1950

1950 was a year in the Gregorian calendar, beginning on Sunday. It was the first year of the 1950s and is counted as part of the twentieth century. That year the world was in a state of recovery from the Second World War, while at the same time the tensions of the Cold War were intensifying.

The most notable events included the outbreak of the Korean War in June 1950 and the growing number of Asian and African countries that gained independence. International bodies—particularly the United Nations—also began to take on political and humanitarian roles.

The Korean War

In June 1950, North Korean forces crossed the border into South Korea, beginning a war that would last years. The United Nations Security Council approved military support sent to South Korea, with the United States leading a force composed of troops from many nations. China entered the conflict in the northern theatre later that year.

International politics

The Cold War deepened the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China—established in 1949—signed a treaty of friendship and cooperation. Meanwhile, Western European countries pursued steps toward economic integration, which would later lead to European Union institutions.

Asia and Africa

India adopted a new constitution in 1950 and became a republic. Other Asian countries continued the process of independence following the departure of former colonial powers. Africa, particularly East Africa, remained largely under colonial or trust administration, with central and southern Somalia coming under the Italian Administration Trusteeship appointed by the United Nations in 1950.