

Question: Which country did France give up in 1954 following the First Indochina War?
Answer: Vietnam

Question: Which famous incident took place on the McCarthyism front in 1954?
Answer: The Army-McCarthy hearings

Question: What historical event ended the U.S. occupation of Japan in 1952?
Answer: The Treaty of Peace with Japan

Question: Which famous highway opened in the U.S. in 1956 to ease traffic congestion?
Answer: The Interstate Highway System

Question: What was the name of the political doctrine in the 1950s that sought to contain communism?
Answer: The Domino Theory

Question: What type of shoe became popular in the 1950s, especially among teenagers?
Answer: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars

Question: Which designer was famous for the “New Look” in the 1950s?
Answer: Christian Dior

Question: What style of dress did women embrace during the 1950s, characterized by a cinched waist and full skirt?
Answer: The hourglass silhouette

Question: Which hairstyle was made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s?
Answer: The platinum blonde bombshell look

Question: Which accessory was popularized in the 1950s as a symbol of wealth and social status?
Answer: Pearls

Technology

Question: What was the first commercially available home computer, introduced in the 1950s?
Answer: UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic Computer)

Question: Which company released the first mass-produced transistor radio in 1954?
Answer: Texas Instruments

Question: What technology did the 1950s introduce that later became common in most households for communication and entertainment?
Answer: Television

Question: In 1959, which company introduced the first color television?
Answer: RCA (Radio Corporation of America)

Question: What major technological advancement was made in 1952, revolutionizing movie viewing?
Answer: 3D movies (with Bwana Devil)

Science

Question: Who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1953 for the discovery of the structure of DNA?
Answer: James Watson, Francis Crick, and Maurice Wilkins

Question: What scientific advancement did the U.S. Navy make in the 1950s?
Answer: The development of nuclear submarines

Question: Which famous American scientist’s work in the 1950s led to the discovery of antibiotics for the treatment of tuberculosis?
Answer: Selman Waksman

Question: What was the primary component used in the development of the first atomic bombs tested in the 1950s?
Answer: Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239

Question: Which space program milestone took place in 1957, marking the beginning of the Space Race?
Answer: The launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union
Literature

Question: Who wrote the novel Fahrenheit 451, published in 1953?
Answer: Ray Bradbury

Question: Which author wrote the 1954 novel Lord of the Flies?
Answer: William Golding

Question: What famous 1950s novel by J.R.R. Tolkien was adapted into a film in 2001?
Answer: The Fellowship of the Ring (part of The Lord of the Rings)

Question: Who won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1951 for the novel The Old Man and the Sea?
Answer: Ernest Hemingway

Question: Which 1950s novel by John Steinbeck tells the story of migrant workers during the Great Depression?
Answer: The Grapes of Wrath (although it was written earlier, it remained relevant throughout the 1950s)
Cultural Events

Question: Which 1950s music festival was held annually in New Orleans, showcasing jazz and blues music?
Answer: The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Question: What was the name of the popular 1950s American comic strip character that was made into a TV show in the 1960s?
Answer: Beetle Bailey

Question: Which animated character made its debut in 1950 and was created by Walt Disney?
Answer: Cinderella (in Cinderella, 1950)

Question: Which famous American actor made his film debut in 1953 in The Caine Mutiny?
Answer: Jack Nicholson

Question: Which cultural revolution in China began in 1956, inspired by Marxist-Leninist principles?

