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Chocolate Chip Cookie
in 1930, Ruth Wakefield "accidentally" invented the chocolate chip cookie. She was mixing a batch of chocolate cookies, when she found she was out of bakers chocolate, so she substituted it with chocolate chips, resulting in chocolate chip cookies. This delicious invention has become one of the most popular sweet treats in America, even today. ("Ruth Wakefield) -
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1930's Justification
These inventions show how Americans were still able to create and invent during a time of economical depression and war. These are three examples of innovation during the 1930’s that are still around, even today. -
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Theme: Innovation and Invention
Throughout the history of the United States, the developments of new inventions, innovations, and discoveries prove to be a prevalent occurrence in all decades. These inventions reflect how Americans continued to advance and improve as their country grew. These inventions reflect the perseverance of Americans as well as how the country developed as a whole. The evolutions of these innovations can easily be seen. These inventions span from simple things such as the chocolate chip cookie to thing -
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1930's Description
Americans entered the 1930’s with the bitter taste of the Great Depression in their mouths. Elected president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, promised to help, heal and improve the damaged economy with his “new deal”. Later on in the decade, the United States would enter World War II. However, even through these ordeals, American’s abilities to invent and create were not hindered. The simple, sweet treat, the chocolate chip cookie made its debut in this decade and continues to be a favorite even tod -
Blood bank
In 1937, physicist Bernard FAntus discovered a way to store blood for longer periods of time. By doing so, he was able to establish the first blood bank in America. This led to further medical advancements and has helped countless people since. (Schmidt, 2013) -
Electric Guitar
The electric guitar was invented in the year 1939, setting the stage for future generations of rock n' roll. This new , non-traditional instrument provided unique sounds that were very pleasing to the ear. This electric guitar would prove to be the basis of many new genres and music movements to come in America. ("Commercial Success...") -
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1940's Justification
Desc. (cont.): which initially ended the war, despite the many controversies it created. The 1940’s was a critical era for the United States. Events such as World War II and the dropping of the first atomic bomb took place during this time period. These events would prove to be very important in shaping America’s future and relationships with other countries. Considering the many innovations and inventions that were developed in this time, I believe that it does express the theme effectively. -
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1940's Description
Desc.: The decade of the 1940’s contained much advancement and inventions which helped America further develop in to the country it is today. These advancements include the transistor, the atomic bomb and the development of supersonic aircraft. During the 1940’s, America was in the midst of World War II, a war which would prove to be devastating to many of the involved nations. However, even during war times, America was able to develop new technology, such as the atomic bomb, -
Atomic Bomb
This contriversial invention was the beginning and end of many events in history. Scientist were able to develop the first atomic bomb, while the world was in the midst of World War II. On Augus 6, 1945, America dropped the very first atomic bomb on Japan, officially ending World War II. This goes to show how much science is able to effect not only a nation, but the entire world. (Bells) -
Transistor
The transistor, invented in 1947 by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley, is the device that allows us to harness electrical power for our own uses. This device is what powers the everyday electrical things we use daily. Without it, we would not have many of the luxuries we have today. ("Transistor History...") -
Supersonic Aircraft
On October 14, 1947, Chuck Yeager was the first man to pilot a supersonic aircraft, breaking the sound barrier for the first instance in history. This very first supersonic aircraft flight was a huge advancement for the United States Airforce. ("World's First...") -
Television
The television was an invention that was developed over a long period of time, by a series of people. However, it reached it's peak popularity in the United States during the 1950's. This invention was one that provided entertainment, news, and a common ground for many Americans across the nation. ("1950-1959") -
Polio Vaccine
In the 1950's, Jonas Salk successfully developed and created the vaccine for polio. This paralyzing disease had once taken hold of one of America's former presidents, and due to Salk's extensive research and development, he was able to create a vaccine in order to prevent this disease. Because of this, millions of people every year are able to recieve the vaccine for polio and know thet they do not have to fear this disease. ("Dr. Jonas...") -
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1950's Justification
The developments of the television, the vaccine for polio, and the emergence of car culture, which all took place during the decade of the 1950’s, effectively reflect the impact new innovations can have on the people of the country as well as the over all culture. -
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1950's Description
The 1950’s decade was a huge turning point for Americans and American culture. With medical advancements such as the cure for polio, the development of luxury products such as the television and the rise of car culture, the 1950’s was definitely a decade that defined much of America’s history. Polio, a disease which had once affected one of America’s previous presidents, was almost completely eliminated with the development of the vaccination during the 1950’s. -
Car Culture
Car culture in the 50's saw a huge change after the war ended. Automobile makers began creating a plethora of makes and models, in a variety of designs and colors. With everyone buying and driving cars, places such as Drive-in movie theaters were established. In addition, Interstate highways were being built all across America, chaning the way people would view car culture forever. -
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1960's Justification
