The Influence of Automobiles on American Society

1333 Words3 Pages

Ever since the invention of the automobile, the car has been a large part of American life. Currently there are more than 16 million cars sold that are made in America (Magee, Ferrara, and LaMeau 149). It is something that is used every day in America by millions of people. The automobile opened the door for new opportunities and new experiences. It symbolizes the American ideal of freedom and independence. Americans have embraced the automobile and have implemented it into their lives. Automobiles fueled the American economy and helped establish a nationwide network of roads. Automobiles have had a great influence on American society through their history, the pioneers of the automotive industry, the companies involved in the automotive industry, and the highway system.
The history of the automobile was on-going from 1770 to 1914, and in that time frame, the automobile became something that is widely recognized in modern times. The first attempts to make a car were designed around propulsion from a steam engine. At the time, the steam engine was the best form of an engine. Using heat and water, the steam engine got its power from the pressure of the steam. Although primitive, the steam engine was an important part in the advancement of the automobile. The first self propelled vehicle arose in 1770 and is the fardier à vapeur (Wise 8). The fardier à vapeur was not an immediate success, but marks a huge monument to the development of the automobile. From 1820 to 1840, the steam propulsion flourished, but soon died off in the early 1850’s due to new legislation deeming steam powered cars impractical (Wise 8).
After the steam engine, the age innovation with the internal combustion engine began from 1880-1900. Like the steam e...

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...of U.S. Economic History. Ed. Thomas Carson and Mary Bonk. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 1999. 166-168. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.
"Ford, Henry." Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History. Ed. Thomas Carson and Mary Bonk. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 1999. 329-331. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
“Ford Motor Company." Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History. Ed. Thomas Carson and Mary Bonk. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 1999. 331-333. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
"SIC 1611: Highway and Street Construction." Encyclopedia of American Industries. Ed. Lynn M. Pearce. 6th ed. Vol. 2: Agriculture, Mining, Construction, Wholesale, & Retail Industries. Detroit: Gale, 2011. 1703-1709. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Wise, David Burgess. The Illustrated History of Automobiles. New York: Gallahad, 1981. Print.

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