3 inventions that redefined our world
August 29th, 2023
The 20th century was an era of unprecedented technological advances, with a profound and lasting impact on our lives. These advances have revolutionized the way we communicate, work, entertain ourselves and even perceive the world around us. Let’s take a closer look at three emblematic inventions of the last century that have, without question, changed the world.
1. The computer
The birth of the computer, though gradual, was one of the major turning points of the 20th century. The first computers, such as the ENIAC or the Colossus, took up entire rooms and were mainly used for military or research operations. With the advent of microprocessors in the 1970s, these behemoths gradually gave way to personal computers, such as the iconic Apple I or the IBM PC.
Today, computers are everywhere : from the office to the home, and even in our pockets with smart cell phones. They have revolutionized fields as varied as medicine, engineering, and art! More than just a machine, it has become the symbol of the information age.
2. The airplane
Aviation has redefined how we perceive distance, bringing the world closer together than ever before. The Wright brothers’ first flights in the early 20th century paved the way for an industry that literally took off. Whether in travel, commerce or communications, the airplane has made possible what once seemed unimaginable!
Travels that would once have taken weeks or even months by boat or train can now be accomplished in a matter of hours. Aviation has not only stimulated world tourism, but has also played a key role in globalization, facilitating commercial and cultural exchanges between countries and continents.
3. The Internet
If the computer revolutionized the way we process information, the Internet has transformed the way we share and consume it. Although the Internet originated from work initiated in the 1960s, it didn’t assume a central role in everyday life until the 1990s. With the creation of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee, access to information, communication and entertainment was democratized as never before.
The Internet has turned the global economy on its head, giving rise to new industries and transforming established ones. It has also changed the dynamics of power, giving a voice to those who were once in the shadows and offering an unprecedented space for expression.
The 20th century was marked by countless technological advances, but the computer, the airplane and the Internet stand out for their universal impact. They embody the innovative spirit of the 20th century and undeniably demonstrate that, in the face of challenges, mankind is capable of great feats! If you believe you have an idea, perhaps even the idea of the century, and don’t know where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Invention Québec team. We’re the experts in the field, and we can guide you through the whole process!
