Automobiles
Automobiles are motor vehicles that are powered by an internal combustion engine fueled most commonly by gasoline, a liquid petroleum product. A vehicle designed to transport passengers is called a car or motorcar, while one that is primarily used for cargo is referred to as a truck, van, or bus.
The modern automobile emerged in the late 1800s, and despite early criticism of its expensive cost and polluting effects, it soon replaced horse-drawn carriages on streets and highways around the world. The automobile revolutionized transportation, enabling urban residents to escape to the countryside for recreation and leisure activities, while people living in rural areas could visit cities to shop and attend entertainment events. It also brought urban amenities, such as medical care and education, to rural areas (although paradoxically it made the traditional family farm obsolete).
A variety of road vehicles had been powered by steam engines prior to the advent of the automobile, but the development of a reliable fuel supply for the internal combustion engine in the 1860s gave rise to the automobile. The United States dominated the world automobile industry in the first half of the 20th century, thanks to innovations in industrial manufacturing techniques. U.S. automaker Henry Ford developed assembly lines, which enabled production of his Model T runabout at a price that was within reach for middle-class families.
In the United States, women began to drive automobiles in large numbers, which was a bold and revolutionary move for them at that time. Some of them even decorated their cars with messages like “votes for women” to advocate for the rights of women in society.
The American automotive industry grew into one of the largest industries in the country, and it continues to remain a major economic player worldwide today. There are an estimated 1.4 billion passenger vehicles in operation in the United States alone, covering over three trillion miles annually on average. The automobile stimulated participation in outdoor recreation, and created travel-related businesses such as service stations and roadside restaurants. It accelerated the growth of suburban communities and prompted governments to build roads, one of the earliest and largest items of public works spending.
A special type of automobile is an emergency vehicle, which is designed to assist in medical and rescue situations by responding quickly to a 911 call. These are usually fitted with flashing lights, sirens, and other alert devices to attract the attention of passersby. Other emergency automobiles include tow trucks, ambulances and firetrucks. There are also automobiles designed for specific tasks, such as crane vehicles at construction sites, road rollers at road construction and fork-lift vehicles in warehouses. Such vehicles are typically equipped with specific tools and equipment to deal with the particular task they were designed for.