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May 1, 1450
Invention of Caravel Boat
The portugese around the year 1450 developed the first Caravel boat. The design of the boat was unique in that it allowed for the sailor to sail into the wind more easily. This invention was critical to Europe because it allowed for faster and easier trade. -
Comittes of Correspondence
Sam Adams devloped the comitees of correspondence in 1773 to keep information known between all states and also to build up an anti british sentiment among the colonists. This was essential in building enough opposition to start the war with the British -
Creation of original War Submarine
The first attempt at creating a submersible vehicle of transportation is made and used in battle. This device, created by David Bushnell, was originally propelled by screws and was immediately used in armed conflict. The submarine was a revolutionary invention, and though it started rather primitively, it evolved into the most advanced form of transportation on earth. -
First Hot-Air Balloons are launched
Joseph Montgolfier and Etienne Montgolfier developed and launched the world's first hot air balloon. This device allowed for air travel, though quite uneffective and inefficient at first. The vehicle was a simple compartment attached to the large balloon. -
Freedom of Speech
The first amendment was passed in 1789 thus giving all US Citizens freedom of speech. THis was a masive lead in communication because this was one of the first times in world history that a bill was passed formerly allowing there to be free speech among citizens -
Lancaster Turnpike
The Lancaster Turnpike was the first major road artery in American History. The turnpike was small by todays standards but it brought people from Lancaster to Phildelphia . THis invention is crucial because it sets up the development of more roads further down the road in American history -
Steam Locomotive Automobiles are tested
The steam locomotive was a basic form of car, or automobile tested and invented by Richard Trevithick. The invention was incredible and a landmark form of transportation at the time of its release. It gave way tot he later creation of the modernized car. -
Steam Locomotive Train
The first prototype of th steam locomotive train is produced by Richard Trevithick. This model eventually helped in the creation of the far more advanced coal fueled locomotive engine. All in all, this device was monumental in railway transportation and a truly original device of the time. Helped with tranportation of farm goods and eventually people. -
The First Commercial Steamboat
Robert Fulton creates the first successful commercial steamboat. This craft made her first voyage and did not sink. Many ships being produced at the time were unsuccessful and failed, yet the advanced techniques used by Fulton allowed for this ship to function. Brought much more river travel. -
Wire Suspension Bridges
Marc Seguin is credited with processing the first Wire Suspension bridge. This idea, being very modern, helped create many new railway systems, roads and routes for transportation and communication. Wire Suspension bridges are used in society today. -
Eerie Canal
The Eerie Canal was built in this year and it connected the Atlantic Ocean to the great lakes. The Eerie Canal was so significant because it was the first canal and it expended trade on the rivers -
Electric Telegraph
Joseph Henry, and inventor imagined the concept of a telegraphic machine in order to communicate long distances, and eventually was able to construct one. Obviously it was very simple, but it was a monumental acheivement in the world of communication technology and would later help war efforts. -
Mechanical Reaper
The Mechanical Reaper was a technological advancement for farmers that allowed for transportation around the farm to be much easier. Farmers could now haul in much more wheat for substantially less work then before, making this an economically sucessful invention -
Morse Code created
Samuel Morse produced the first system of dots and dashes, known as Morse Code, which would later be used as the system to talk through the electric telegraph lines. It is a universally known system and is very helpful to travelers. -
Wood Pulp created
Charles Fenetry produces a new, innovative way to make paper, known as the wood pulp method. Involving chemical processes, this system of paper-making revitalized the newspaper industry and ultimately was beneficial to society on many levels. -
Safety Elevator invented
Elisha Otis produced the first version of the elevator known to man. This particular invention was beneficial to the industry, and in the commercial market as it was later on introduced to large buildings. Without the elevator, many comapnies and businesses could not properly or efficiently operate. -
Invention of Bessemer Process
