Technology Changes in America between 1946 and 1960 - Essay Example

In 1946, Layman Spitzer conceived the idea of a telescope in outer space. This was used in the observation of outer space, including galaxies and distant planets. In the same year, an American banker, John Biggins invented credit cards, which initiated the use of plastic money for expenditures. Later, the transistor, a device used to switch electronic signals, was invented in 1947 by John Bardeen and Walter Brattain. In the same year, several tests led to the invention of a supersonic aircraft. This increased the speeds of airplanes from transonic to supersonic. Still, in 1948, cable television came into being from the diligence of John and Margaret Walson. The year 1952 saw the origination of airbags as safety gadgets in automobiles. Barcodes and artificial hearts were also technological improvements in the same year. In the computer world, the hard disk drive was discovered in 1952. This appreciably augmented the memory capacity of computers. These and many more hundreds of inventions market the high-tech innovations in America between the years 1946 and 1960.

Naturally, technological advancements had substantial effects on America. America’s economy grew considerably because it was able to process superior goods through a short and efficient production process (Saul, 1970). New ways of production were initiated, and new products were produced. Consumers were able to get low-cost high-quality goods. Technological developments also led to urbanization as people moved into America from the outside world to take up the new jobs that were accessible.

There was also an extraordinary migration from rural to urban areas as people looked for jobs, according to Saul (1970). Cities began to enlarge because they had to accommodate the large incursion of people immigrating into the city. In addition, technological advancement also enhanced the substructure. Transportation was upgraded as better roads, and faster rail came to place (Mollenkopf, 1983). The improvement of air transport also meant that people could travel to other continents and countries faster than before. This improved the state of the country and saved time to be invested in the manufacturing segment to progress the country’s economy. Apart from that, health improvements were noticeable on diverse medical grounds. Newer medicine was discovered, and some of the ailments that had beforehand been known to have no medication developed inoculations and remedies. The artificial heart was a major brainchild and was used to cure heart sicknesses. New gadgets and better infrastructure also abridged the deaths occasioned by illness.

In conclusion, America went through a technological advancement period between the years 1946 and 1960 that improved the continent’s state. Inventions made have been advanced and are habitually bettered. The livelihood of the people and the economy of the country have also improved. As expected, this is bound to progress in the conceivable future. In the main, it is inimitable that technological changes have had constructive and positive effects on the present-day world.