The 1950s were a decade of American history filled with many successes. Everyone was excited and relieved now that the war was finally over and their loved ones had returned home safely to 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, as they listened to crazy, tacky music and were known as rebels. Crazy, vapid music changed music forever. In the 1950s, just after World War II, many foreign policies emerged, some providing aid to countries in need. The United States also struggled with 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 was the most influential decade on contemporary America because, throughout that decade, we not only discovered vaccinations that saved hundreds of lives, but we also had the rise of Rock N' Roll who changed music forever, including a foreign policy that helped rebuild economies. in Europe it is called the Marshall Plan. The polio vaccine Many people, mainly children, have suffered from polio, a disease that causes paralysis in children. This disease was very feared at the time, until Dr. Jonas Salk created a vaccine against this disease in 1952. Within six years, the vaccine successfully brought the disease under control. Everyone was really excited about this new vaccination. There are many photos from the 1950s showing Dr. Salk himself vaccinating children. The March of Dimes Foundation took many photos; one of many examples is that of a young boy with his mother, Salk, and a nurse administering the vaccine. This photo is actually his wife... middle of paper......this journey to find out what played a huge role in the 50s and what plays a huge role in 2014 today was quite fascinating . The polio vaccine not only saved people then, but it continues to save people today, and America has developed new vaccines and drugs because of it. The Marshall Plan didn't last long but it had a huge impact on the world. This helped the economies of not only European countries but also the Americas and stopped the spread of communism. Rock N' Roll was born in the 1950s by African Americans, later taken up by white teenagers and the king himself. It also changed the way Americans listened to music and how they heard each genre differently. Overall, the 1950s were the most influential period in American history because it had the most lasting impact than any other decade of the early 20th century..