The 1950s in U.S. history is known as the era of rapid development and prosperity, despite the fear of cold war and looming nuclear threat. World War II destroyed the factories and industries of rivals and allies, which benefited the American manufacturers. Jobs were mainly industrial and agricultural, one third of the workforce belonged to labor unions. Television was becoming more and more a part of everyday life; music was expanding and teenagers were experiencing more independence and freedom than what their parents had as teenagers.
Most of the photographs from the 50s are in black and white, color photography was still a relative novelty and the films were quite expensive for average people. The photos below are in vibrant color and they will take you back to 1950s America. These photographs were captured by Leon Reed’s father Walter Reed, during his trip.
