The 1950s were a decade in American history filled with many successes. Everyone was emotional and relieved now that the war was finally over and their loved ones were safe at home with their families. Families in the 1950s were very conservative and always had a perfect family image, until the “teenagers” came along. Teenagers were not the nicest people in society, because they listened to crazy, tacky music and were known as rebels. The crazy and tasteless music changed music forever. Since in the 1950s, right after World War II, many foreign policies emerged, some of which provided assistance to countries in need. The United States also faced an epidemic for years, until the early 1950s when a vaccine was created that also changed the way vaccinations were administered to the public. The 1950s were the most influential decade for contemporary America because, during this decade, not only did we discover vaccinations that saved hundreds of lives, but we also had the rise of Rock N' Roll that changed music forever, including a foreign policy that helped rebuild economies. in Europe called the Marshall Plan. The polio vaccineMany people, especially children, suffered from polio, a disease that causes paralysis in children. This disease was much feared at the time, until Dr. Jonas Salk created a vaccine against the disease in 1952. Within six years, the vaccine was able to bring the disease under control. Everyone was really excited about this new vaccination. There are many photos from the 1950s with Dr. Salk himself vaccinating children. The March of Dimes foundation took many photos; one of many depicts a young boy with his mother, Salk, and a nurse administering the vaccine. This photo is actually his wife... middle of paper... on this journey to understand what played a big role in the 1950s and what plays a big role in 2014 today has been quite fascinating. The polio vaccine not only saved people then, but continues to save people now, and because of this America has developed new vaccines and drugs. The Marshall Plan did not last long but it had a huge impact on the world. It helped the economies of not only European countries but also the Americas and stopped the spread of communism. Rock N' Roll emerged in the 1950s from African Americans, then adopted by white teenagers and the King himself. It also changed the way Americans listened to music and how they listened to each genre differently. Overall, the 1950s were the most influential period in American history because it had the longest lasting effects of any decade of the early 20th century..