Thank the 1950s for Your Microwave Popcorn

The 1950s were a time of political unrest and shifting priorities. What often gets lost in the shuffle is how many important inventions were brought to market during that decade. Sure, there was the Polio vaccine, but there was also the credit card and the seatbelt. Here are the 20 top inventions made in the '50s. 

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1. The Credit Card

Before the 1950s, people bought goods and services with cash or layaway. The first credit card was the Diners Club, and it was brought to market in 1950 by Frank McNamara, Ralph Schneider, and Matty Simmons. This invention changed economies and consumer spending habits.

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2. Polio Vaccine

In 1952, Jonas Salk developed the first effective Polio vaccine. Polio was devastating, having killed or paralyzed thousands of children. Salk's vaccine led to mass immunization and nearly eliminated polio all over the world. 

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3. Black Box Flight Recorder

In 1953, Dr. David Warren developed the first "black box" after a series of aircraft crashes. The black box recorded cockpit voice activity and flight data, and was instrumental in helping investigators determine what led to plane crashes. 

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4. Transistor Radio

Texas Instruments and Regency Electronics released the first commercial transistor radio in 1954. These revolutionary radios were lightweight, portable, and battery-operated. Teens could listen to rock 'n' roll anywhere they wanted, and the transistor radio eventually led to the Walkman, iPods, and smartphones.

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5. Microwave Oven

Microwave cooking had been developed before the 1950s, but the first home microwave oven was available to purchase in 1955. This appliance changed home cooking by dramatically reducing meal prep and cook times, and it also made leftovers more appealing. 

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6. Velcro

Velcro was invented in 1955 by Swiss engineer George de Mestral. He was inspired after spotting burrs on his dog's fur. Velcro was dismissed at first, but eventually gained widespread acclaim as an essential part of clothing, shoes, and accessories. NASA even started using Velcro in its space suits and spacecraft.

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7. Barbie

Ruth Handler invented the Barbie doll in 1959 and changed the world forever. She launched the doll through Mattel, and unlike other popular dolls, Barbie was an adult woman and allowed children to roleplay lifestyles and careers. 

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8. Integrated Circuit

The integrated circuit was invented by Jack Kirby in 1958. He worked for Texas Instruments and created a tiny chip with multiple electronic functions. The integrated circuit became the foundation of modern technology, enabling computers and smartphones.

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9. Seat Belt

Swedish engineer Nils Bohlin was working for Volvo when he invented the three-point seat belt in 1959. Prior models secured only a passenger's lap, whereas the three-point seat belt secured both the upper and lower body.

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10. Hard Disk Drive

The first hard disk drive was introduced by IBM in 1956. Developed by a team led by Reynold B. Johson, it used spinning platters to store data. It was massive and limited in capacity by today's storage standards, but it was revolutionary upon release.

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11. Sputnik Satellite

In 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1. This is an invention of global significance, as it sparked the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union and led to many advancements in aerospace technology. 

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12. Laser

Physicists Charles H. Townes and Arthur L. Schawlow drew up the concept for the laser in 1958, which would help it come to fruition by 1960. Lasers revolutionized communication, medicine, and entertainment. 

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13. Video Tape Recorder 

The first practical videotape recorder was released in 1956. Using magnetic tape, this invention allowed television broadcasts to be recorded and replayed. Broadcasting, advertising, and entertainment were changed forever. 

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14. Color Television

RCA introduced the color TV to the viewing public in 1954. Networks adopted this technology and started broadcasting in color. Entertainment was suddenly more immersive, and this was a major evolution in modern broadcasting. 

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15. Passenger Jet

In 1958, Boeing built the 707, the first commercial passenger jet. The size of the 707 made air travel more affordable and ushered in the jet age. Most impressively, the 707 cut most travel times in half.

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16. Copy Machine

The Xerox 914 was the first successful plain paper photocopier. It reproduced documents fast and cheaply, and transformed offices, schools, and the publishing industry globally. The Xerox copier was the impetus for the modern office to change and adopt digital document management. 

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17. Weather Satellite

The first weather satellite was launched in 1959. The Vanguard 2 captured vital data on clouds and Earth's atmosphere. These satellites have continued to evolve and provide valuable insight into our weather systems, making us more prepared for hurricanes, tsunamis, and other weather-related disasters. 

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18. Lawn Mower with Cushioned Seat

Lawn mower technology was greatly improved during the 1950s. In 1959, Leonard Goodall developed the first riding mower. The addition of a cushioned seat made mowing a lawn faster, easier, less physically demanding, and less of a chore. This invention contributed to the expansion of suburban developments, which were needed during the post-war housing boom. 

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19. Pacemaker

In 1985, Rune Elmqvist, an engineer, and Ake Senning, a surgeon, implanted the first internal pacemaker into a person. These pacemakers were lighter, battery-powered, and could expertly regulate heartbeats. Pacemakers have gone on to save millions of lives by treating arrhythmias and heart disease.

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20. Super Glue

If you've ever superglued your hand to your forehead, then you have Dr. Harry Coover to thank. He developed super glue in 1951, and, though it was dismissed initially, it eventually became a huge commercial success. Super glue is a staple in most homes and offices around the world. 

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