5. The development of the transistor and related improvements (middle to late 1900's)

Invented in 1947, the transistor began the process of miniaturizing the components of communications systems and spread from there to other areas. Today, transistors--combined in the form of microprocessors--operate communications satellites, cellular telephones, missiles, ATM machines, computers, CD players, automobiles, and nearly every modern electronic device.

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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.

1.

The impact of the automobile (throughout the 1900's)
2. The development of the airplane (throughout the 1900's)
3. The spread of mass production methods (throughout the 1900's)
4.

The rise of radio and television (mid-1900's)
5. The development of the transistor and related improvements (middle to late 1900's)
6. The development of the computer and the Internet (middle to late 1900's)
7. The development of atomic weapons and nuclear power (mid-1900's)
8. The development of new materials (throughout the 1900's)
9. The institutionalization of invention (throughout the 1900's)
10. The marriage of technology and science (throughout the 1900's)