Monday, September 17, 2007

Chapter Fourteen Section One Critical Thinking

The invention/development with the greatest impact of society was the discovery by Thomas Edison of how to harness electrical power. One of the things that made it so important was the wide range of places that it was used; in factories to power machines, in homes for light, and even in public transportation, with the invention of the electric streetcar.
The system developed by Edison revolutionized business in America. By 1890, many machines (such as the printing press) were powered by electricity. It was inexpensive and convenient, and we still use it today. It became available for use in the home and many time-saving appliances were invented in its wake. Besides the impact of these things in daily life, the growing of cities was promoted when the electric streetcar made travel easier and cheaper.
The effect on business was great as well; now plants could be located wherever manufacturers chose, instead of near a power source such as a river, as was done before. Labor was much easier and took much less time. As a result, industry grew hugely. After some companies became successful, many other businesses used their efficient processes as a model. Labor was much easier and took much less time.

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