1900's

Communication And Transportation In The Early 1900's

Transportation and communication are closely linked and one would not be possible without the other. Development in both of these areas have brought many conveniences and comforts to the average person. During the 1800's, people seldom left their towns or farms, because travel was difficult even for short distances. Only the very wealthy could have the luxurious accommodation for those long journeys. In 1890, people traveled an average of only 200 miles a year away from their home communities. Today, it is not unheard of to travel an average of about 4,000 miles a year; 3,600 of them by automobile.

There are three main kinds of transportation: land, water, and air. The chief means of land transportation are automobiles, railroads, trucks and animals. During the 1900's horses played a significant role in the everyday life. A horse drawn carriage would bring a doctor to the house if there was an illness, birth or death. A hearse was pulled by horses to the cemetery when somebody died. Farmers used them to pull their ploughs while town dwellers kept them for transportation around town. Horses pulled delivery wagons for businesses such as a bakery, dairy factory, and coal company. Horses even pulled fire engines through the streets in a fire emergency.

Another mode of travel is the bicycle. It is easily maintained and offers a sense of freedom to virtually anybody willing to learn.

Henry Ford revolutionized the world we live in by inventing the "horseless carriage". His invention offered a method of transportation to the public, and helped with our emergency services such as fire engines, police cars, and ambulances. Now we have a large variety of cars to choose from varying in size and price. He also brought a large profitable industry to North America ; the car industry.

Eleven years prior to World War I, Orville and Wilbur Wright made a successful flight in the first airplane at the beach of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Although the flight only lasted 12 seconds, this invention was instrumental in bringing many changes to the world.

The area of communication also had many new inventions. The telephone, an item which is taken for granted today, was invented by Alexander Graham Bell. This device brought people into closer proximity to each other and allowed the house needs to be satisfied without leaving the home. It created new jobs and women were given the opportunity to work as switch board operators.

Another important invention in the communication industry was the development of wireless telegraphy or radio. This accomplishment is credited to an Italian inventor, Guglielmo Marconi. He produced the first transatlantic wireless signal in history and invented the beam system of wireless for long-distance communication. He can be also be credited with contributing to modern-day television. The spectacular growth in the communication industry opened up thousands of job opportunities in a variety of fields. The broadcasting industry needs such workers as writers, producers, directors, cameramen, engineers, electronic technicians, stagehands, lighting specialists, graphic artists, set designers and performers. Radio and TV news departments provide a variety of jobs for journalists.

Communication and transportation are so closely linked that they are difficult to separate. Communication often makes transportation possible. For example radio and radar guide airplanes to safe landings. Charts help sailors bring their ships into harbors. Transportation takes us where we want to go, and brings us nearly everything we eat, wear, and use in daily life. Without trasportation, our modern society could not exist.