The USA has the second-most inventions in the world, and for a country less than 250 years old, that’s pretty impressive. Renowned for innovative inventions, most new technology comes from the USA, and these 18 American inventions shifted the course of history.
GPS
When was the last time you used a paper map? Probably a long time ago. Thanks to the invention of the Global Positioning System, we can now access directions in real-time, whether traveling by land, air, or sea, with a highly advanced system that tracks our journey. That’s all thanks to the US!
Sticky Notes
When a chemist stumbled upon a unique reusable adhesive that didn’t leave any residue, he was lost on how to use it until a colleague inspired him, frustrated by bookmarks that wouldn’t stick. The rest was history; sticky notes took over the world and remained one of the most used stationery items.
Light bulbs
While many are credited with the invention, Thomas Edison’s contributions were the most successful. This invention not only allowed us to light up dark rooms, but Live Science states it also changed the way we sleep, a dramatic shift for humankind.
The telephone
Alexander Graham Bell brought the world a little closer together with the invention of the telephone in 1876. Three days after its invention, the first official phone call was made, a short conversation that is famous across the planet. It was a phenomenal step forward for global connection.
Air conditioning
Although air conditioning may seem like a modern invention, the first unit was introduced in the US over a century ago! With patents received in 1902, AC has become more popular and affordable. We couldn’t imagine life without it, especially during hot summers.
Bread slicing machine
Many people use the phrase ‘the best thing since sliced bread,’ and believe it or not, this phrase is based on a legitimate invention–the bread-slicing machine. According to Flex Trades, this convenient gadget was technically not invented in the US, but an American still invented it.
Interchangeable parts
The Industrial Revolution turned economies on their heads, and an important contribution to this was interchangeable parts in 1801. Before this US invention, there was no standard for creating machine parts; each machine was custom and hard to replicate. Without interchangeable parts, the world would be a very different place.
Plastic
Although modern-day people are less positive about plastic, its initial invention in 1844 was a huge deal. Commercial plastics were introduced to almost every industry in existence, and they continue to be one of the most widely used materials ever invented.
Motion pictures
Everyone loves a good movie, and we wouldn’t have them if it wasn’t for the American invention of the first motion picture camera: the Kinetograph. This machine was introduced in 1890, followed by the first movie projector two years later, marking the beginning of America’s reign as the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Hearing aids
Designed in the US to amplify sound and modulate noise, the hearing aid is still invaluable to those with hearing difficulties today. Bizarrely, the idea was actually concocted for fashion purposes a few years earlier, but the first functioning hearing aid was eventually introduced in 1902.
Stop signs
First erected at road junctions in 1915, stop signs were a huge leap forward for road safety. While there have been many alterations over the years, and different variations are used worldwide, the stop sign is one of the most important road signs. Without it, our roads would fall into chaos!
Smoke detectors
The smoke detector was a major invention that improved fire safety in homes, businesses, and communal spaces around the globe. It was invented in 1890 in the US, designed to detect smoke and warn anyone nearby. They still remain essential in any building to this day, although their designs have developed significantly.
Zippers
One of the most popular forms of fastening, the zipper, was originally designed for shoes. Sadly, this never caught on, but zippers remain a highly versatile invention that can be used on most material items. Invented in Chicago, the zipper truly has stood the test of time.
The airplane
Intrigued by aeronautics, two American bicycle mechanics experimented for four years before the first successful airplane flight in 1903. The National Air and Space Museum says that the original design elements are still incorporated into aeronautical engineering today, which is remarkable considering that this was over 120 years ago!
Medical gloves
Disposable medical gloves were created in the US in 1894 to enhance safety in healthcare and make medical procedures more sterile. They prevent cross-contamination between healthcare professionals and their patients, making medical examinations safer for all parties. Still used today, medical gloves are a top priority in healthcare settings.
Remote controls
These days, we don’t think about how we interact with technology, but it all began with the remote control. Invented by Nikola Tesla, the first patent was granted in 1898 after a demonstration of a remote-controlled boat. It’s still a staple of any modern household, mainly used for TVs and game consoles.
Nickel-zinc batteries
Nickel-zinc batteries were a huge technological step, allowing us to use machines without power cables or disposable batteries. Invented by Thomas Edison, these batteries are commonly used for cordless phones, digital cameras, and battery-operated power tools, so without them, we’d be sent back to the Stone Age.
The internet
Finally, the internet is easily the biggest technological advancement in global history, and we’re proud to say it was American. We rely on it for everything today, so much so that the US Department of State claims that it has contributed trillions to the global economy, and this shows no sign of slowing down.
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