What machines transform how we live everyday? When were they created?

We researched when our everyday technology was invented and how those changes in technology correlated with other trends in American history, like urbanization and consumerism.

Inventions Timeline

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Eras in American History

The First Industrial Revolution

1760-1820

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The Second Industrial Revolution

1820-1914










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The Global Era

1970-2000


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The Information Age

2000-?

1701 - modern seed drill
1712 - Newcomen steam engine
1733 - flying shuttle
1785 - power loom
1790 - sewing machine
1793 - cotton gin
1798 - interchangeable parts
1805 - train
1820 - Macadam roads
1825 - camera
1826 - gas oven
1826 - friction matches
1829 - typewriter
1829 - indoor plumbing
1830 - telegraph
1831 - electric generator
1834 - refrigerator
1839 - hydrogen fuel cell
1845 - ice machine
1849 - reinforced concrete
1855 - radiator
1856 - Bessemer Process for creating steel
1859 - battery charger
1860 - vacuum
1867 - dynamite
1876 - landline telephone
1878 - light bulbs
1878 - QWERTY keyboard
1879 - lamps, street lights, overhead lights
1882 - electric fan
1884 - machine gun
1885 - car
1886 - dish washer
1889 - hot water heater
1890 - hair dryer
1893 - toaster
1891 - electric oven
1902 - air conditioner
1903 - airplane
1906 - amp
1910 - headphones
1920 - electric piano
1922 - blender
1927 - television
1930 - electric razor
1937 - automatic washing machine
1938 - automatic clothes dryer
1938 - analog computer
1940 - deep freezer
1942 - security camera
1946 - microwave
1947 - electric jigsaw
1948 - cable box
1950 - remote control
1952 - exercise treadmill
1953 - computer printer
1954 - electric coffee maker
1954 - electric toothbrush
1964 - desktop computer
1964 - computer mouse
1964 - laser cutter
1972 - wireless remote control
1973 - cell phone
1975 - digital camera
1976 - electronic lock
1977 - heart monitor
1981 - laptop computer
1987 - 3-D printer
1989 - modern Internet
1995 - PlayStation
2000 - X-Box
2001 - Bluetooth headphones
2010 - iPad

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Percentage of People that Live in Cities

6.1%

7.2%


15.4%



28.2%


39.6%

51.2%



64%



73.7%

79%

84%