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Invention of the Light Bulb
The invention of the Light bulb by Thomas Edison, was the beginning of a new way of life for everyone. This single invention led to the development of Direct Current Electricity. This allowed the electricity to extend just two miles from the power source. This changed the workforce and allowed us to work longer days as well as work more effectively. Electricity is the basis for many things used today. -
Alternating Current Invented
Not long after the invention of the light bulb and direct current electricity, while in Paris prior to immigrating to the US, Nikola Tesla invented Alternating Current (AC).The invention of AC power led to the electric alternating current supply system of generators, motors and transformers. AC Power later helped to establish basis for car engines we use today. -
Federal Amendment guaranteeing Woman Rights to Vote
NAWSA (National American Woman's Suffrage Association) made great efforts to establish woman's right to vote in the West. This event helped to empower women to stand and have a voice in a mans world. The beginning of woman's movement empowered strong female figures to speak up and gain equality. -
The Automobile
Inventor Henry Ford, was responsible for perfecting the assembly line for his Model T Ford. He would train his workers to do the same task over and over, this helped lower his overall cost to produce the Model T. With mass production of the automobile, by 1924 his advertised price was low enough to make it affordable to all Americans as seen in advertisements like this one. The ease and availability of the Model T Ford was the beginning of faster and easier transportation for the every American. -
The Draft and the Role of Women
The U.S.declared war on Germany but needed a bigger military. In 1917 five million men were drafted for the war. This left the workforce depleted. Women, now having more political support behind them than previously, stepped into the workforce. This event was the beginning of the woman's modern workforce but without the disintegration of woman's Suffrage in 1890. -
The Growing of Advertisement
With multiple household inventions claiming to ease the labor for the house wife, advertisers began to connect with consumers more readily through magazines, newspapers and even radio, like this ad seen in Ladies' Home Journal for Palmolive soap. Advertisers were careful to market in the right magazine to the consumer most likely to buy. Much like today, consumers were eager to fulfill the American Dream by having the newest and most modern items that also promised easier lifestyle.
