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The Telephone
The first successful phone call was from Alexander Graham Bell made to Thomas Watson about two miles away^1. This relates to the theme of improving life because it made communication between people, households, businessmen, and many more situations, easier. Information could be shared over a phone rather than having to wait days at a time for mail to be sent and received. This invention would then open the door to far more advanced forms of communication such as cell phones. -
Kodak Camera
In 1888, George Eastman created the first of many Kodak cameras in New York where he had owned a company called Eastman Kodak Company. With this invention, photography was available to everyone^2, making it easier for people to create, share, and keep memories. It was something that could be held in a hand and carried around wherever the owner wanted and at a click of a button could have a film of photos ready to be produced on paper. -
The Radio
In 1895, Guglielmo Marconi invented the first radio. Although he was not an American inventor, he impacted the lives of Americans in many ways. Once it was available to the average household, Americans were able to listen in on radio stations to hear about news in a quicker fashion than the newspaper. -
Ford T Model
In 1909, Henry Ford created the first Model T car in Detroit, Michigan. A car made it easier from getting from one place to the next in a more convenient and personal way. Traveling long distances was difficult but once the Model T was invented, cars became more accessible to the common man. The car was practical because it was easy to drive and maintain^3. The Model T was the gateway in to mass producing vehicles for everyday use. -
The Electric Refrigerator
In 1913, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Fred W. Wolf invented the first electric refrigerator available for household use. These refrigerators were mounted on top of an ice box used as the cooling unit^4. This invention applies to the theme of improving life because the opportunities to keep food longer and have a cheaper alternative not only made it easier on the families but was the beginning of a long line of amazing new cooling, and freezing, technology for the household. -
The Television
In 1925, Charles Francis Jenkins developed the first “synchronized transmission of images and sound to the public”^6. The television was available to the common household and it would broadcast channels so that the common man can watch from home. This made life easier because it was an easier way to not only hear about news, but also to see news. It was also another form of entertainment for Americans. Shows would be broadcasted at a certain time of the day to be watched at home by families
