During the Great Depression, unemployment in the USA rose up to 25%, and people were worried about the future of their country and doing all they could to keep a sustainable lifestyle. Funding for new technologies must have been limited, yet it seems that the Depression did not halt the scientists and engineers of the time. In some cases it may have even pushed forward certain technologies based on the needs and desires of the people. People are always looking to create something big and live off of it. The Great Depression was no exception.
The Car Radio was invented in 1930 by Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, allowing for portable entertainment. During the stress filled time-period, the car radio was extremely popular upon its release.
Monopoly was invented in 1935 by Charles Darrow, an out of work engineer. It seems ironic that such a game would come from a time for people to experience period of economic distraught. However it seemed to be enjoyable for the average person to experience economic domination.
The first helicopter was invented in 1939 by Igor Sikorsky. Perhaps one of the most important inventions of the time period, this helicopter served as the basis for future helicopters around the world. helicopters would even make an appearance in the upcoming World War 2.Sources: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/12/1205_sb_necessity/1.htm
http://connecticuthistory.org/worlds-first-helicopter-today-in-history/
Nice post Sean! Monopoly was actually created to show the problems and dangers with free market capitalism through the use of a board game, but instead it's just a fun board game to play. Plus, the mascot is the embodiment of capitalism as a man wearing a top hat with lots of money. The first version of Monopoly was called the Landlord's Game, and was designed to show how a landlord could abuse their power on their tennants. Anyone who is interested can see here:
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Landlord%27s_Game
I wanted to know what other inventions had come about during the great depression and I discovered that chocolate chip cookies had been created during this time. In 1933, Ruth Wakefield, owner of Toll House, invented the "butter drop do" cookie recipe, actually dating from colonial times except she was ingenious enough to add chocolate and TADA chocolate chip cookies.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! Besides the helicopter, what were some of the military advancements at this time? Did other corporations beside the car industry push themselves to create technological advancements during this time to?
ReplyDeleteReally cool post! I found another invention during the Great Depression, The Electric Dry Razor. In 1919 Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Schick left the Army and resumed his quest, starting Magazine Repeating Razor Co. There Schick developed the so-called injector razor (keep the handle, swap the blades). Still dreaming of a dry shave, Schick sold Magazine Repeating Razor to fund Schick Dry Shaver. His electric dry shaver reached the market in 1929.
ReplyDeleteThis cite has some other really cool inventions
Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/ss/08/12/1205_sb_necessity/2.htm