Answer: The Great Leap Forward

Technology & Innovations

Question: What was the name of the first successful artificial satellite launched in 1957?
Answer: Sputnik 1

Question: In 1950, which company introduced the first modern plastic credit card?
Answer: Diners Club

Question: Which groundbreaking computer technology was first introduced in 1951 by UNIVAC?
Answer: The first commercially produced computer

Question: What was the first major commercial jet airliner to be introduced in 1958?
Answer: Boeing 707

Question: What did the first successful test of a hydrogen bomb take place in 1952?
Answer: The United States

Fashion (Continued)

Question: Which type of hairstyle became popular for men in the 1950s, famously worn by James Dean and Marlon Brando?
Answer: The “Ducktail” hairstyle

Question: What new fashion trend became synonymous with the 1950s and was often worn by women in casual and evening attire?
Answer: Poodle skirts

Question: Which type of clothing item became a trend for teenagers in the 1950s, thanks to movie stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando?
Answer: Leather jackets

Question: What style of hat became popular for women in the 1950s?
Answer: Pillbox hat

Question: Which type of shoes were popular with women during the 1950s, made by brands like Keds and Converse?
Answer: Sneakers

Pop Culture

Question: Which popular 1950s song became an anthem for teenagers in the U.S., recorded by Buddy Holly?
Answer: “That’ll Be the Day”

Question: What was the name of the famous 1950s comic book superhero created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby for Marvel Comics?
Answer: The Fantastic Four

Question: Which popular TV show of the 1950s featured a crime-solving dog named Scooby-Doo?
Answer: Scooby-Doo (though it premiered in the 1960s, it became an iconic part of 1950s culture)

Question: Which famous Hollywood star was known as “The King of Cool” and was a major icon of the 1950s?
Answer: Steve McQueen

Question: Which 1950s American television series featured a spaceship and a crew led by Captain Kirk, becoming one of the most popular sci-fi shows?
Answer: Star Trek (though the show premiered in 1966, it was influenced by 1950s sci-fi culture)
Famous Personalities

Question: Who was the famous American actress and singer, known as the “Blonde Bombshell,” who became an international icon during the 1950s?
Answer: Marilyn Monroe

Question: Which popular 1950s actor starred in movies like Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden before his tragic death in 1955?
Answer: James Dean

Question: Who was the famous baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 and became an enduring icon throughout the 1950s?
Answer: Jackie Robinson

Question: Which famous 1950s scientist made significant contributions to the theory of evolution and published the groundbreaking book The Selfish Gene?
Answer: Richard Dawkins

Question: Which famous Hollywood actor was known for his role as “The Duke” and became an icon of masculinity in the 1950s?
Answer: John Wayne

Politics (Continued)

Question: What major global conflict began in 1950 and ended in 1953, resulting in the division of Korea into North and South?
Answer: The Korean War

Question: Which U.S. Senator was the key figure behind the anti-communist witch hunts in the early 1950s, known as “McCarthyism”?
Answer: Joseph McCarthy

Question: Who was the Soviet leader during the majority of the 1950s?
Answer: Nikita Khrushchev

Question: Which U.S. landmark Supreme Court decision occurred in 1954 and declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional?
Answer: Brown v. Board of Education

Question: Which U.S. President delivered the famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1955?
Answer: Martin Luther King Jr.

Science (Continued)

Question: What famous 1950s scientist helped pioneer the field of space exploration and was responsible for the first rocket launches to explore space?
Answer: Wernher von Braun

Question: In 1954, scientists discovered a new element called what, which was used in nuclear energy research?
Answer: Plutonium

Question: Which famous American physicist was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in the development of quantum theory in the 1950s?
Answer: Richard Feynman

Question: Which scientific theory was confirmed in the 1950s with the discovery of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick?
Answer: The theory of genetic inheritance

Question: What scientific discovery in 1952 allowed for the synthesis of insulin, revolutionizing diabetes treatment?
Answer: The isolation of insulin from pigs

Literature (Continued)

Question: Who wrote The Old Man and the Sea, which won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954?
Answer: Ernest Hemingway

Question: Which 1950s book by J.R.R. Tolkien began a legendary fantasy series that became a global phenomenon?
Answer: The Fellowship of the Ring (part of The Lord of the Rings)

Question: Which 1950s novel by Ray Bradbury, about a dystopian future where books are banned, became an iconic work of science fiction?
Answer: Fahrenheit 451

Question: Who wrote the classic novel On the Road, published in 1957, which became a landmark work of the Beat Generation?
Answer: Jack Kerouac

