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I recently finished reading "America, 1908" by Jim Rasenberger.
He describes how that year was pivotal in so many ways.
While the Wright brothers first flew in 1903, it was in 1908 that they made flying more routine and sustained (lasting for hours sometimes, rather than just minutes) and even overcame a plane crash that killed one of the Wright brother's passengers.
The book also describes how the Model T originated that year and would revolutionize American society by offering relatively cheap, durable cars.
It focuses on the rivalry between polar explorers Frederick Cook and Robert Peary, and the different approaches, triumphs and setbacks they experienced.
I found the focus on the last days of President Theodore Roosevelt's administration interesting, especially his sending a fleet of American battleships in a voyage to different places around the world.
There was some fear even in 1908 that the voyage might spark a conflict between America and Japan, but the American fleet was welcomed in grand style and given a very warm and celebratory reception by the Japanese.
Finally, the book describes an ill-fated Great Race (for automobiles) that was to have gone from New York City to Paris via a western route and over a frozen Bering Strait. The route had to be significantly modified, and was sponsored by the New York Times.
It was an interesting read, and 1908 was the year my great-grandmother, who lived to be 100, was born, so it has added meaning for me.
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