Inventions of The 20th Century

The era between 1901-2000, better known as the 20th century, witnessed the birth of some remarkable creations. Right from electronic gadgets, automobiles, to articles of everyday use; these inventions stupefied the world at the time they were made. But today, they have become a part of our lives and we literally cannot imagine life without these things. The following are some of the most important inventions, designed and created in the 20th century.

The Radio The invention of the radio was the first among all the major inventions of this period of 100 years (1900-2000). Radio was not invented by a single individual, but was resulted out due to the contribution of several scientists and inventors. However, Nikola Tesla and Guglielmo Marconi are considered as inventors of the Radio. In 1901, Marconi sent the first radiotelegraph message from England to Canada. Radio-telegraphy became one of the most used communication techniques after the radio was invented. The AM (Amplitude Modulation) radio was a modification that helped in making access to numerous radio stations possible.

The Airplane After the radio, the airplane ranks as one of the earliest inventions of the 20th century. Wilbur and Orville Wright, through their invention of the airplane in 1903, demonstrated that man could fly; actualizing a concept that was found earlier only in mythological stories. Before the actual airplane was designed, Wright brothers tried various methods like gliders, hot air balloons, etc. for flying. The airplane, although invented earlier, was not taken seriously until Charles Lindberg made a solo flight across the Atlantic ocean. With its unmatchable applicability, the airplane is truly one of the greatest inventions that changed the world.

The Television The invention of the television dazed people all over the world. Today, life without the television is literally unimaginable for more than half the population of the world. This significant invention was made in 1926, by John Logie Baird. He is credited with making the world's first television broadcast. Soon after the first television broadcast, Baird made the first Trans-Atlantic broadcast as well as the first broadcast with color images. Philo Farnsworth is credited for making the first complete, functional all-electronic television system. The latest technology in television includes integration of the television and the Internet.

The Computer The computer is the greatest, incomparable invention belonging to the 20th century. There is no single inventor accredited with the invention the computer, as it was born out of many scientists', researchers' and mathematicians' contribution. Charles Babbage is credited with the actual concept of the computer, while Konrad Zuse made the first programmable computer. As further inventions took place, desktop computers, Pentium processors and laptop computers soon came into being. The Internet is also one of the most useful inventions of the 20th century. Today, computers are used in nearly all fields like in education, defense, robotics, banking, telecommunication, etc.

Cell Phone The invention of cell phones, also called mobile phones, in 1977, made communication easier, quicker and more comfortable. Improved version of cell phones, are constantly available in the market due to the ever-advancing technology. Today, cell phones also perform functions of computers, music players, camera, video recorders and televisions and hence, are in great demand. The calling rates have also dropped drastically since the time cell phones were first made. Nearly half the world owns a cell phone today; and it will not be wrong to say that cell phones have replaced telephones or other traditional means of communication.

Apart from these major inventions, there were several other inventions made in the 20th century. The following is a list of some other noteworthy inventions and creations:

• Automobiles
• Escalator
• Helicopter
• Robot
• Loudspeaker
• Radio Telescope
• Radar
• Jet Engine
• Electron Microscope
• Atomic bomb
• Laser
• Nuclear Power
• Space shuttle
• Compact Discs
• Zeppelin

• Polio vaccine
• Antibiotics
• Band-Aid
• Chemotherapy
• Pacemaker

• Safety Razor
• Vacuum cleaner
• Electric loudspeakers
• Neon lights
• Cornflakes
• Zipper
• Toaster
• Oven
• Transistor
• Ballpoint Pen
• Cellophane
• Chocolate chips

Don't you think all these things have made our life easier? Therefore, we can conclude by saying that nearly all the inventions of the 20th century have transformed from novelty to necessity. Ciao!