Inventions developed by humans are largely prompted by the need to solve problems. Take, for example, the early invention of the controlled use of fire. It is likely that Homo erectus man observed fire in the wild as ignited by lightening or other natural sources. Over a million years ago, early man used this knowledge for survival, creating fire for warmth and protection from predators. This knowledge would extend to the regular use of campfires, likely about 400,000 years ago, for social gatherings, creating pottery and tools, and cooking food which helps to detoxify raw food. Per Smithsonian Magazine, Harvard biologist Richard Wrangham believes that fire is essential “to fuel the organ that makes possible all the other products of culture, language included: the human brain.” Fire also allowed human activity to extend well into darkness. Without fire, warmth, light, protection, social development and bonding, improved nutrition, increased survival rates, and breakthrough innovations might have ceased. Here are some other revolutionary inventions that changed the world.
Taking monumental steps forward
The wheel: The wheel might seem like an odd innovation to credit as it is rather basic in design. However, this simple round device created a turning point in human history by enabling the growth of complex societies. The invention of the wheel is not attributed to one single person or civilization but rather is thought to have evolved out of need in different places. Many experts believe that the wheel was independently developed in various regions such as the Carpathian Mountains. However, evidence of earliest practical use dates to around 3500 BC, where in Mesopotamia it was used as a potter’s wheel. Some 300 years later, the application of transportation emerged with the development of carts and chariots. Though limited evidence shows the wheelbarrow was used in Greece somewhere between the sixth and fourth centuries BC, common consensus exists that it was likely invented in China around 100 AD. Advanced spoke wheels, offering some design advantages over disc wheels, were invented around 2000 BC in Anatolia, modern-day Turkey. The wheel improved transport of heavy loads, enabling advancements in trade, agriculture and other fields, rendering its development to society invaluable.
The printing press: Created by German inventor and craftsman Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, the mechanized printing press is historically credited for revolutionizing the way information is shared and disseminated. This machine uses ink to transfer words and images to paper. This served to increase literacy rates, spread knowledge and inspiration, and even fueled the Renaissance and Age of Enlightenment. The invention of the printing press was pivotal to the Renaissance by enabling the mass production of literature. In turn, this facilitated the spread of humanist ideas, increased literacy, and supported widespread cultural and religious transformation. Gutenberg’s creation of the movable type in 1448 marked the ability to circulate information, made books and pamphlets cheaper and more accessible, fostered education and influenced the Protestant Reformation from 1517 to 1648.
The light bulb: Thomas Edison’s invention of the first commercially available light bulb changed the lives of many people by turning nighttime into day. As with most inventions, its development would not have been possible without the contributions of others. Per Imagine IT, an Englishman named Joseph Swan developed the first official light bulb by using a carbonized paper filament and an evacuated glass bulb. They describe that without a proper vacuum tube, his invention lacked commercial use. Edison ultimately built upon Swan’s design, going on to develop “the first commercially viable light bulb and bringing light to the world.” The reliability of the light bulb enabled people to work by artificial light, thereby increasing work hours, productivity, and improved quality of life.
Computers: Computers are a vital part of working and social lives, allowing people across the globe to connect and foster relationships. Modern-day computers perform important tasks to include storing and processing information, simplifying tasks like recordkeeping and scheduling, and enabling communications through emails, messaging, and video chats as examples. Charles Babbage, “Father of the Computer,” is highly regarded for his major scientific contributions. Per HowStuffWorks, “We could argue that the first computer was the abacus or its descendent, the slide rule, invented by William Oughtred in 1622. But many people consider mathematician Charles Babbage’s analytical engine to be the first computer resembling today’s modern machines.” Babbage’s design, though never fully built during his lifetime, included a central processing unit or CPU and memory which resemble computer components used today. This science would pave the way for computer advancements, such as the ENIAC computing system, the first computer to use electronic technology, and modern-day equipment.
Vaccines: Vaccinations are lifesaving immunizations that help protect against diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox, and more. Today, there are different types of vaccinations to include inactivated (killed versions of the virus or bacteria), live-attenuated vaccines (weakened versions of the live virus or bacteria), mRNA vaccines (genetic material that triggers an immune response) and others. Whether getting vaccinated for the prevention of routine childhood or adult diseases, or for travel protection, basic vaccines are generally proven safe and effective in most people. Despite some controversy, not only do vaccines prevent and possibly eradicate disease, but they also offer community protection and reduce healthcare costs. World Health Organization (WHO) shares that vaccines save more human lives than any other medical invention in history. Though there are many contributors to the development of vaccinations, a non-doctor is credited with creation of the first vaccine. Per National Library of Medicine (NIH), vaccination was discovered by Edward Jenner in 1796 when the first human was successfully vaccinated against the deadly infectious disease known as smallpox. They describe his impact and legacy as “pioneering work” of the late 18th century.
The automobile – Some people mistakenly believe that the automobile was invented in the United States. History.com clarifies that though Americans quickly came to dominate the automotive industry in the first half of the twentieth century, the automobile was first invented and perfected in Germany and France in the late 1800s. In the United States, Henry Ford would go on to innovate “mass-production techniques that became standard, and Ford, General Motors and Chrysler emerged as ‘Big Three’ auto companies by 1920s.” The automobile had tremendous social and economic impact globally. Particularly, in America, it transformed life by impacting transportation, the economy, and social habits. Americans took to life on the highways, enjoying newfound personal freedoms and mobility. Factory and highway jobs were created and stimulated related industries such as steel, rubber, and oil. Roadside businesses began to flourish, suburban developments grew, and tourism and recreation soared, impacting everyday life in America.
Antibiotics: Avoiding and preventing illness, improving living conditions, and increasing wellness and longevity are long-desired human goals. Antibiotics, a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria, were in part discovered by happenstance. Per Ohio State University ehistory, “This monumental shift in medicine was arguably only discovered because Dr. Alexander Fleming decided to go on holiday in 1928.” Upon returning from his vacation, he noticed that the mold on his petri dish appeared to prevent bacteria growth. This mold, now known as penicillin, enables the treatment of serious or fatal conditions and is credited with saving over 200 million lives – plus is responsible for almost doubling human life expectancy. Thanks to Dr. Fleming’s perceptiveness, and many trials, scientists were able to create antibiotics that could easily be administered to people to improve health outcomes and save lives.
Inspiring generations
The above is a shortlist of many revolutionary inventions that changed America and the world. These revolutionary inventions in science, technology, medicine, and other vital fields have notably impacted life in the U.S. and around the globe, driving productivity, improving efficiency, advancing education and healthcare outcomes, and stirring economic growth as examples. Thanks to the desire to live well, long, and stay connected, inventive spirits continue to come together and work toward fostering a better future for all mankind.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a medical or scientific resource.
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