Question: Which famous author wrote The Catcher in the Rye, a controversial novel that became popular in the 1950s?
Answer: J.D. Salinger

Cultural Events (Continued)

Question: What 1950s American event marked the first major international broadcast of the Olympic Games?
Answer: The 1952 Helsinki Olympics

Question: Which 1950s American show featuring a talking horse became a favorite of TV audiences?
Answer: Mister Ed

Question: Which cultural event, held in the U.S. in 1957, helped to kick-start the civil rights movement?
Answer: The Little Rock Nine desegregation crisis

Question: What major fashion event took place in Paris in the 1950s that changed global fashion trends?
Answer: Christian Dior’s “New Look” fashion collection

Question: What was the name of the first theme park, which opened in 1955 in California?
Answer: Disneyland

Question: In 1958, what new pop culture phenomenon captured the attention of audiences, creating the beginning of the “space race”?
Answer: The launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviet Union

Cultural Milestones

The 1950s were a vibrant decade filled with remarkable cultural milestones. From music to films, this era laid the groundwork for many modern trends. Exploring trivia questions about the 1950s offers a glimpse into these significant moments, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone. Let’s dive into the cultural milestones that defined this iconic decade.

Music Trends

The 1950s saw the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, a genre that revolutionized the music industry. Elvis Presley, known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, became a global sensation with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog.” His energetic performances and unique style captivated audiences worldwide.

Other notable music trends of the 1950s include:

Jazz and Blues: Artists like Miles Davis and Muddy Waters brought jazz and blues to new heights, influencing future generations.
Doo-Wop Groups: This genre featured vocal harmony and catchy melodies. The Platters and The Drifters were among the popular doo-wop groups.
Country Music: Stars like Patsy Cline and Hank Williams gained fame with their heartfelt country tunes.

Here’s a table highlighting some key songs and their artists from the 1950s:

Song	Artist
Rock Around the Clock	Bill Haley & His Comets
Great Balls of Fire	Jerry Lee Lewis
Tutti Frutti	Little Richard

Iconic Films

The 1950s were also a golden age for cinema, producing some of the most iconic films in history. “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) is a beloved musical that showcased the talents of Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. The movie remains a classic, celebrated for its memorable songs and dance sequences.

Other iconic films from the 1950s include:

“Rebel Without a Cause”: Starring James Dean, this film became a cultural phenomenon, depicting teenage rebellion and angst.
“Ben-Hur”: A historical epic that won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Charlton Heston‘s performance as Judah Ben-Hur is legendary.
“Some Like It Hot”: A comedy classic featuring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The film is celebrated for its humor and brilliant performances.

Here’s a table highlighting some of the most influential films and their leading actors from the 1950s:

Film	Leading Actor/Actress
12 Angry Men	Henry Fonda
Sunset Boulevard	Gloria Swanson
North by Northwest	Cary Grant

Political Landscape

The 1950s were a transformative decade, marked by significant political changes. This period saw the rise of new leaders, pivotal events, and monumental decisions that shaped the world. Trivia questions about the 1950s political landscape can be both fascinating and educational. Let’s dive into some key aspects of this dynamic era.

Key Events

The 1950s were filled with crucial events that had long-lasting impacts. Here are some of the most significant occurrences:

The Korean War (1950-1953): This conflict between North Korea (with China and the Soviet Union’s support) and South Korea (backed by the United Nations, particularly the USA) was a major Cold War confrontation.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954): This landmark Supreme Court case declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, paving the way for the civil rights movement.
The Suez Crisis (1956): A diplomatic and military conflict in Egypt that marked the decline of British and French influence in the Middle East.
The Cuban Revolution (1953-1959): Fidel Castro and his forces overthrew the Batista government, leading to significant geopolitical shifts in the Western Hemisphere.

These events were pivotal in shaping the political landscape of the 1950s. Each event had a profound impact on international relations and domestic policies.

