The development of these media revolutionized mass communications. Radio and TV helped break down regional dialects, reduced isolation, and became the primary mode of entertainment and information for people worldwide. In democratic countries, they changed the nature of the political process by requiring different characteristics for successful candidates. In nondemocratic societies, they further reinforced the control of centralized governments over their citizens. |
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. |