American Independence and Innovation

July 3rd, 2014
American Independence and Innovation

By Naomi Dolin-Aubertin

America has always been an innovative nation. And while we are not any more or less innovative than any other country, we still pride ourselves on our resourcefulness, creativity, and our ability to push the boundaries of science, technology, and industry. Never has this been clearer than in the technology explosion of Silicon Valley. Since the Fourth of July is nearly upon us, I thought we should take a look back on some of the famous technological wonders that feed into our nation's innovative spirit.

The Cotton Gin

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What schoolchild hasn't heard of Eli Whitney's famous invention responsible for revolutionizing cheap, industrial cotton production in the American South, which in turn, led to decades of manufacturing prowess?

Model T

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Ah Henry Ford. How much we owe you. The first affordable cars opened the road to American travel, Route 66, and drive-ins.

Light Bulbs

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Once an unimaginable luxury, light bulbs have become common due to cheap electricity from oil and natural gas. Thanks to Thomas Edison, America can always keep its lights on.

Telephone

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I don't think when Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone he ever imagined the technological advances that would lead to a phone (and a smart phone at that!) in most everyone's pockets.

Airplanes

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Even Leonardo da Vinci imagined flying machines that would allow men to soar among the clouds, but Orville and Wilbur Wright were credited with building the first successful airplane. Now Americans fly across the country daily.

Atom Bomb

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While not the invention we are most proud of, the atomic bomb has shaped the history of our nation in warfare and international relations since the Second World War and led to the U.S. becoming a dominant power in world affairs.

Computers

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The first computer was a British invention. However, America has become the indisputable leader in computer technology through companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM. This in turn has given rise to a dizzying number of companies such as Facebook upon which we conduct our daily digital lives.

I hope you've enjoyed our walk-through of some of the more prominent American technological innovation that shapes our daily lives. Everyone at DirectNetworks would like to wish you a very happy Fourth of July!


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