MODERN PERIOD
The world's population has grown significantly in the modern era, increasing demand for
more efficient production and transportation of goods. Due to widespread
industrialization, this demand sparked the creation of new machinery and technologies
but also brought with it more challenging issues.
Let's look at some of the most important things that were made throughout this time.
Electric Dynamo (1831)
Invented by Michael Faraday, the electric dynamo made practical use of electricity
possible for a variety of applications, including transportation, power tools, and home
appliances. Without the dynamo, much of the modern electrical world would not exist.
Computer (1860s)
Charles Babbage often called the “father of the computer “, his analytic engine is seen
as the forerunner of the modern computer. It could be programmed and calculate
mathematical equations, though the electronic computer didn't come along until after the
1940s. His ideas about programmable machines laid the groundwork for the electronic
computers of the 20th century, which would later transform science, business, and
everyday life.
Pasteurization (1864)
Developed by Louis Pasteur, this process prevents bacteria from growing in substances
like wine, beer, and milk, making milk safer to drink. This innovation improves public
health and also extended the shelf life of perishable goods, changing how food could be
stored and transported.
Plastic (1869)
John Wesley Hyatt invented plastic while searching for an inexpensive substitute for ivory
billiard balls. He combined cellulose nitrate and camphor to create a moldable and
versatile material called celluloid. While plastic has changed the world, its inability to
biodegrade has raised concerns about pollution.
Telephone (1876)
Invented by Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish-born teacher for the deaf, who
experimented with transmitting sound through electricity to help the deaf. He spent many
hours developing a form of the telephone and applied for a patent on March 7, 1876.
Within five years, private telephone exchanges were common in most U.S. cities.
Phonograph (1877)
Thomas Edison discovered he could capture and replay sound using a rotating cylinder
covered with paraffin paper and a stylus. He later helped develop the modern
gramophone based on the wax-cylinder model, allowing music to be enjoyed outside of
live performances.
Lightbulb (1879)
Although others created simple electric lights, it was Thomas Edison who turned the
lightbulb into a practical low-current version. He used a filament made from burned
sewing thread which allowed factories, streets, and homes to be lit more efficiently,
extending work hours and improving urban life.
Bicycle (1885)
While velocipedes were invented earlier, a major advancement in bicycle technology was
the introduction of a chain linking the pedals to the back wheel. This allowed for higher
speeds without the need for a huge front wheel. Aside from that it is affordable and
efficient, bicycles provided mobility to people from all walks of life, including women,
helping advance independence and social change. The key model for the chain bike was
the Rover Safety bike, developed by John Kemp Starley.
Aluminium (1886)
Up until the 1890s, aluminium was considered a precious metal because of the difficulty
in isolating it. Ohio chemist Charles Martin Hall discovered a simple electrolysis process
to produce large quantities of aluminum. This caused its price to drop dramatically, leading
to aluminum becoming a popular and versatile metal in industry.
Motor Car (1898)
The first modern automobile, which used a patented internal combustion engine, was
produced by German engineer Karl Benz. This car featured electrical ignition, a water-
cooled engine, and different gears, and within a few decades, it began transforming
society. Motor Cars transformed personal travel, reshaped cities, and fueled the growth
of industries such as oil, rubber, and road construction.
Aeroplane (1903)
The Wright brothers flew the first successful heavier-than-air aeroplane on December 17,
1903. Within a few years, aeroplanes could navigate long distances and started to change
global travel and wartime.
X-Ray Machines (1914)
The X-ray was first discovered by W. Roentgen in 1895. Marie Curie built on this discovery
and, by 1914, successfully created an X-ray machine that could take images of the human
skeleton, and even used in World War I to diagnose injuries on the battlefield.
Email (1972)
The first true email system was MIT's CTSS MAIL in 1965, but it only worked for users
logged into the same system. Email networks grew from the first ARPANET email, which
was sent in 1972 and developed by Ray Tomlinson. It quickly became a standard form of
business and personal communication, reducing the need for writing letters manually.
Internet (1973)
Early forms of computer networking were developed in the late 1960s. In 1973, Vint Cerf
and Bob Kahn created the Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), where it
made a significant step in building a global network of interconnected computers that
could share information. The internet revolutionized access to knowledge,
communication, and commerce.
GPS (1973)
The Global Positioning System was developed by the US military in 1973. In the 1980s,
civilians gained access to it, leading to effective satellite navigation systems and apps like
Google Maps.
Personal Computer (1980s)
In the 1980s, the microchip allowed households to have their own personal computers.
This enabled people to print letters and relax at home. This also became a tools for work,
education, and entertainment, giving individuals the power to create, store, and share
information.
Mobile Phone (1980s)
The invention of mobile phone enabled people to make calls on the go instead of being
tied to a landline. It also made it possible to send text messages. Over time, they evolved
into devices that could handle email, games, and media.
World Wide Web (1990)
In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee developed the World Wide Web (WWW) software. Where it
offers permanent and easily accessible repository for information on webpages, the
WWW contributed to the revolution of the internet. Also, Berners-Lee wished for his
innovation to be freely accessible to all. And because of this invention, the internet is now
a globally accessible, networked library.
WiFi (1990s)
WiFi, or wireless fidelity, is a technology that lets users access the internet without a cable.
It is also known as a wireless local area network (WLAN). In 1997, Vic Hayes established
many protocols that popularized WiFi technology. This boosted mobility and convenience,
paving the way for smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices.
Smartphone (2007)
The smartphone blended many technologies into one device. The modern smartphone
allows for calls, texts, internet access, a camera, and a variety of apps. Steve Jobs played
a crucial role in developing the first smartphones. This have become indispensable tools
for communication, entertainment, and productivity.
Conclusion
The fast-paced, interconnected world of today was made possible by the technologies of
the Modern Period. Every innovation not only met the demands of its day, but it also
opened new avenues for advancement and presented fresh difficulties for next
generations that followed.
