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James Watt
Born in Scotland, Watt was an inventor and chemist who sought out to greatly improve steam engines. Redesigned the Newcomen steam engine by creating a separate condenser which avoided the problems involved with repeatedly heating and cooling the engine's cylinders. This new steam engine, coined the Watt steam engine, allowed for more energy-favorable conditions which greatly improved the efficiency and practicality of trains. -
George Stephenson
Stephenson was an English-born Civil Engineer who was the first to develop and create railways. By inventing this new means of transportation, it allowed for easier and faster ways of moving goods and people. This opened the door for creating larger economies and infrastructure previously unimaginable, -
Socialism
Socialism is the philosophy that all ownership and individual property is limited by governmental control. The ability to own property is a direct function of production. This is important since it shows how direct governmental control with business can alter peoples ability to privately own and develop businesses. -
Interchangeable Parts
Interchangeable parts are those which are identical and therefore can be swapped and changed with broken or unusable parts. This concept, coined by Eli Whitney, allows for a more practical process of repairing broken items. By fixing an individual part as opposed to buying an entire new product, this concept drives down costs associated with owning and maintaining material goods. -
Charles Darwin
Most commonly known for his work on evolution and evolutionary ancestors. Provided the first explanations to how species change and adapt overtime when put in different climates and scenarios. By doing so, Darwin established principles that could be used to further advance the fields of biology and ecology. -
Alfred Nobel
Swedish inventor and scientist who created dynamite. This new product allowed for the safer control of nitroglycerin, which was used to remove land for mining and other means. Also apparent was his wealth, which spurred the Nobel Prize. This new reward allowed for the continuation and development of the scientific community. -
Thomas Edison
An American scientist and inventor who created many machines and tools such as the phonograph and motion picture camera. Edison also worked on, but did not invent, the light bulb, which allowed for the widespread accessibility of light. His collaboration on projects helped represent and spur the idea of scientific teamwork. -
Communism
Communism is the philosophy that mainly aims to ditch individual gain and financial development by having a common ownership amongst all items. By doing so, all social classes are abandoned and funneled into one single class of people. This philosophy shows the impact that direct government control can have on people and the ways that individual growth are limited. -
Social Democracy
Social Democracy is very similar to socialism, however it is more adapted to a capitalistic economy. This philosophy allows for people to have a say in their government and institutions, and as a result more people can be involved in the way their nation is run. This idea is beneficial in promoting involvement in a government so that the people can be represented and taken into consideration whilst operating the country. -
Social Darwinism
Social Darwinism is the idea that people are subjected to government and economic laws such as they are in regard to natural selection. In doing so, people who have less negatives/flaws are seen to flourish, whilst people with more flaws are seen to suffer. When applied to economics, this philosophy is translated to social classes, where the rich and ultra-rich are seen to have less flaws. -
Germ Theory
Germ Theory is the scientific theory proposed by Louis Pasteur which redefined how diseases spread and mutate through a population. The main idea of the theory is that microorganisms are responsible for diseases when they infect people and/or other organisms. Germ Theory proved essential for not only the scientific community, but for all, since it was used to better predict and study diseases. By doing so, it allowed for quick and effective means to combat illnesses. -
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is the idea that actions should be guided on the principles of making the general majority happy and promoting well-being. Bettering society as a whole is the main purpose of this philosophy, and doing so helps promote happiness within the population. This philosophy is more commonly referred to as ethics in our daily lives, and although it has some limitations it aids in promoting ethical decisions. -
Automobile
The automobile could be argued the most important and crucial invention in recent history. The four-wheeled vehicle, powered either by gasoline or electricity, allows for fast and effective travel. Not only can the automobile be used to transport people, but it can also be used to haul large payloads and other equipment. This invention also ousted the train in speed and maintenance. -
Airplane
An airplane is a form of transportation that uses fixed wings attached to an aircraft and jet propulsion to create lift. Created by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903, this new form of transportation incorporated the gasoline engine which was used to power propellers. By creating yet another form of transportation, heavier payloads and more people could be moved when compared to trains and automobiles. This allowed for more cost-effective means of transportation. -
Assembly Line
An assembly line is the process of which products are made by assembling pieces to form the main product as it moves through different stations. This new assembly process created a more practical and faster way to create products of any kind. By implementing the assembly line into production facilities, it can both lower the assembly costs and lower labor costs.
