Automobiles are a large and powerful force in the world, but also pose a threat to our environment. They are a great source of pollution, cause injuries to people on the road and can even kill us if we are not careful when driving them.
The automobile was invented in the late 19th century. Many inventors and engineers worked on creating these cars. Some of them included Karl Benz, a German engineer who is often credited with creating the first true automobile in 1885. Other inventors and engineers created steam, electric, and gasoline powered automobiles. By 1910 the automobile industry was booming and the car became more affordable. It was at this point that Henry Ford revolutionized the industry. He introduced the assembly line, a process where workers stay in one place while parts are passed over them on conveyor belts. This reduced the time it took to make a car and made it cheaper to buy. Ford’s Model T runabout sold for $575 in 1912, which was less than the average annual wage at the time.
Once oil was discovered and gas-powered cars became cheap, car sales exploded in America and the nation’s landscape changed dramatically. Cities expanded and new services emerged to meet the needs of the motorist, including hotels, motels and restaurants that catered to travelers, and highway construction, which became one of the largest items of government spending. The automobile ended rural isolation and brought urban amenities, like medical care and schools, to rural areas. It also brought leisure activities and suburban life to America, while creating jobs in the automotive-related industries.
Some people use their automobiles as a form of protest. During the civil rights movement in the 1960s, black Americans used their automobiles to drive from town to town to demonstrate against racial injustice. Women have also used their automobiles as a form of protest, decorating them with “votes for women” banners and even taking a cross-country trip to promote their cause.
Modern automobiles are becoming computerized machines, and someday may be able to drive themselves. This would reduce accidents and congestion on the roads, and help the environment by cutting down on fuel consumption. The future of the automobile is exciting, and we will continue to see its impact on society.
The automobile was the backbone of a consumer goods-oriented economy in the 1920s. It was the biggest customer of steel, petroleum and other industrial products and required dozens of spin-off industries to support it. It was a major employer, providing one out of every six jobs in the United States in 1982. It was an important contributor to social change, influencing legislation on safety features and drivers’ licenses. It was an essential tool in a consumer-driven society and stimulated the growth of ancillary industries like fast food, convenience stores and motels. It also contributed to air pollution and accelerated land degradation by deforesting the countryside and draining fresh water resources. It has also influenced culture and politics by promoting individualism, promoting social interaction and changing the way people live.
