1960 Inventions: The Decade Of innovation That Changed The World

1960 is also called the 'time of enormous change' by many people.

There was a major political upheaval during that time. However, it also prompted competition among nations, leading one to advance itself in order to get ahead of the other.

1960s inventions are often called an attempt to transform science fiction into reality. This year saw so many creations that humans previously could only call a fantasy. From the invention of the computer mouse to the world's first video game console, some brilliantly minded people invented things today's generation cannot even imagine living without.

In between the Cold War, it was mostly the temptation to get ahead of other nations in terms of technology, but it was also the spirit of bringing a change in the lives of people and creating an impact in society.

After World War II, the entire era, especially the 1960s, was particularly known for its transformative essence, which led the world to develop on a bigger scale than ever before, with so many things being invented and discovered in almost every field humans were involved in, making a big change inevitable in every walk of life.

If you liked reading this article so far, try reading our other articles on 1966 inventions and1968 inventions.

What technology was created in 1960?

The concept of technology was still evolving back in the 1960s. However, the primary purpose of it was realized by people, which was to make their lives easier and more comfortable than before.

To begin with, a device without which the life of today's teens and young adults would've been completely upside down. Everyone loves playing video games, but not everyone knows that the first successful prototype of the video game console was created in 1968 by Ralph Baer.

It was launched in the market in 1972. Commercially it was known as Magnavox Odyssey, but fans popularly started to call it the 'Brown Box.'

In 1964, a man named Douglas Engelbart totally transformed the manner in which people operated a computer by creating the first-ever computer mouse. He called it an 'X-Y Position Indicator for a Display System' when he first filed for a patent in 1967.

Another important creation was the first compact audio cassette created in 1962 by the Philips company in Belgium.

One more very important thing which was invented in the late 1960s was the compact disk system. It was the precursor to the modern DVDs/VCDs, which were invented on the lines of the compact disk itself by famous physicist James Russell.

Along with these, Dynamic Random Access Memory or DRAM, the discovery of new fibers which were used to develop modern bulletproof vests, integrated circuits, and automated teller machines were among some of the most valued creations of the '60s.

Four Most Popular Cars In The 1960s

Be it the 1960s or the decade we are currently living in, the craze for cars remains the same! The cars, however, have changed remarkably in terms of design, the technology used, and efficiency. Let's take a look at the four most popular cars back in the 1960s.

The automobile industry back in the 1960s had just begun to flourish with the advent of new companies.

New brand designs coming into existence and companies launching their motor vehicles in the market had started to stir the enthusiasts among the general public all around the world. Among all forms of automobile vehicles, cars had the upper hand in terms of market value and demand among common people.

The classic Cadillac Eldorado, a premium vehicle with the build quality and performance to match, took the entire market by storm upon its launch.

It was without any doubt the car with the highest value in the market back in the 60s. Along with that, the Dodge Charger, which was initially introduced as a show car, made it to the top of the list of the most demanded cars in that decade.

The stylish design and the muscle-look body made it an instant eye-catcher, and it rose in value immediately.

Among other premium vehicles was the Jeep Wagoneer which went into development in 1959 but was introduced to the public in 1962. It boasted the largest cargo area accommodating 7 ft (2.13 m) ladders lying flat.

Now, last, but not least, came the exclusive Lincoln Continental, which prior to 1961 existed as two separate divisions under Ford.

However, after the launch of the Cadillac, Ford decided to merge the two divisions and produced a single model, the Lincoln Continental, successfully launching it as a worthy competitor in the market with high-quality convertible chassis and flowing body lines. This new design made it so famous that in its prime, even president John F. Kennedy rode in one.

How The '60s Changed The World Technologically

Technologically, it wasn't just the computer mouse or dynamic random access memory (DRAM) which took the world one step ahead. Various other new technology was invented during the 1960s. These new inventions, primarily related to computers and associated computer technology, were responsible for the collective progress of the entire world.

Along with the computer mouse, audio cassette, compact disk, and the first console for playing a computer game, many more new, technologically advanced things were invented in this decade. The idea of a widespread network came to light in the 1950s and subsequently was established in the following decade.

Likewise, the initial concept and prototype for a halogen lamp were issued in 1959.

But it was only in 1960 when the halogen lamp was improved upon by engineers and made cheaper for production in mass.

Similarly, products like artificial turf and smoke detectors were also inventions that enhanced our grasp on technology significantly. Even the Chobham tank armor was developed in the 1960s for the very first time at the British Tank Research Centre, which contributed to the enhancement of military equipment and related technology.

Overall, inventions related to computers and related computer technology along with electrical, medical, and military equipment really changed the world back in the 60s and led us where we are right now.

Scientific Discoveries In the 1960s

Inventions in the field of computers and associated computer technology were definitely a landmark breakthrough in the 1960s, but it was not the only field in which invention was pacing.

Back in the 1960s, scientific discoveries were at their peak as well.

On one side computer mice and compact discs were changing the way we handle technology, while at the same time scientific discoveries like light amplification and miniature calculators were being invented, which changed the operational capacity of technology at that time.

Science included a wide range of domains in which things were being discovered and invented, like space exploration, biology, medicine, mathematics, paleontology, and more. These domains also had their share of discoveries which in turn aided the process of new things being invented.

Successful bone marrow transplant, demonstration of the first optical laser, and amplification of light were among the prominent scientific discoveries which happened in the 1960s and transformed the field of science as we knew it back then.

The idea of transformation post-World War II and the spirit of advancement, even during the time of heavy political turmoil, took the world to a new stage of development where the aim was to reduce human effort and increase convenience without compromising the core principles of nature.

Hence, these inventions, creations, and discoveries played a pivotal role in the collective enhancement of all the countries, irrespective of their initial motive of becoming independent and superior to others.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 1960 Inventions, then why not take a look at 1927 inventions or 1876 telephones.