These three innovations reflect American’s ability to create and develop things in order to make life more convenient. While the lunar landing is not an actual invention from the 1960’s, it is the result of many other innovations that Americans have made. -
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1960's Description
During the 1960’s, America was deeply involved in the Vietnam War, a war which essentially created a huge stir in American culture at this time. The population was split between those who were in favor of the war and those who believed that America should stop any further involvement in the war. During this time, young people created a counter culture, which introduced a whole new kind of dress and music to the nation. Through all these changes, there were new developments in how music was recor -
Audio Cassette Tapes
Audio Casette tapes were first invented in the 50's, however, they never really gained much attention from the public. It was not until the 60's, when they were released to the American public, did they become popular. Initially they were used for recording audio. However, the music business saw an opportunity and began using these tapes to record and distribute music. ("Invention") -
Calculator
In 1966, the very first electronic, hand-held calculator was developed. It was capable to performing basic mathematical functions. This simple invention would lead to the development of many more, complex calculators and computers. ("Calculator History...") -
Moon Landing
In July of 1969, America won the race of getting the first man on the moon. Niel Armstrong, the first man on the moon, had his historic actions broadcast across the nation. This achievement reflects how innovation had affected America. ("The Moon Landing") -
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1970's Justification
The 1970’s was an important decade which changed the world of communication and technology forever. These innovations and inventions prove and show how America and its people change as new technology is developed -
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1970's Description
The 1970’s was the decade of new technological advancements. Many events took place during this decade, including the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandals. However, during this time of political uncertainty, inventions such as the first cell phone, personal computer, and e-mail were created. For the first time in history, people were able to carry a portable phone around and had access to communicating with others while on the go. Personal computers were also a prominent advancement. Household -
Personal Computer
Due to the invention of the transistor, an invention mentioned earlier in this time line, personal computers were able to be invented. This invention allowed for people to now have their own computers in their own homes, giving them access to things such as email and the internet. ("Personal Computer...") -
Email
The very first e-mail was sent between two computers that were sitting right next to each other. Developed by Ray Tomlinson, e-mail completely changed the way people communicated over the internet. Because of this invention, people could now send each other mail directly simply by pressing a single button. (Bellis) -
Cell Phone
In 1973, the very first cell phones were developed. While these first phones are considered very big and bulky to the devices we carry in our pockets today, this invention was a major breakthrough during this time. People were now given the option to carry along their phones with them and talk almost where ever they'd like. (Free) -
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1980's Justification
The 1980’s showed advancements in music, medicine, and electronics. This decade shows advancements that have proven to be very useful and have improved the lives of many Americans -
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1980's Description
The 1980’s, also known as the Reagan Era, was the decade that saw the end of the long-drawn out Cold War. During this decade, the communist country of Russia finally fell and the Berlin wall was torn down. As these successes were taking place across the ocean, advancements back home continued to persist. The television channel, MTV was born, allowing for a whole new way for music to be heard. This channel, which still shows today, became a part of American music and youth culture and continues t -
MTV
MTV, or Music Television, introduced Americans to a whole new way to enjoy music. Primarily showing music videos, such as Devo's "Whip it", MTV became very popular with the American public. ("MTV...") -
Apple Macintosh
The Apple Macintosh, another form of personal computer, was one of the first computers to be operated by a handheld mouse. This sleeker, more user friendly version of the personal computer, paved the way for many of the computers we use today. ("Macintosh...") -
Nicotine Patch
The nicotine patch is a patch that is designed to aid in the process of quitting smoking. This invention helped reduce the amount of somking-related ilnesses in the United States immensely. (Ters, 1988) -
Pager
In 1990, over 22 million people were using pagers. This portable device gave people the ability to recieve short messages in the form of numbers. This opened a whole new world of communication for Americans. It also provided the basis of other messaging, such as text messaging. ("History of Pagers...") -
Hubble space Telescope
The Hubble space telescope was developed in 1929 by Edwin Hubble. However, it was not until 1990 that NASA launched the telescope into the Earth's atmosphere. Since then, the Hubble space telescope has provided scientists with much insight about other parts of the universe. ("When was the...") -
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1990's Justification
The inventions developed in the 1990’s show how invention and innovation continue to be a persistent part of American culture. These technological and scientific advancements are what continue to shape America -
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1990's Description
This decade saw a huge growth in the development of technology, as well as a growing concern for the environment. The 1990’s came with yet another batch of new inventions for the people of America. The Hubble space telescope was created, allowing for scientists to have a closer look at space and gain more insight about the universe. The pager was also developed, which allowed for a more convenient way for people to communicate and connect with each other. Furthermore, the DVD was created and cha -
DVD
The DVD, available to Americans in 1997, were compact, thin plastic discs that were able to play movies as well as video games. This technological advancement became very popular in the United States. In fact, only a few years after its development, did companies decide to replace all VHS tapes with the more preferable DVDs. ("History of DVD")