Although this invention did not reach America until the 1870s, the Bessemer Process was critical to railroads. The process allowed for steel to be produced substantially quicker and more affordabley than it had been prior. The invention allowed for Andrew Carnagie to create Carnagie Steel, which made millions of dollars by selling steel to the railroad companies -
First Oil Well Drilled
Edwin Drake drilled the first crude oil in Pennslyvania in 1859. His drilling led the way to one of the largest industries to date, oil. With this first drilling, many men inclduing John Rockefeller would gain towering furtones by refining and selling oil. The oil buisness also allowed for people to have cheap lubricant, and light sidealks with kerosene. -
Pony Express
The Pony Express was a mail system that sent mail in a timely manner across the country for a year. Although it was not long lasting, its affects were lasting because it helped to speed up the mailing proccess -
Sewing Machine
The Sewing Machine was an invention that made the lives of many housewives much easier. The invention allowed for women who normally had to thread by hand to sew all of their clothes using this machine, saving much toil. The invention also opened up thousands of factory jobs, and made clothes more varied and affordable. -
Creation of Modern Baseball
Claimed to have been originated in America, Baseball was the most popular sport during the industrial revolution. The game was a fun activity for busy men and boys to do after work. Also, the professional games drew large crowds, and became famous social events. Some of the original teams included: The New York Knickerbockers, The New York Mutuals and The Chicago White Stockings. -
Modern Motorcycle is invented
The first modern version of the motorcycle is created. This transportation device was very different from that which had previously existed, but was popular nontheless. The motorcycle, though having many mehcanical flaws, was a more free and singular way for people to travel. -
First Fully Functional Typewriter
Christopher Scholes invented the first typewriter in 1867. The creation of the typewriter allowed for papers to be written faster and more easiley, speeding up the writing process. Perhaps more importantly, the typewriter opened up the door to the secretary industry, allowing for some women to begin to predorm more white collar jobs -
Finishing of the First Transcontinental Railroad
After 6 years of labor, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railroad companies met in Promoratory Summit, Utah to drive in the final spikes to finish Americas first transcontinental railroad. -
Patenting of Barbed Wire
The invention of barbed wire helped to stimulate the growth of the western frontier, like Montana or the Dakotas. Barbed wire helped to keep cattle and other animals from leaving the limits of a farmers land. This caused farmers to lose less from cattle running away -
Invention of First Telephone
Alexander Graham Bell develops and pattents the first telephone. This invention allowed for people to simply call some one instead of either mailing them or having to telegraph them. The invention made it so you could hear the other persons voice as well and forever changed the field of communication -
First Phonograph
Thomas Edison created the first phonograph in 1877, which helped to spur him on to create and pattenent over 1000 inventions in his lifetime -
First Light Bulb
Thomas Edison helped to create the first light bulb in 1879. Some light bulbs had been created earlier than the one Thomas Edison created, although Thomas had managed to perfect the bulb. This allowed for people to see at night, and now shopping could be done at night, after people had gotten back from their day jobs -
Tobacco Roller
James Bonsack created the first tobacco rolling machine. The machine was then used to roll thousands of cigarettes a day, speeding up the process of cigarette making tenfold -
Department Stores
Early department stores were influential in the fields of both shopping, and entertainment during the industrial revolution. The original department stores such as Macy's, Lord & Taylor and Abraham & Strauss became local getaways for the blooming women of the time, and places where families could supply themselves with clothing, and other accessories. -
First Electric Power Station
Thomas Edison created the first electric pwer station, which allowed for hundreds of buisnesses to be lit up at night. This allowed for the companies to see better at night, and they could then reep greater profits. The electric station also allowed for many people to see on the sidewalk at night, which made shopping and walking at night possible -
Creation of the First Sports Column in the Newspaper
Joseph Pulitzer is credited with creating the first Sports Journalism section of a newspaper. His idea grew to become very popular, and an influential piece of culture at the time. This new form of literature provided a way for industrial workers, or simply interested citizens to keep up with the large sports news and events. These editorials communicated scores, schedules and other information about famous athletes, such as John L. Sullivan, and teams for sports like baseball. -
