7. The development of atomic weapons and nuclear power (mid-1900's)

Much of the political history of the late 1900's was shaped by the balance of terror created by the development and spread of nuclear weapons. In its more beneficial role, nuclear energy was the only major source of commercial energy introduced in the 1900's. Today, nuclear power supplies nearly 20 percent of the world's electric power. However, many environmentalists and other critics argue that nuclear reactors are unsafe and oppose their use.

 

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)