How Inventions of the 1800’s Changed American’s Lives Essay Example
Necessity is the mother of all inventions (Whiting Pg. 307). People needed lighting, and thus, the inventor came up with electricity to end this problem. Today lighting, cooking, cleaning dishes, doing laundry, keeping the house warm in winter and keeping the house cool during the summer is because of inventions in the 19th century. In a society where people have up to three jobs and do not have much time in the house, there is a need to do things fast. One wakes up in the night and just clicks the socket to get lighting because invention chased away darkness (Tagliaferro Pg. 34). One spends a short time making meals by putting food in a timed electric cooker, rush to take a shower with warm water, thanks to electricity, iron your clothes and within minute
...s you are ready to leave. Electricity in the house enables one to be fast and efficient since one uses the same amount of time to do more.
In the past, one had to walk, use a coal train or a ship which would take hours or days to get to the next stop. The invention of the first locomotive saw the beginning of train’s invention. For instance, electric trains and flights enable people to take a few minute for them to get to their homes, working places as well as to other countries and states within a short time. This has ensured that people can engage in more business and make more money. The medical field is a beneficiary of inventions as they can easily reach the patients and the vice versa. With technology, doctors easily and quickly get the diagnosi
of the patients and treat them. Pain has been reduced through anesthesia and patients see this as an invention that cares about humanity. Despite the risks associated with such inventions, their benefits always outweighed the risks (Snow Pg. 55). Developments in the medical sectors have also increased the life expectancy of people as people are more cautious of what they eat (Falk Pg. 196). Reproduction of humans and animals, genetic engineering and effectiveness of performing operating on humans and animals has greatly improved lives today. Antiseptics developed in the 19th century have made operations safer as they prevent deadly infections after operations.
Programmable computers were first invented in the 19th century by Charles Babbage. Computers are the epitome of inventions as they ensure that people can work, communicate and keep up to date when they are miles apart. Computers have a very diverse capability, one which is hard for humans to comprehend and all aimed at making life easier (Falk Pg.179). The sewing machine changed the lives of women by giving them something that they could do to improve their lives. In the past, they could use needle and thread which could consume countless hours and the result was not as fascinating.
Inventions that seem small have had a great impact in the society today. The match boxes, the stethoscope, the safety pins, and the traffic lights straws. Elevators and skyscrapers have made buildings to occupy the growing population and through elevators, one can reach up to the 90th floor in seconds. Killing bacteria through heating was invented in the 19th century through pasteurization. People now waste less as food can be kept safe and fresh for
longer (Haven Pg. 114). The phonograph for recording storing and playing music and videos has seen the media house to being what they are today. Invention microscopic or vast has made America a better place through the speed of doing things and efficiency. A lot can be done within a short time to yield great results that would take hours, days or even years to accomplish without such inventions.
Work Cited
- Whiting B. J. Early American Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases. United States. Harvard University Press. 1977. Print
- Tagliaferro L. Thomas Edison: Inventor of the Age of Electricity. United States. Twenty-First Century Books. 2003
- Snow S. J. Blessed Days of Anaesthesia: How Anaesthetics Changed the World. United Kingdom. Oxford University Press. 2009
- Falk G. Twelve Inventions Which Changed America: The Influence of Technology on American Culture. United States. Hamilton Books. 2013
- Haven K. F. 100 Greatest Science Inventions of All Time. Santa Barbara. Libraries Unlimited. 2006
