Technology

Definition

Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. Throughout history, technological advancements have played a crucial role in shaping societies, economies, and political structures, impacting exploration, colonization, warfare, and social movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Technological innovations like the printing press facilitated the spread of ideas during the Renaissance, leading to significant cultural shifts.
2. Advancements in navigation technology, such as the compass and improved ship design, were vital for European exploration and conquest in the New World.
3. The telegraph revolutionized communication in the 19th century, allowing for rapid information exchange that transformed business and governance.
4. During the Progressive Era, technology was harnessed to improve urban infrastructure and public health through advancements like sanitation systems and electricity.
5. World War II saw unprecedented technological developments in warfare, including radar and atomic energy, which changed military strategies and global power dynamics.

Review Questions

• How did technological advancements influence European exploration and conquest in the Americas?
  • Technological advancements such as improved navigational tools like the astrolabe and magnetic compass allowed European explorers to travel further and with greater accuracy. These innovations made it possible for explorers to venture into uncharted territories, leading to significant conquests in the Americas. Additionally, advancements in shipbuilding technology enabled larger and more durable vessels, which facilitated longer journeys across the Atlantic and contributed to the establishment of European colonies.
• Analyze how technology shaped the political landscape during the Jacksonian era and its impact on federal power.
  • During the Jacksonian era, technological advancements like the telegraph and steam engine significantly altered communication and transportation. The expansion of railroads improved trade routes and facilitated westward expansion, which challenged existing federal power as states sought greater autonomy. The increased speed of information transfer through the telegraph allowed for more rapid political responses, thus reshaping how federal authority was exercised in response to emerging issues related to expansion and state rights.
• Evaluate the role of technology in shaping social movements during the early steps of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1940s and 1950s.
  • Technology played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement by enhancing communication and mobilization efforts among activists. The advent of television brought national attention to civil rights protests and injustices faced by African Americans, helping to galvanize public support. Additionally, advances in printing technology facilitated the distribution of pamphlets and newsletters that informed communities about events and organized grassroots efforts. This integration of technology into activism not only amplified the movement's message but also helped establish a collective identity among participants striving for equality.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of major industrialization during the late 18th and early 19th centuries that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial, significantly changing labor practices and production methods.

Innovation:

The process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value or for which customers will pay.

Mass Production:

The manufacturing of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly lines or automated technology to increase efficiency and reduce costs.