The 20th century witnessed an unprecedented pace of technological progress and scientific breakthroughs that continues to this day, making it one of the most exceptional periods in human history. Due to the multitude of new inventions and discoveries made in this era (Danelek, 2010).
The saying goes that necessity is the origin of invention, but it is invention that propels the economy forward. Invention plays a crucial role in addressing problems and revolutionizing the world, transcending cultural boundaries. Undoubtedly, the contemporary era represents the pinnacle of innovation in human history, which all began with the invention of reliable electricity. With this single breakthrough, humanity entered a period of unprecedented transformation, resulting in the most rapid and extensive population growth in history (Cameron, 2009).
Remarkable inventions
・Airplane
The airplane, which Wilbur and Orville Wright created in 1903, made a concept that was previously thought to exist only in myths and legends a reality. However, it wasn’t until Charles Lindbergh flew solo over the Atlantic Ocean that the importance of this invention was realized. The airplane had a significant impact on a wide range of industries, including communication, satellite technology, business, and commerce, among others, that went far beyond transportation.
・Television
The television, created by John Logie Baird in 1926, was one of the first inventions that had a significant impact on people’s lives all over the world and is still the most popular information source. Television changed several sectors by broadcasting both educational and entertaining information. It also had a profound impact on culture, changing how people saw important social issues like race, gender, and class.
・Computer
Just picture a life without the use of a laptop or smartphone; although feasible, the impact of their absence would be substantial. On a more extensive scale, many of the most significant scientific breakthroughs and innovations in recent times owe their existence to the computer. The first programmable computer, the Z1, which was created between 1936 and 1938, served as inspiration for the invention of the computer, which was developed by a number of scientists, mathematicians, and researchers. The computer has assisted humanity in creating a wide range of technologies that continue to play a crucial role in our daily lives, from enabling man’s mission to the moon to revolutionizing communication techniques.
・Nuclear power
By tapping into the energy released by dividing the atoms of specific elements, nuclear power has had a transformative impact on the world. Although initially conceived in the 1940s as a way to create explosive devices, it wasn’t until the 1950s that research into nuclear energy took a more peaceful direction.
・Automobile
Although the vehicle was being developed in Europe in the late 1800s, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that the idea was fully realized, which led to the end of horse-drawn carriages. The popularity of the vehicle increased after Henry Ford’s Model T was released in 1908, giving the average person more freedom and mobility while also sparking a market revolution (Alexander, 2019).
What do inventions do?
Inventions
Reference
Alexander, D. (2019). 8 Inventions of 20th Century that Changed the World. [online] interestingengineering.com. Available at: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/8-inventions-of-20th-century-that-changed-the-world [Accessed 26 April 2023]
Cameron, S. (2009). The Importance of Inventions. [online] Bizfluent. Available at: https://bizfluent.com/facts-5708734-importance-inventions.html [Accessed 28 April 2023]
Danelek, J. (2010). What Are the Most Important Inventions of the 20th Century. [online] Toptenz.net. Available at: https://www.toptenz.net/top-10-inventions-of-the-20th-century.php [Accessed 26 April 2023]
