Aviation and Technological Changes in the 20th Century

Jul 25, 2024

Lecture Notes: Aviation and Technological Changes in the 20th Century

Introduction to Aviation

  • Aviation as the third great development change in the 20th century
  • Internal combustion engine: The basis for developing airplane engines
  • Important milestone: The Wright brothers' first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
    • Conditions: Flat and windy
    • Replica info provided
  • Recommended reading: "The American Experience" by David McCullough

Consequences of Aviation

  • Impact on warfare: World War I and II
    • Example: Carpet bombing during WWII
  • Development in the 1920s: Maps for air mail delivery
    • Use of cement arrows and gas-lit shacks for navigation
  • Shrinking of the globe similar to the railroad
  • Greater government regulation and the need for organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Impact of 9/11: Increased regulations, Department of Homeland Security

Domestic Technologies

  • Introduction as the fourth key development
  • Concept: Domestic Revolution
  • Notable inventions and their impacts:
    • Vacuum cleaners: Transition from hardwood to carpet flooring
    • Washing machines: From handwashing to machine washing
    • Dishwashers: Ease of dishwashing
    • Electric/gas ovens and microwaves: Revolution in cooking methods
    • Refrigerators and freezers: Essential kitchen appliances
    • Toasters, vacuums, CD/MP3 players: Convenience in daily life
  • Advanced forms of entertainment: TV, radio, etc.
  • Reflection on changing standards of cleanliness and domestic work

Entertainment Technologies

  • Radio
    • Invented by Henrik Hertz; improved by Marconi (wireless telegraphy)
    • First radio station: KDKA Pittsburgh, 1920
    • BBC model: Paid service; U.S. model (NBC, 1926): Free with commercials
    • Popularity and usage: 3 out of 4 Americans had radios by the 1930s
    • Propaganda tool during the 1930s and WWII
    • Radio's role in political communication: FDR, Hitler, Mussolini
    • Ownership surged by the 1950s
  • Cinema
    • Development from silent films to more complex movies