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Steam Engine
Robert Fulton
August 17, 1807
New York
Steam Engines impacted American Society because they were the first successful engine invented. They were used to power trains, ships, and factories. Steam engines are still used today, but for other purposes. They are used to power nuclear power plants. -
Steamboat
Robert Fulton
August 17, 1807
New, York
The steamboat was used for transporting goods up and down rivers and water ways. Steamboats also sped up the travel time for travelers and it revolutionized river travel. Steamboats are still used today, but there are many new and different boats that have improved the steamboat. -
Erie Canal
DeWitt Clinton and other builders
October 26, 1825
New York
The Erie Canal was built to connect the Hudson River to the Great Lakes. This canal was helpful for transportation and trades. The Erie Canal is still used today and is a tourist spot, so many people can visit it. -
Railroads
South Carolina canals and railroads
October 7, 1826
Quincy, Massachusetts
Railroads impacted American society because it helped advance the transportation of goods. The only other transportation was by canal, but by having railroads, it made it quicker to transport goods to other places. Also, railroads can be used all year long. Railroads are still used today and is considered a major way of transportation. -
Mechanical Reaper
Cyrus McCormick
June 21, 1834
Virginia
The mechanical reaper has impacted American society because it was the first device that harvests crops mechanically. This sped up the production of harvesting crops and allowed for higher rates of agricultural production. This product is not exactly used today, but there are many models that are similar to the mechanical reaper. -
Steel Plow
John Deere
1837
Grand Detour, Ilinois
The Steel Plow impacted American society because this tool helped break up tough soil and the soil wouldn't get stuck to it. John Deere sold this to farmers because it would help them with their farmwork. Steel plows are still used today, but there are multiple different models of it to make farming easier. -
Telegraph
Samuel F.B. Morse
June 10, 1840
New York
The telegraph impacted American society by being able to carry messages across copper wires. Years after it was invented it spread across cities along the East Coast and was used by many business workers to communicate with each other. Telegraphs are still used today, but not too many people use it because of telephones and other communication divices. -
Morse Code
Samuel F.B. Morse
June 20, 1840
New York
Morse code was helpful because it was an operator that was able to translate codes into an understandable language in only a short amount of time. This was the first instant electronic communicator. Morse code is still used today in the army in order to send messages without other people knowing what it says. -
Vulcanized Rubber
Charles Goodyear
June 24, 1844
Springfield, Massachusetts
The impact that this product had on American society is that it did not freeze in the cold or melt in the hot weather. People first used vulcanized rubber to protect their boots, but then was used for automobile tires. This product is still used today for car tires. -
Sewing Machine
Isaac Merritt Singer
August 12, 1851
Boston
The sewing machine helped people produce clothing faster than they had before. The sewing machine then led to the factory production of clothing and lowered the price of clothing so people could afford to buy it. This product is still used today, but it is now easier to use.
