Introduction
The history of technological and industrial development in America shows how one of the most industrialized nations arose from an agricultural economy to become the most powerful country in terms of technological output (Schwartz 25). The advent of technological development in America can be traced back to the arrival of “European explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries” (Pursell 19). This paper seeks to describe the influence of these European settlers on the development of American Technology and American technological culture; then establish ways through which Americans made European technology to be uniquely American.
History of European Technological influence on America
The earliest known inhabitants of North America were nomadic, hunters and gatherers who used chipped stone spearheads as basic tools (Pursell 25). The Columbian exchange that followed the discovery of America by European explorers marked the beginning of a major technological change and development in the region (Schwartz 34).
Many European explorers arrived with new technologies that were unknown to the Native Americans. Available historical facts indicate that “plowshares, guns and a variety of domesticated animals were introduced to America by pilgrims, Puritans, and Quakers who arrived in the 17th century” fleeing from widespread religious persecution that was rife in Europe (Schwartz 35). The industrialization of America was initially favored by a number of factors that made it advantageous over Europe. This included “a unique confluence of geographical, social and economic factors” (Schwartz 62).
Various settlers from different European countries came along with traditional technologies which they continued to hold onto years after their arrival. They exported European living traditions including architectural designs which were then subjected to gradual reshaping and redefinition. This later emerged to be distinctly American Traditions.
The development of American Technological culture
After the revolution in the 18th century, the American population was still lower in comparison to the European countries. This created a high demand for labor subsequently resulting in an incentive for mechanization of labor-intensive activities (Schwartz 45). The eastern “seaboard of the United States, with a great number of rivers and streams, provided the potential sites for the construction of mills and infrastructure that were a necessity in the early industrialization” (Pursell 45). The United States had several advantages that made it attractive for industrialization. The lack of adequate labor and large deposits of natural wealth eliminated the key obstacles experienced in the European nations (Pursell 56).
“At the end of the American Revolution in 1783, the new government established strong property rights and a non-rigid class structure” (Schwartz 37). The use of patents was introduced to America by European settlers and was thereafter adopted by the new government to promote innovation and scientific progress in America (Schwartz 49).
Various individuals contributed to the technological boom that was being witnessed across America. For instance, the grain elevator was developed by Oliver Evans in the late 18th century. It later replaced the gristmills that were being used to grind grain products at the time. He also developed steam engines in the early 19th century which was followed by the establishment of workshops to develop and carry out repair works for this invention. In 1789, the cotton gin was developed using basic carpentry skills but was instrumental in labor reduction by up to 50% (Pursell 35).
Better industrial innovations were realized in the first quarter of the 19th century and this led to the marked increase in quality and efficiency of industrial processes. “The textile industry that had initially relied upon labor-intensive production methods was gearing towards mechanization” (Pursell 50). Later in the 18th century, “the English textile industry had already adopted the spinning jenny, water frame and spinning mule that led to great improvement in the efficiency of textile manufacturing” (Pursell 51). The innovation was protected from the outside world by the British government which denied the exportation of the equipment or emigration of individuals who were conversant with the technology (Schwartz 20). The Beverly Cotton firm that made use of horsepower became the first cotton mill in the United States in 1787 (Schwartz 23). “Samuel Slater, who worked for a textile factory in England, moved to America in the year 1789” after learning that the United States was rewarding British expatriates who were acquainted with textile technology (Schwartz 24). “Slater later partnered with Moses Brown to establish America’s oldest existing cotton-spinning mill with a fully mechanized water power system at the Slater Mill, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 1793” (Pursell 34). In the subsequent years, Slater set up many other cotton mills in the country.
The advance of American technological culture was initiated by Government efforts in the period after the civil war. “That period was marked by an increased emphasis on technological advancement in different areas such as the railroad, telegraph and telephone and the internal combustion engine” (Schwartz 55). The creation of property rights to encourage innovation and scientific projects was particularly instrumental and contributed a lot to the emergence of a technologically powerful nation. Americans learned how to rely on technology for economic and social activities and thus laying the foundation for the technological culture that is evident today.
Conclusion
This paper sought to establish the influence that Europe had on the development of American Technology and American technological culture; then establish ways through which Americans made European technology to be uniquely American. It has been established that American technological development has its roots dating back to the discovery of the “new world” by European Explorers and the subsequent dealings between Europe and America.
Works cited
Pursell, Carroll. Technology in America: A History of Individuals and Ideas. New york: Wiley, 2006. Print.
Schwartz, Ruth. A Social History of American Technology. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. Print.