The development and commercialization of aircraft following the Wright brothers' successful flight in 1903 promoted transcontinental transportation on a scale unimaginable in earlier centuries and heavily contributed to the globalization of industry and tourism. In warfare, aircraft significantly modified the way wars were fought, both at the strategic and tactical levels, and exposed civilians to military actions as never before. More information: |
Terry S. Reynolds is a Professor of History at Michigan Technological University. His Top 10 list focuses on the most significant developments in technology. "No other invention had so wide an influence during the 1900's," says Professor Reynolds of his top pick--the automobile. |