Developement of Paper Based Film
George Eastman developed the first paper based camera film that forever changed the art of pictures. Film had originally been made on glass and was very expensive, but now nearly anyone could buy film and get it cheaply developed, forever changing the industry. -
Invention of the Modern Toilet
The modern toilet came as a true necessity in life for all during the time of its creation. It allowed for a much cleaner and safer way of disposing of waste, and made sewage disposal much more convenient. -
Hull House-The Countries First Settlement House
The Hull House, co-founded by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr, was the country's first settlement house. The concept of a place where the poor or lower-class citizens could go and enjoy recreational activities was favored by many, and thousands upon thousands attended. Mainly directed towards the poor, the Hull House was also a place where immigrants who faced a strong language barrier, or could not find work spent their time. Settlement houses were places where people communicated frequently. -
Invention of Modern Bycicle
The bicycle, or commonly referred to at the time as the "velocepede", was a revolutionary form of transportation. It was such a big step in society, as it provided a vehicle of motion availible for nearly anyone capable. Bikes were very popular, and were frequently raced, and used to get around. The bike proved to be a very important factor in the developement of society during the industrial revolution, and is still quite popular today. -
First Zeppelin
The first zeppeling, or blimp was invented. This allowed for easier air travel, but was also used during the war. The germans used the zepeling in order to conduct high altitude bombing that the enemy could not take down. It allowed for substantial damage to be done to the allies -
Creation of the Airplane
The Wright brothers had succesfully created the first machine that was heavier than air but still was able to fly. On December 17, 1903, the two brothers flew their plane and fovever changed the world of flight. Planes could now be used during war, cropdusting and even for general transportation of the public -
Invention of the Model T
Henry Ford invented the first mass production car in the Model T. His car was created on an assembly line and was made available to just about anyone. Although the car did not catch on until after the Great War, when it did it became a hit. It is considered to be one of the first cars -
Creation of the Panama Canal
Started by the French early on, and finished by the workers during the Roosevelt administration, the canal provided an easier route for trade and commercial ships needing to travel across to the west coast. This landmark creation made it easier for many to ship goods and necessities across the Pacific as well. -
Assembly Line
Although there is a gread deal of speculation as to who and when the assembly line was designed, it is generally accepted that Henry Ford built it on this day. This was the first day that the Model T was build on the assembly line and it forever changed the way of industry. Many products could be built cheaper and faster. -
Mustard Gas
Two german scientists created this chemical to be used during world war 1. The chemical is a very toxic poison that caused people skin cut and bleed. It also causes severe damage to a persons DNA structure and may cause cancer. It was the first time chemicals were used in warfare -
Invention of "Talkies"
On this date, Al Jolson changed movies forever because this was the first movie where people actually talk and sing in the movie. Movies up until now had just had accompanying music on them, but, this was the first time people talked. The movie was The Jazz Singer, and Al Jolson changed mass culture forever when he said,"You ain't seen nothing yet!" -
Invention of Batheysphere
The Baythysphere was invented by William Beebe and Otis Barton, who were both avid undersea explorers. This new form of undersea transportation was very innovative in the world of science and marine studies, as it allowed its occupants to travel to depths of up to 3,000 ft. below the surface. -
Invention of Tiltrotor
Designed by George Lehberger, the Tiltrotor was a revolution in aircraft and machines in general. This unique form of airplane is similar to a helicopter with two propellers, and provided a quick, efficient way for military operations and other important ordeals to happen quickly. It also could hold and transport many people. -
Invention of Scotch Tape
3M the company invents what is called scotch tape. It was meant to be industrial stength but the chemicals did not mix properly and instead made a middle of the road strength household tape. It became and instand sucess and could be found in almost any home -
Invention of the Strobe Light
