Mark Scott Smith's Blog: Enemy in the Mirror, page 42

Le Mans Crash Kills Driver and Many Spectators

In June 1955 a major crash during the 24 Hours of Le Mans motor race in the city of Le Mans, France sent large pieces of debris into the crowd, killing 83 spectators and French driver Pierre Levegh. 180 more spectators were injured.

The Le Mans crash was the most catastrophic in motor sport history, and it prompted Mercedes-Benz to retire from motor racing until 1987.

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US Supreme Court Orders End to Racial Segregation

With its 1954  Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka unanimous (9–0) decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools were unconstitutional, even if the segregated schools are otherwise equal in quality.

However, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka did not delineate any method for ending racial segregation in schools.

Britannica.com

In May 1955 the Court’s second decision in Brown II (349U.S.294 ordered states to desegregate “with all deliberate speed”.

Source: Wikipedia

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US Minimum Wage Raised to $1 an Hour

The minimum wage is the lowest remuneration that employers can legally pay their employees.

Most countries introduced minimum wage legislation by the end of the 20th century. 

Supporters of the minimum wage say it increases the standard of living and reduces poverty. Opponents say it increases poverty and unemployment because some low-wage workers will be unable to find work and become unemployed.

Because minimum wages increase the cost of labor, many companies try to avoid minimum wage laws by using gig workers, moving labor to locations with lower minimum wages or by automating job functions.

Source: Wikipedia

PEW Research

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Popular Television Show Premieres

In 1955 the Mickey Mouse Club premiered on ABC.

In 1955 Gunsmoke premiered on CBS

In 1955 Johnny Carson Show premiered on CBS

In 1955 The Lawrence Welk Show premiered on ABC

In 1955 The Honeymooners premiered on CBS

In 1955 Alfred Hitchcock Presents premiered on CBS

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Selective Service Act extended

The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 was passed by Congress in September 1940, establishing the first peacetime conscription in United States history

The Selective Service Act of 1948 created the basis for the modern system. All men between the ages of 18 to 25 were eligible to be drafted for a service requirement of 21 months.

The Universal Military Training and Service Act of 1951 lowered the draft age from 19 to 181⁄2 and increased active-duty service time from 21 to 24 months. Students attending a college or training program full-time could request an exemption.

The Military Selective Service Act of 1967 expanded the ages of conscription to the ages of 18 to 55. 

In 1967 conscription became based on random selection (lottery).

In 1973 the US creation of an all-volunteer armed force eliminated the draft.

In 1980, in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Selective Service registration was retroactively re-established for all 18- to 26-year-old male citizens.

Under current law, all male U.S. citizens between 18 and 25 years of age are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. 

Source: Wikipedia

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James Dean Rebel Without a Cause

James Byron Dean (1931 – 1955) was an American  cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement as expressed in the title of his most celebrated film Rebel Without a Cause (1955).

The other two roles that defined his stardom were as a loner in East of Eden (1955) and a surly ranch hand in Giant (released after his death in 1956).

James Dean died in an automobile crash In September 1955.

Pinterest

After his death in a September 1955, Dean received a posthumous Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.  

In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked him the 18th best male movie star of Golden Age Hollywood.

Main Source: Wikipedia

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Congress Mandates In God We Trust on all U.S. Currency

In 1955 the US Congress passed a bill requiring that “In God We Trust” appear on all American currency.

Midst the Cold War threat of atheistic communism, the bill passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Eisenhower.

Since all coins already complied with the law, the only changes were made to the paper currency.

In 1956, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring IN GOD WE TRUST the national motto of the United States.

The resolution, passed by both the House and the Senate unanimously without debate, replaced E pluribus unum, which had existed before as a de facto official motto of the United States of America.

Main Source: Wikipedia

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Britain Decides to Develop Thermonuclear Weapons

Great Britain successfully tested an atomic bomb in Operation Hurricane in October 1952, becoming the world’s third nuclear power.

However, in November 1952, the United States conducted Ivy Mike, the first successful test of a true thermonuclear device (hydrogen bomb) leaving Britain still several years behind in nuclear weapons technology.

In 1955 the United Kingdom announced the decision to develop its own thermonuclear weapons.

Source: Wikipedia

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Rock and Roll Classics

There were some great rock and roll classics in 1955

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Assassination Attempt on Zhou Enlai

In April 1955, the Kashmir Princess, a chartered aircraft owned by Air India was damaged in midair by a bomb explosion and crashed into the South China Sea while en route to Jakarta, Indonesia. Sixteen of those on board were killed; three survived. 

The explosion was apparently an assassination attempt on Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, who missed the flight, possibly due to advance information or to a medical emergency.

The Chinese government concluded that the Kuomintang (a political party in the Republic of China in Taiwan) was responsible for the bombing.

Source: Wikipedia

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