Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Both periods saw big changes, the early 1900s saw the rise automobiles, planes, the first computer, the rise of suburbia, the invention of television, two world wars which saw jumps in technological advancements and much more. The late 20th century saw the cultural revolution, the space wars, the rise of television, the rise of personal computers, the internet, video gaming, huge changes in music, the fall of the soviet union and Americanization.
1900-1949
Modern medicine, increase of life span.
Central water and sewer.
Airplanes.
Radio.
Television.
US became an industrial power.
Migration to the cities tied to that.
Modern farming techniques.
Nuclear weapons leading to nuclear power.
Suburbanization started then, not after WW II. Look up "Railroad Suburbs".
Both periods saw big changes, the early 1900s saw the rise automobiles, planes, the first computer, the rise of suburbia, the invention of television, two world wars which saw jumps in technological advancements and much more. The late 20th century saw the cultural revolution, the space wars, the rise of television, the rise of personal computers, the internet, video gaming, huge changes in music, the fall of the soviet union and Americanization.
you forgot the income tax and the theft of american resources by government.
wow, what an interesting subject: I did vote 1950 to 99, but it is probably a toss up: we had 2 major wars the first 1/2 of the century: the great depression, the only time a president has been elected 4 time; We had the beginning of the industrial age, cars were new and flying as well. Women gained the right to vote, prohibition was voted in, then out; people moved from the rural areas where they were raised to the city and more people finished high school then went on to college. Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg.
From 1950 to 99 we also saw 2 major wars, then ease in travel throughout the world, bringing on new adventures for those who could afford the luxury, later the luxury became more common place. Women entered fields they would never dream of a 1/2 century before. The sexual revolution changed lives for many, protesters became common place and no one can forget the changes brought about by the development of the technical generation. We moved from family oriented life to a more socially accepted do your own thing life. There is no cut and dry defining what a family is today.
Many changes have been positive and just as many negative in my opinion.
I voted for the last half of the century. One way to think about it is to imagine a time traveler moving from 1900 to 1950 and another moving from 1950 to 2000. Which one would be more freaked out by everything, both in terms of first impressions and difficulty fitting in and adjusting to life 50 years in the future?
The traveller from 1900 to 1950 would of course be amazed by cars, airplanes and television, but once he got over being awed by that he could probably function in society without much trouble. A person from 1950 moving to 2000 might not be as blown away by the new machines but he would find the people quite alien. He would see that their lifestyles and even the things they valued had changed beyond all recognition. I think he would have a very tough time getting over the culture shock.
I went with 1950-1999. Not for any particular reason though. The 20th century as a whole was a roller coaster for the West and the world at large. I frankly think it's impossible to say for sure what saw more change. I do however think the changes that occurred in 1950-1999 have more of an obvious impact on us today than changes made in the first half of the 20th century. Mainly in social functions. Obvious, technological developments of the early 20th century made a huge impact, but those technologies have improved over time, much of the innovation having happened in the laters 20th century.
Also, thank you for an interesting and engaging topic about something other than Muslims, guns, or the upcoming election.
True, although I wonder if technology really advanced more overall in the first half of the century. Maybe it did in terms of peoples everyday lives.
Other than the computer/internet and the cell phone, pretty much everything else about modern civilization came about pre-1950. Although, much of it really didn't become mainstream until the 1950's.
It is true that the computer and cell phone have changed people's lives somewhat, but nothing really compares to the automobile, and electricity and all the cool things that go with it, like refrigerators, and microwaves.
The main impact of the computer and the cell phone has been social. And socially, America began changing rapidly in the 1960's, and continues to transform rapidly today.
With that said, since the start of the industrial revolution, the world has changed drastically. The changes between 1850 and 1900 were pretty drastic as well.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