Harold Eugene Edgerton developed the original model of the strobe light, which was a flashing light used to improve the quality of photography of moving objects.This important invention was groundbreaking as it gave emergency vehicles and warning objects a way to better comminucate their presence to people. This was especially important later on during the war. -
Landing Vehicle Tracked Invented
This amphibioua combat vehicles that had the capability of transporting troops, vehicles or supplies from ships off shore to land. These machines played a significant role in the storming of D-Day, in Normandy France. Patented and developed by the US Army. -
The Richter Scale is created
Developed originially by Charles Richter and Beno Gutenberg, this devie allowed for quick and efficient communication and reception of earthquake signals and severity around the globe. This would go on to save lives, and help humans in the world deal with natural disasters more efficiently. -
The Invention of the Chair Lift
This machine was originally created in Idaho on a ski resort by James Curran. The chair lift provided an easier way for people to travel around on the ski slopes, and also in amusement parks and later on large buildings and other recreationaly facilities. Having this device also makes life much easier for handicapped individuals. -
Original Digital Computer Developed
George Stibitz, an internationally known and respected scientist developed the first digital machine capable of computing binary addition problems. This was the first big leap into the realm of computers, and human interest in this topic only grew from here, as these devices allowed for easy communication and solving of problems. -
Invention of the Vocoder
Created by physicist Homer Dudley, this device was a great feat in the world of communication and greatly improved the quality of voice messages passed through telephone lines. This device was used to decode, synthesize and imrpove voice and code messages sent by telephone. This was a very beneficial device that helped all of society. -
Creation of the Yield Sign
The Yield sign was created by a Tulsa police officer named Clinton Riggs. This sign was very beneficial to the world of travelers and those who owned and operated automobiles. It created a safer and easier world of transportation for those who were exposed to it, and it continues to do so today. -
The invention of the Bazooka
Co-created by Edward Uhl and Leslie Skinner, both U.S. Army officers, this weapon had the power to disarm a tank or any armored vehicle with accuracy from a distance farther away than that capable of with a grenade. This device was revolutionary on the battle front, and helped many American forces overtake the enemy and win battles quickly. -
Invention of Napalm
The first modern napalm was developed by America at Harvard Buisness School in 1942. Earlier Napalm had been used but this was the first modern napalm that was used in both WW2 and Vietnam. This invention was important because it allowed for America to napalm strike North Vietnam during "Operation Rolling THunder" -
Cruise Control Developed
Ralph Teetor, a blind inventor and mechanical engineer created the concept of a device that could basically control the speed and movement of a vehicle. Annoyed with his lawyer's poor driving skills, Teetor developed this device which would calulate the speed of the vehicle and shift the throttle accordingly to maintain constant speed. This was a big step in the world of automobiles. -
Invention of Agent Orange
In 1945 agent orange was tested officially for the first time. THe government had been searching for a way to destroy enemy plants for many years and they figured out that agent orange was very affective against plants. This invention was very significant because it was used in the Vietnam War to destroy the crops of the North Vietnamese. -
Invention of ENIAC
ENIAC was the first computer that was fully electronic. ENIAC was created because it was hoped that it would be able to help improove military bombing accuracy. THis invention is important because it helped to usher in an era of computer reliance -
Invention and Sucessful First Testing of Nuclear Bomb
America on this date, tested the first atomic bomb in the history of the world. Scientists had been working on it for years, and it was now completed and wes tested in the middle of New Mexico. This is a very signifcant invention because it began the nuclear arms race, and indirectly created the hydrogen bomb -
Microwave
In 1947, Percey Spencer invented the first microwave. This invention helped to contribute to suburbia of the 1950s because microwaves enabled food to be cooked much faster than it usually had. The ease of food enabled for TV dinners to be invented which many familys ate while they watched TV Sitcoms like "I Love Lucy" -
Invention of Plane Moving at the Speed of Sound