Year	Event
1950-1953	The Korean War
1954	Brown v. Board of Education
1956	The Suez Crisis
1953-1959	The Cuban Revolution

Influential Figures

The 1950s saw the emergence of several influential political figures whose decisions and actions left a lasting legacy. Here are some notable personalities:

Dwight D. Eisenhower: As the 34th President of the United States, Eisenhower’s policies and leadership during the Cold War were crucial. He implemented the Eisenhower Doctrine to contain the spread of communism.
Nikita Khrushchev: The leader of the Soviet Union, Khrushchev’s tenure saw significant events like the de-Stalinization of the USSR and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Winston Churchill: Although he stepped down as Prime Minister in 1955, Churchill’s influence on British politics and his role in the early Cold War era were substantial.
Fidel Castro: The revolutionary leader of Cuba, Castro’s rise to power in 1959 dramatically altered the political landscape of Latin America and the Caribbean.

These figures played pivotal roles in their respective countries and on the world stage. Their decisions influenced international relations and domestic policies throughout the decade.

Technological Advances

The 1950s was a decade filled with amazing technological advances. These innovations changed the world and brought about exciting new possibilities. From the birth of the computer age to the dawn of space exploration, the 1950s were truly a remarkable time. Let’s dive into some fascinating trivia questions about the technological advances of this decade.

Innovations

The 1950s saw a plethora of groundbreaking inventions. These innovations set the stage for future technological growth. Here are some key advancements from that decade:

Transistor: Invented in 1947, it became widely used in the 1950s. It revolutionized electronics by replacing vacuum tubes.
UNIVAC I: The first commercial computer, unveiled in 1951. It could handle both numbers and text.
Microwave Oven: Introduced for home use in 1955. It made cooking faster and more convenient.
Color Television: Became available to the public in the mid-1950s. It transformed the way people watched TV.
Satellite Technology: The launch of Sputnik in 1957 marked the beginning of space exploration.

Here’s a table summarizing these innovations:

Innovation	Year	Impact
Transistor	1947 (widely used in 1950s)	Revolutionized electronics
UNIVAC I	1951	First commercial computer
Microwave Oven	1955	Made cooking faster
Color Television	Mid-1950s	Transformed TV viewing
Sputnik	1957	Started space exploration

Impact On Society

These technological advances had a huge impact on society. They changed the way people lived, worked, and played.

Transistors made electronic devices smaller and more reliable. Radios, televisions, and computers became more common in homes and offices.

UNIVAC I transformed data processing. Businesses could now handle large amounts of information quickly and efficiently.

Microwave ovens changed cooking habits. People could prepare meals faster, leading to the rise of convenience foods.

Color televisions brought vibrant images into living rooms. This made TV shows and movies more enjoyable to watch.

Sputnik sparked interest in space exploration. It led to the space race between the USA and the USSR.

In summary, the technological advances of the 1950s had a lasting effect on society. They made life easier, more entertaining, and opened up new possibilities for the future.

FAQs About 1950 Trivia Questions

What Are Popular 1950 Trivia Questions?

Popular 1950 trivia questions include topics on historical events, pop culture, and notable figures. Common questions cover movies, music, and political milestones. These questions help test knowledge of this transformative decade.

Who Were Famous 1950s Celebrities?

Famous 1950s celebrities include Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and James Dean. They significantly influenced culture and entertainment. Their iconic status remains strong today, making them frequent subjects of trivia questions.

What Major Events Happened In The 1950s?

Major events in the 1950s include the Korean War, the launch of Sputnik, and the Civil Rights Movement. These events shaped modern history and are often featured in trivia questions.

Which Movies Were Popular In The 1950s?

Popular 1950s movies include “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Rebel Without a Cause,” and “Some Like It Hot. ” These films are classics and frequently appear in trivia questions about the decade.

Conclusion

Exploring 1950 trivia questions can be a fun way to learn about this iconic decade. These questions offer a glimpse into history, culture, and entertainment. Test your knowledge, share with friends, and enjoy the nostalgia. Dive into the past and see how much you know about the 1950s!