Causes And Effects Of The Automobile

Causes and Effects of the Automobile in Modern America

Standard number Social Studies H.4.A

Before the invention of the automobile life involved the use of the horse and carriage as the main source of transportation. Humans had to rely solely on one’s own strength and willpower. After the automobile became mainstream, the quality of life became a lot higher. The automobile brought about a change in America well into the 20th century.

In the beginning of the automobile movement, there were many spinoffs but most of them did not last long; however, the pioneers of the industry thrived and expanded as the movement grew larger. And those pioneers are still in business to this day, for example Ford, Dodge, and Chevrolet. Each of these forefathers of the automobile contributed their own ideas and innovations to mold and grow the automotive industry. Henry Ford created the assembly line, which helped him produce a massive amount of cars in the least amount of time. Dodge was one of the first companies to use an all steel frame (mostly wooden frames were still largely used). Chevrolet had been a hard hitter, producing some of the most iconic cars to this day. Chevy created the basic Chevrolet small-block V8 and this design has remained in continuous production since its debut in 1955, longer than any other mass-produced engine in the world.

The automobile was a huge factor in early America due to the advancements that it helped come about. The horse and carriage method of transportation allowed about twenty to thirty miles a day. When the automobile emerged, they were able to travel on average fifty to sixty miles in a day. The ability to travel farther helped to end rural isolation. People were able to travel out of their comfort zo...

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.... By the turn of the century, the U.S. was still the world's top automaker, but in less than a decade it would suffer a major decline as a devastating recession set in. (Davis) miraculously in 2012, like a phoenix rising from its own ashes, the U.S. automobile industry seemed to be recovering from its financial woes. GM posted a net profit of $7.6 billion, the most ever reported by the firm.

In conclusion throughout the years the causes and effects of the automobile have played a major role in the advancement of past and present America. And as time continues it is only expected that technological advancements will go hand in hand with the automotive industry. Although companies may come and go, the need for the automobile will always be there. As well as the need for mechanics, parts, and everything else included in the process of making and selling an automobile.