Everything Everywhere Daily The Year 1950
Nov 7, 2025
Explore the transformative year of 1950 as it marked the dawn of the Cold War and significant global shifts. Discover how new household technologies like radios and cars were revolutionizing daily life. Witness the impacts of World War II and the Great Depression on a world undergoing a political reordering. Hear about the rise of new nations in Asia and groundbreaking advancements in computing and music, laying the foundation for future cultural revolutions such as rock and roll.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Decolonization's Early Surge
- The period 1925–1950 produced both the Great Depression and World War II, reshaping global politics and triggering decolonization in Asia.
- Newly independent states like India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines foreshadowed a much larger postwar wave of sovereignty.
Global Health Improved Quickly
- Global population rose from about 2 billion to 2.5 billion between the mid-1920s and 1950 due to falling death rates.
- Life expectancy improved from the late 30s to mid-40s globally because of vaccines, antibiotics, sanitation, and better nutrition.
Everyday Technology Went Mainstream
- Household electrification and appliances spread rapidly in the U.S., transforming daily life by 1950.
- Cars and paved roads expanded globally as automobile ownership surged and production recovered after wartime disruptions.