American_Isolationism_Fades_from_the_Forces_of_Technology

American Isolationism Fades from the Forces of Technology Catherine Morrison HIS204: American History Since 1865 (GSN1228C) Instructor: Kimberly Roff August 16, 2012 American Isolationism Fades From the Forces of Technology America has changed dramatically in the last century. Technological advances have changed the lives of all American people. Technology has transformed American commerce, communication, education, and society. Since 1865, we have progressed into a National giant with global dominance, nationally accessible information, and an open collaborative education system. These advances along with others have come close to ending American isolationism. The American people are no longer physically isolated from the rest of the world due to advances in communication. They are no longer isolated from visiting far off places due to advances in the transportation industry. American's can now access information and education across the globe. Yes, technology has changed the American way. According to Alexandra Robbins (2002), “Technology can be credited with breaking many communication barriers—physical, geographical, economic—and profoundly changing the way we interact with one another. It has put us on the course to universal accessibility, ….”(Technology in America, PC mag.com). Technology, with it's many devices and avenues, has brought about changes and endless possibilities. Today, the American life has countless opportunities that enhance their experience of living, and broadens their American dream. Technology has gleamed upon us as physical and intellectual isolationism fades away. 1865, the first year of the Reconstruction era; A time for healing. America had just ended a war within itself. Four tortuous years the North fought the South and many Americans died senselessly. It was a war over equality and freedom,the blacks fighting for the end of their isolationism from the rest of society, fighting for an opportunity to be a part of America and have their chance at the American dream. “This war, 'the Civil War', to this day is the the most devastating war in U.S. history. More than 600,000 Americans died.” (Bowles, 2011, p.3). Although many laws were enacted and amendments were adjusted -so that the black people could have freedom and other American rights, such as voting – they still struggled and fought for those rights for many years thereafter. 1880, began a new era, with increasing economic growth as industrialization bursted forth. Americans were migrating to the unknown west land, farming and mining produced in abundant amounts, and the textile industry's birth with the he;p of the cotton mill, these were the beginnings of the industrial revolution. But the Black man's isolation remained. One of the first major advances in technology that hit isolationism, was the emergence of the railroad. It also marked the beginning of the “Gilded Age”, (1877-1898), when Americans sought after luxurious surroundings and held hopes and aspirations of life that failed to exist. Industrial growth during this time was phenomenal. Advances in technology were producing new innovative devices left and right. Factories latched on to these devices which increased productivity and brought mass production and distribution. These advances in mechanized industries gave way to 'big business' giants or 'titans' as they were so named. These men who took up the reins of these flourishing industries, and made corporate monopolies, became rich and powerful as they thrusted us into a conglomerate of corporate competition. Since our world began, we have sought and searched for better ways to do things. From the first wheel , back in B.C., to the super collider and more recent, electric automobiles, we have pushed technology to the tenth degree. In the 1900's, major growth and technological advances were at an all time high. Many major inventions resulted that tremendously impacted American life. Technological advances in architecture and in mass transit, enabled the American people to venture out and away from the urbanite cities. Middle class Americans began migrating to less populated areas - away from the big cities and noise. These areas became known as Sub-burbs. The railroad systems were an important part of American expansion. They bridged the gap between western communities, connected shoreline cities that were separated by bodies of water, they connected our lands bringing our nation just a little bit closer. The national railroad network was the backbone of our first mail order retail company. The ability of the rail network to reach people at far distances and to distribute mass amounts of goods helped encourage a new national market that spurred the industrialization of urbanite cities and the newer suburban cities. The railways inspired other technological advances in modes of transportation, and electrically charged energy sources. The locomotive steam engine was the bean that sprouted many innovative ideas that shaped America into the national giant she is today. The discovery of electricity in the late 1880's would be the next major achievement in American growth. In 1881, we had harnessed the energy of electricity, thereby giving us our first accessible power-station. This was an incredible feat, and realization of the unthinkable was becoming an American thought. In Richmond, Virginia, the first streetcar had been invented and implemented, using electrical current as energy. By the end of that year, (1888), well over a hundred cities had introduced electric street cars, marking the birth of a new form of mass transit that ended the old age form of transportation via the foot. More currently we have the personal computer, and mobile devices that access the revolutionary new internet. This superhighway allows for the transference of massive amounts of information, accessible by all Americans, (providing they can access a computer or other device). Americans are becoming dependent on the use of computer technology. This enables them to access information from anywhere and increases their knowledge, thus eliminating both physical and intellectual isolation. This opportunity for Americans to share and create virtual communities with no regard to geographical placing is one of the 20th centuries' main technologic contribution. There are some concerns, though, there is still the digital divide that creates a barrier by economic and social disadvantages. “These interact-tive services will, to some extent, simplify the daily routine by virtually eliminating the need to leave the home. At the same time, however, they will foster the isolation of the general populace by allowing people to retreat into an idealized world, free from change, conflict, and, perhaps, life.” (Greinacher, 1995, p180) There are several people who are credited for their efforts in aiding the growth and expansion of America. Some people even became nationally known for their accomplishments and every household spoke their name. One of these American icons was Thomas Edison. He was America's most famous inventor and also known world-wide. He became known as the “Wizard of Menlo Park” when he opened his research first lab in New Jersey, 1876. Holding over 1,000 patents, he produced new technical devices nearly everyday. He is responsible for inventing the light bulb, operating the first power station and enabled the way to run electricity into our homes and businesses. “Thomas Edison appeared to have invented the modern world.” (Bowles, 2011, p. 40) Another person of strong influence was Henry Ford. Henry Ford implemented the assembly line process in production. He made mass automobiles so that every American had the opportunity to own one. “Historian James Flink, writing in his book The Automobile Age, described the significance of this development: “Improved transportation . . . increased personal mobility, brought city amenities to the Countryside, decentralized urban space, sanitized the central city, and created an integrated national culture, economy and society.” In other words, personal transportation played a vital role in ending isolation and unifying the nation. “ (Bowles, 2011, p.92) Although technologic advances have positive attributes, they also carry negative concerns. Through the advancement of machine technology our industries are using more skilled equipment and relying less on the skill of the workers. This creates loss of income and employment for the American worker. Also, the vast production of new engineering provides the work industry with such advanced equipment, that there is a lack of knowledge and regulations which causes a safety issue. “Skeptics like Neil Postman, argue that "the uncontrolled growth of technology destroys the vital sources of our humanity." They predict that it will lead to isolation and distrust,...” (GREINACHER, 1995, p.176). We are a nation that is letting our technology over-surpass our own limits. Our nation has advanced so rapidly due to our advancements in technology. Not only have we opened up every avenue for all Americans, as a nation we have built a bridge that connects us globally. Our national isolationism has been ended as we have become such a national giant. Our endeavors have brought us to a place of global involvement that we can not back out of. We have responsibilities and ties that will keep us connected to the entirety of the global world. “We are today all aware that practically no idea, no discovery, no invention can for any length of time remain purely a national possession”(Schvan, n.d., p.226). Technology has joined us internationally as well as nationally global, as it has opened doors and avenues that were not available before. It has taken away the reasons that held us in both physical and intellectual isolation. References Bowles, M. (2011). A history of the United States since 1865. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education. Guterman, J., (2002), Technology in America, pcmag.com Robbins, A., (2002), Communications, pcmag.com Schvan, A., (n.d.), Six essentials to permanent peace, Annals of the American academy of political and social science, vol. 60, pp. 222-229 UDO GREINACHER, (1995)The New Reality: Media Technology and Urban Fortress, Journal of Architectural Education , Vol. 48, No. 3 , pp. 176-184