On this date, Chuck Yaeger who was a pilot, was put inside of X-1 which was a plane thought to be capable of breaking the sound barrier. He was loaded inside the bombbay of B-29 and released at near sonic speed which he was ultimately able to break. This is significant because it helped to perpetuate the Cold War because it led to the invention of faster moving plains and to stealth bombers that we and the Russians designed. -
Invention of the Credit Card
For years, people had been able to buy things on credit, however stores had to keep close accounts of who owed what to the store. Credit Cars however, enabled you to buy something with a meer piece of plastic and instead of having to keep a close account of what you owed, you would just recieve a bill at the end of each month from the credit card company. This invention was very significant to the 1950's because it allowed for consumerism in the suburban areas of the country -
Invention of the Hydrogen Bomb
The hydrogen bomb was invented in 1952 a few years after the Soviets had exploded their first atomic bomb. The hydrogen bomb being developed by America gave Americans a sense of security because it seemed as though we had an advantage over the Soviets in terms of WMDs. However this was changed when in the late 1950s the Soviets exploded their own Hydrogen Bomb. This event is important because it escelated the cold war once the Soviets created their own Hydrogen bomb -
First Oral Contraceptive Invented
In 1954 the first Oral Contraceptive was created. The contraceptive was designed so that women could have intercourse and need not fear being impregnated. This invention is significant for two reasons. The first is that was one of the first modern contraceptives invented and was relatively affective. The second reason it is so significant is because this helped to liberate women and lead to feministic protests in the 60s -
Invention of McDonalds
In 1954 the first McDonalds opened up in California. The invention of McDonalds allowed for many middle class family's to go out once a week and not require that mom stay at home and cook. She could have one night to have someone else do that. This invention is significant to the consumerism of middle class, suburban America and the 1950s and it jumpstarted other fast food coorperations such as Wendy's and Burger King -
Invention of Barbie
In 1959 the worlds first barbie doll was created. The doll was sopposed to be used as a role model for young children to be like. THe invention was important because it was one of the staples of 1950s and 1960s middle class, child culture -
Creation of SDS
In 1960 SDS was created at University of Michigan. The SDS was a part of the new left and it was created in an attempt to have people interract more and create more human relations. This event is important because it symbolized the new college students of the 1960s and the protests that were soon to begin -
Berkely Free Speech Movement
The Berkely Free Speech Movement was started in 1964 by Mario Savio. He started it saying he was tired of being part of a machine and that the university was very impersonal towards him and his colleaugues. This event/invention was very signnifacant because it was one of the early protests of the "Man" and fighting the system. His movement inspired many other movements around other campuses -
First Manned Moon Landing
This achievement, made by Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, was quite substantial in that all other attempts to make a lunar landing with humans on board had failed or never been tried with proper equipment. Americans took great pride in this feat. Furthermore, this opened the door to further space expeditions and more research on the moon. -
The First Flight of the Space Shuttle
The space shuttle was a module designed to withstand prolonged exposure to the condition found in space, and was intended to be a research center. Ultimately, this was one of the most important creations of the time, as it allowed for extensive space travel and research to be conducted. -
World-Wide-Web is created
The initial drafts and designs of the Internet, or at the time the WWW were quite advanced and important to the whole world. Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Cailliau were the two main workers on the project, and strived to develope the most intricate and useful system of research tools and databases. -
First Text Message
Neil Papworth sends the first SMS, or Text-Message. This form of communication was initially not at all popular, but with the rise of cellular ownership in the world, the higher the demand and use of the texting feature. It would later become the most preferred method of communication in the world. -
Channel Tunnel Opens
The Channel Tunnel was the largest and most extensive subaquatic system of roadway. It is a 31 mile long road connecting France and the UK, entirely underwater. This tunnel was a truly revolutionary engineering feat, and was a great accomplishment and motivator to the engineers an mdoern inventors of the day.
