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Transcontinental Railroad Complete
The Transcontinental Railroad connected the United States by rail when the Central Pacific Railroad met the Union Pacific Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah. This led to decreased coast to coast travel time for people and goods from four to six months to only six days. Businesses were able to operate more efficiently and people could travel without the dangers of riding in a covered wagon for months at a time and enduring treacherous conditions. -
Alexander Graham Bell's Telephone
Bell was issued the first patent for the telephone which improved communication throughout the country for individuals and businesses. He went on to create the National Bell Telephone Company. Over 1.35 million phones were in service by 1900. -
Incandescent Light Bulb
Thomas Edison created the incandescent light bulb. He went on to create the Edison Electric Illuminating Company that later merged to become Edison General Electric. His businesses helped to supply electricity and lighting to improve the lives of people at their homes, businesses, and within their cities. -
Street Transportation to Subway
The implementation of the electric trolley for transportation was vital for people moving within the bustling cities. (a) In 1897, in an effort to decrease over crowded streets and reduce pedestrian accidents, as well as allow for more skyscraper construction, Boston, Massachusetts created the first subway. (b)The Tremont Street Station is the oldest Subway Tunnel in the United States. -
Advertising
As seen in this Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog page, consumers could purchase items and have them delivered to their homes if a train came near them. Businesses capitalized on print advertisement in catalogs or newspapers. -
Film Moves to Hollywood
Filmmakers escaped the high cost of movie production in New York by 1920. Hollywood, California also boasted a more favorable movie making climate than New York. Five major film production companies emerged during this time - Warner Brothers, Paramount, Fox, MGM, and RKO. -
Moving Assembly Line
Henry Ford improved assembly line efficiency with the production of the Ford Model T. His shops in Detroit, Michigan, paid decently and equally to black and white workers. His now mass produced Model T decreased in cost from $850 in 1908 to $300 in 1924, making automobile ownership possible for more Americans.
