Standard USII.6a Explaining how developments in factory and labor productivity, transportation, communication, and rural electrification changed American life and standard of living
Essential Questions How was social and economic life in the early twentieth century different from that in the late nineteenth century? What factors increased factory and labor productivity?
Results of improved transportation brought about by affordable automobiles Greater mobility Creation of jobs Growth of transportation- related industries (road construction, oil, steel, automobile) Movement to suburban areas
Invention of the airplane The Wright brothers
Use of the assembly line Henry Ford, automobile Rise of mechanization http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=41FC7AD0-401C-410D-A850-88094A39F02E
Communication changes Increased availability of telephones Development of the radio and broadcast industry Development of the movies http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=45C6B36C-0A6C-4B1B-B0BF-94F7588F2F15
Ways electrification changed American life Labor-saving products (e.g., washing machines, electric stoves, water pumps) Electric lighting Entertainment (e.g., radio) Improved communications
Essential Understandings Technology extended progress into all areas of American life, including neglected rural areas.