By the Numbers in 1948
World Population
—
UK Life Expectancy
53.3 years
US Life Expectancy
54.5 years
Gold Price (per oz)
$35
Dow Jones Index
211
US National Debt
—
Sovereign Nations
58
How Much Did Things Cost in 1948?
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £850 | $6,200 |
| Average salary | £320 | $2,700 |
| Pint of milk | 3d | $0.19 |
| Loaf of bread | 5½d | $0.13 |
| Dozen eggs | 2s 3d | $0.72 |
| Pint of beer | 10d | $0.20 |
| Cinema ticket | 1s 2d | $0.36 |
Technology and Inventions in 1948
The LP vinyl record was introduced by Columbia Records, revolutionising music consumption. The NHS launched, transforming British healthcare. The first stored-program computer, the Manchester Baby, ran its first programme. Television ownership began to grow as sets became more affordable.
- ● Manchester Baby (SSEM), the first stored-program computer, ran its first programme
- ● Columbia Records introduced the 33⅓ RPM long-playing vinyl record (LP)
- ● Velcro was patented by Swiss engineer George de Mestral
- ● The Land Rover was unveiled, designed as a versatile utility vehicle
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