It seems as though no one can live with technology. However, technology does not only refer to smartphones and televisions. Knowledge that is applied in practical ways to improve our lives is what it represents. Smartphones are becoming more popular, particularly among younger generations. Children often get their first smartphones relatively young. Social media has become more popular with smartphones. Social media has changed the way people see each other and has created a problem no generation has ever had to face before. These are only two examples of how technology affects a society. Technology has advanced a lot since its inception. This is why our society tends to assume technology is a given. Technology has made our lives easier and played a major role in the success of many economies. Technology can also improve quality of life. Technology has had a profound impact on society, but the greatest technological advances came from the 1900s to 1920s and 1940s. These were the times when society was most dynamic.
The 1900s are the era that saw technology’s first significant influence. The Industrial Era enabled many social changes. These inventions were most notable during the Industrial Era. Railroads opened up a nation market that was unmatched in the U.S. history. Railroads are a huge investment. Many companies choose to make quick decisions instead of taking on more debt. The economy was not able to support the construction of many railroads due to greed for money. While the railroad boom was not without faults it provided many jobs for Americans and increased opportunities for them. The telegraph was another new technology that opened up opportunities. The telegraph was a new technology that allowed instant communication. This made it easier for people to communicate and helped increase production. Businesses could sell their goods and services more quickly and easily using telegraphs. Big corporations grew with the expansion of railroads. These corporations grew to be very powerful, competitive and large. Monopolies emerged and eliminated all competition. This resulted in a change for consumers and businesses. Consumers could only purchase their goods through one source. Small businesses couldn’t survive if they were not offered the same prices as the major companies. Andrew Carnegie was one of the most prominent business owners of that time. Because their companies were highly sought after, such products as steel and oil made them extremely successful. These products were highly in demand and the workers were often treated poorly. The rise of unions in society was not always good. The primary source notes that strikers would do whatever it took to punish those not striking. Families would fear going to bed at night and being robbed or burnt down, making it difficult for them to get to sleep. Many men would have difficulty finding work and avoid harassment. The 1900s were a time when technology was influencing society greatly. Numerous jobs were created, which led to economic success and a social shift. The 1920s were the next period of social shift that technology brought about. Because of the rapid changes in technology and economy, this period is commonly called the “New Era”. This led to an increase in income and employment. A rise in income led to a consumer culture. This shift is crucial because it occurred after World War II, when people could spend their money freely. The average household saw electricity become more affordable, which enabled them to buy new appliances. Many homes began to pay for conveniences such as indoor plumbing. These new technologies have increased productivity in the entertainment industry, particularly for those who use them. Movies were the most popular form entertainment in America. In the 1920s, movie attendance averaged 80,000,000 people per week. Movies were great entertainment. However, they also had a significant impact on society. Production of movies led to new fashions and dances and even an entire sexual revolution. The radio was another common technology of that era. Radios were a common technology that would transform the lives of many families. The radio allowed all family members to share their love of music and sports via the radio. This allowed President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, to present his “fireside talk” to a wide audience. The 1920s saw a rise in automobile transportation. This period saw a rise in car ownership, which created a “Car Culture”. Ford Motors made it possible for cars to be cheaper, even though the first automobile was created in 1895. Ford used a sequential assembly line to achieve this. Ford was able afford to pay its workers the best wages due to the high demand.
People started to live in suburbs because of the ease with which they could travel between work and home. Businesses that were solely focused on supporting cars saw their production rise. There were many things that needed to happen to make roads safer. Many families have seen the impact technology has had on their lives, as demonstrated by the Middletown studies. With the car becoming more common in many homes, families had to think about where their money was going. While many people believe that a car is a luxury, others would rather spend their money on clothes than on a car. People who owned an automobile felt that it brought their family closer. The car was a great bonding tool and made the time in it irreplaceable. However, this was not the only way people felt. Because most families had only one car, parents and children began to argue over who got the car. In the 1920s kids preferred to drive their cars on Sundays rather than attending church with parents. An automobile offered a variety of leisure activities. The ability to travel further and more frequently meant that families could take their vacations. Middletown had a lot of radio stations. This was a popular leisure activity among teens, who would listen to radios all night instead of completing schoolwork. In the 1920s, convenience and leisure became part of society for the first time. This era was marked by many of the most important technological advances that brought people together.
The 1940s saw the next major technological breakthrough. America experienced a period of extreme economic growth and prosperity after the war. The economy grew, and all Americans felt better. Everyone was able to survive. The new technologies brought to the country by the war were a boon for the nation. However, the budget provided by the military clearly showed that the war accounted for the majority of government spending. The U.S. was able to produce more than any other country, which was reflected in a strong economy. Even after the war ended, many military research projects were still being used to improve the beauty industry and electronics. Postwar prosperity brought about the first generation computers, which was one of the most significant technologies. This allowed large companies and businesses to become “automated”, increasing efficiency. Due to the oil boom, which provided low-cost fuel for trucks and cars, the economy also experienced growth. In the late 1940s, identical houses were mass produced in several states including New York and Pennsylvania. These houses were sold as Levittowns. This made it easier for families to live a more comfortable life. The war influenced most of the technology developed in the 1940s. This would have an impact on how businesses were run and result in an increase in economic success.
There have been many shifts throughout the history of the United States. However, the largest social changes were in the 1900s through the 1920s. Many things were affected by technology, including the economy, leisure activities and productivity, as well as communication and convenience. Because technology changed our lives and made it easier to live, all of these changes had a positive impact on society. The technology has advanced greatly and Americans can thank the 1900’s and 1920’s for their contributions to the development of technology.
