Vol. 1950s · No. 1951 · PRICE 25¢
The 1951 Times
AI-Generated Historical Illustration
July 16, 1951 | Literature | USA
Cold War Shadows and Golden Age Breakthroughs
In 1951, the Cold War deepened with dramatic military shake-ups and high-stakes espionage trials. Yet, a vibrant wave of modern entertainment, literary classics, and computing milestones ushered in a new era of global pop culture.
'I Love Lucy' Debuts on CBS
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz revolutionize TV sitcoms with innovative multi-camera filming in front of a live studio audience.
The Shot Heard 'Round the World
Bobby Thomson hits a dramatic walk-off home run for the Giants to defeat the Dodgers and claim the National League pennant.
Also this year
President Truman Relieves General MacArthur
April 11, 1951 | Politics | USA
Harry S. Truman removes WWII hero Douglas MacArthur from Korean War command over public disagreements regarding military strategy.
UNIVAC I Becomes First Commercial Computer
March 31, 1951 | Technology | USA
The U.S. Census Bureau accepts delivery of UNIVAC I, ushering in the era of business and government digital computing.
Jackie Brenston Records 'Rocket 88'
March 1951 | Music | USA
Recorded at Sun Studio, this energetic track featuring distorted guitar is widely considered the first rock and roll record.
Rosenbergs Sentenced to Death
April 5, 1951 | Cold War | USA
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg receive death sentences for passing atomic bomb secrets to the Soviet Union amidst Red Scare tensions.
San Francisco Peace Treaty Signed
September 8, 1951 | History | Global
Forty-eight nations sign a landmark treaty officially ending WWII hostilities with Japan and restoring Japanese sovereignty.