Chapter 2 Space-Age Technology 40 Power 41 Alternatives to Fossil Fuels 44 Materials 45 Developments in Computers and Automation 47 Food Production 50 Civil Engineering 52 Transport and Communications 53 Military Technology 58 Space Exploration 59 Chapter 3 Controversies Surrounding Science and Technology 67 Edison’s Role 70 Criticisms of Technology 72 The Technological Dilemma 79 Nuclear Technology 80 Ecological Balance 80
Chapter 4 Technology Shaping Society 82 Interactions Between Society and Technology 82 The Power and Limits of Technology 84 Technology and Education 86 The Quality of Life 91 Conclusion 97 Glossary 99 For More Information 103 For Further Reading 107 Index 109
8 Introduction The rapid pace of technological change in the 20th century makes it difficult to put these recent developments in historical perspective New materials ranging from syn thetic rubber to plastics and artificial fabrics affected ways of life and fashion With the introduction of the electric streetcar in 1888 cities extended beyond the distance that could easily be covered by a horse Following the establishment of the assembly line by Henry Ford in 1913 the automobile became inexpen sive enough for many to afford one and changed the landscape in industrialized nations The aircraft industry grew within decades after the first powered flight by the Wright brothers in 1903 The age of electronics was ushered in when Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio message in 1901 Radio and later television changed communications and entertainment habits Although early computing machines existed by World War II it took the invention of the transistor in 1948 to make modern computers and office machines a reality Nuclear power was introduced after World War II and the space age began with the first Soviet spacecraft in 1957 Many of these developments depended on the advances in science that were required before their adaptation by engineers
9 As technology advances it allows further exploration of space NASA’s Curiosity rover explored Mars from 2012 and took this selfie in 2014
