By the Numbers in 1954
World Population
—
UK Life Expectancy
54.1 years
US Life Expectancy
55.1 years
Gold Price (per oz)
$35.04
Dow Jones Index
388
US National Debt
—
Sovereign Nations
71
How Much Did Things Cost in 1954?
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £1,900 | $8,700 |
| Average salary | £480/year | $3,700/year |
| Pint of milk | 3d | $0.23 |
| Loaf of bread | 5d | $0.17 |
| Dozen eggs | 3s 0d | $0.69 |
| Pint of beer | 1s 2d | $0.39 |
| Gallon of petrol/gas | 3s 6d | $0.29 |
| Cinema ticket | 1s 9d | $0.55 |
Technology and Inventions in 1954
Nuclear power moved towards civilian use — the USSR opened the world's first nuclear power station at Obninsk. Texas Instruments produced the first commercial silicon transistor, laying the groundwork for the electronics revolution. Television broadcasting expanded, with BBC coverage reaching more of the country, and TV dinners became a phenomenon in American homes.
- ● World's first nuclear power station opens at Obninsk, USSR
- ● Texas Instruments produces the first commercial silicon transistor
- ● First transistor radio (Regency TR-1) goes on sale in America
- ● Bell Labs develops the first practical silicon solar cell
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