A Century Of Innovation Flashcards
1873 Typewriter
The typewriter was a mechanical device that allowed for the rapid and efficient production of written text, revolutionizing office work and correspondence. Its design paved the way for modern keyboards.
1874 Structural Steel Bridge
The introduction of structural steel in bridge construction enabled longer and more durable spans, dramatically changing the possibilities for infrastructure and transportation.
1876 Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone transformed global communication by allowing people to speak to one another over long distances in real-time.
1877 Phonograph
Thomas Edison’s phonograph was the first device capable of both recording and reproducing sound, laying the foundation for the music industry and modern audio technology.
1879 Incandescent Light Bulb
Thomas Edison’s perfected version of the incandescent light bulb provided a reliable and long-lasting source of artificial light, leading to widespread electrification.
1884 Thrill Ride (Rollercoaster)
The first modern rollercoaster, designed for amusement parks, introduced high-speed, gravity-driven rides, transforming entertainment and creating a global amusement industry.
1885 Skyscraper
The development of the steel-frame skyscraper enabled the construction of taller buildings, reshaping city skylines and revolutionizing architecture and urban planning.
1888 Kodak Camera
The Kodak camera, with its roll film and simple point-and-shoot design, made photography accessible to the general public, democratizing the art of capturing moments.
1891 Peep Show
The peep show, an early form of moving pictures, provided a precursor to the film industry by offering short, visual entertainment through coin-operated machines.
1892 Gasoline-Powered Car
The invention of the gasoline-powered automobile by Charles and Frank Duryea marked the beginning of the automobile industry, fundamentally altering transportation and society.
1893 Zipper (Jacket Zipper)
Whitcomb Judson’s invention of the zipper provided a more efficient fastening system for clothing, replacing buttons and hooks in many garments.
1901 Shaving
King C. Gillette’s safety razor with disposable blades revolutionized personal grooming by offering a safer and more convenient way to shave compared to traditional straight razors.
1903 Airplane
The Wright brothers’ successful flight of a powered aircraft marked the beginning of the aviation era, dramatically changing travel and military strategy.
1908 Model T
Henry Ford’s introduction of the Model T, the first mass-produced car, made automobiles affordable for the average person and transformed manufacturing with the assembly line.
1914 Panama Canal
The completion of the Panama Canal revolutionized global trade by providing a shortcut between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, greatly reducing shipping time and costs.
1919 Hydrofoil
The hydrofoil, a boat with wing-like structures that lift it above the water’s surface, offered faster, more efficient travel over water, particularly in high-speed vessels.
1920 KDKA (Commercial Radio Broadcasts)
The launch of KDKA in Pittsburgh marked the first commercial radio broadcast, ushering in a new era of mass media and entertainment.
1923 Electric Washing Machine
The electric washing machine revolutionized domestic chores by automating laundry, freeing up time and reducing the physical labor associated with hand washing clothes.
1926 Rockets
The development of rockets, particularly by pioneers like Robert Goddard, paved the way for space exploration and modern missile technology.
1927 Television
The invention of television provided a new medium for mass communication and entertainment, fundamentally changing how people consumed news, sports, and entertainment.
1928 Discovery of Penicillin
Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine by introducing the first widely effective antibiotic, saving millions of lives from bacterial infections.
1929 Frozen Foods
The commercialization of frozen foods allowed for the long-term storage and easy transportation of perishable items, reshaping food industries and consumer habits.
1932 Defibrillator
The invention of the defibrillator enabled the revival of patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, greatly improving survival rates and emergency medicine.
1938 Nylon
Nylon, developed by Wallace Carothers, became the first synthetic fiber, leading to the creation of durable, versatile materials used in everything from clothing to industrial products.
