A Technological Revolution

Changes in Daily Life from 1865-1900 due to inventions

Which is most important and Why?

Which is most important and Why?

There were many new inventions and ideas in the late 19th century that changed everyday life. These changes were made possible because:

Leaders had capital to investHuman population explosionAbundant Natural Resources

Coal, Iron Ore, Oil, Electricity & Steel

Edwin L. DrakeEdwin L. Drake

Invention: oil well, drill, & pump

Benefits: cheaper, more efficient method of obtaining oil

Thomas A. EdisonThomas A. Edison

Invention: electric power and light bulb

Benefits: widespread affordable in-home lighting; increased productivity of workplace & home appliances

George Westinghouse George Westinghouse

Invention: alternating current and transformers

Benefits: electricity could be generated more cheaply & travel farther

Samuel F.B. MorseSamuel F.B. Morse

Invention: Telegraphy]

Benefits: Morse Code signaled start of communications revolution

Alexander Graham BellAlexander Graham Bell

Invention: Telephone

Benefits: created “talking telegraph,” possible for many people to be linked through phone lines

Henry BessemerHenry Bessemer

Invention: Bessemer process

Benefits: made it easier and cheaper to remove the impurities from steel; made possible mass production

ConclusionConclusion

These are all causes of rapid industrial growth … the new innovations in communications (typewriter, etc.) and industry (air brake, etc.), the transcontinental railroad, the nation’s vast natural resources,and a mobile labor supply as well as government policies and American institutions, and the abundant capital of business pioneers such as Andrew Carnegie as we shall see in the next few days.