Talking Technology

This article gave a sense about how technology was first created and all the benefits to these many devices. It focused on how technology improved communication throughout the country. It began in 1775 when Benjamin Franklin served as the first postmaster general. The U.S Postal Service was established which began with only 75 post offices and 1,800 miles of route throughout the country. When Samuel Morse invented the telegraph in 1844, where citizens could receive messages in weeks and hours, and even minutes for important notices. This benefited many, but especially the railroads, stock markets, and newspapers. On a personal note, I find the introduction of photography one of the most exciting inventions of the 19th century. I believe photography is very interesting because every photograph means something else to the viewer. The photographer may have had a specific idea in mind of what they wanted to viewer to see but what the viewer gets from the photograph depends on who they are. In Americas history, the invention of the camera served as way to provide visual information throughout the country. News could be shared with the public, family portraits could be taken, and in the field of science "it offered a way to document experiments, observed astronomical events, and analyze subjects undergoing rapid movements." There were numerous other benefits that came about when George Eastman founded the first Kodak camera in 1888. Something that often goes unnoticed about the devices that aid in communication, is that they have been mainly positive, with very little pollution for the most part. I believe it is essential to keep in mind the environment as the world progresses in the science field. The inventions must be beneficial to the user but at the same time, be environmentally friendly. New inventions have most definitely helped to improve the lifestyles of many individuals in the United States. However, with all this advancement the environment is suffering and I feel that it is our duty to find some type of balance before moving any more forward.

Davis, Keith F. "Communication Revolution of the 19th Century." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2010. Web. 31. Jan. 2010.