The End of the Age of Automobiles
Automobiles are powered by either internal combustion engines (gasoline or diesel) or electric motors. They are typically built on a steel frame and feature a variety of windows to allow passengers to enjoy the view while driving. They come in various shapes and sizes to suit the needs of different users.
The automobile has radically changed the way people live and travel. It is now one of the most popular modes of transportation in the world, with over 1.4 billion cars on the road. It is a major employer in many countries, and provides millions of jobs worldwide. It also gives people a great deal of freedom. They can travel wherever they want without having to rely on other people or public transport, making it easier for them to work in remote locations. They can also get to important appointments that they might otherwise miss, such as job interviews or meetings with clients.
Although the automobile has been a powerful force for change in twentieth century life, it is now fading as other forces take hold. These other forces are the electronic media, the laser and the computer and they mark the end of an age that could appropriately be called the “Age of Automobiles” and the beginning of a new Age of Electronics.
When the automobile was introduced to America in the early 1900s, it was a novelty and people were not sure what its uses would be. Initially, it was a source of entertainment. It allowed families to vacation together, rekindled the romance of courtship and marriage, and facilitated relaxed sexual attitudes among young people. It enabled urban dwellers to rediscover pristine landscapes and rural dwellers to shop in town.
Despite these benefits, it took a while for people to accept the automobile as a truly useful device. Breakdowns were frequent, fuel was difficult to obtain and roads suitable for traveling were scarce. It was only after the historic long-distance drive of Bertha Benz in 1888 and Horatio Nelson Jackson’s successful transcontinental trip in 1903 that Americans began to realize the potential of this new mode of transportation.
The automobile is a complex machine with many systems working together to make it run smoothly. Some of these systems are simple, such as the wheels and axles that make it move. Others are complicated, such as the engine that produces the power to turn the wheels and provide electricity for lights. The car’s interior also has systems that keep the vehicle cool and comfortable, provide sound insulation and help with navigation.
As the automobile industry grew, it required huge amounts of resources from ancillary industries such as petroleum and steel. This led to the development of standardized parts to allow mass production. The invention of the assembly line in 1914 by Henry Ford revolutionized automobile manufacturing and increased its efficiency by allowing workers to remain in one position and do only a single task as parts pass them on a conveyor belt.