What's the greatest invention of the 20th century?

Question

What invention from 1900 - 1999 had the biggest positive impact on the world?

Answer 1

Erik Van Thienen is right, the transistor. Let me explain....

Electronics were big and bulky (and very limited in their applications) and considered expensive until the mid fifties when transistors became popular. Electronics got cheaper and smaller.

The transistor allowed the onset of the microchip. TVs, radios, PDAs, cellphones, cameras.....almost everything in your home.

We also have them to help us in Space Travel, National Defense, medical field applications, agriculture, science studies, manufacturing and design (which effects absolutely EVERYTHING you own).

They allow early warning for storms and hurricanes (though the human still screws up response time), help Al Gore save the planet and invent the internet (sarcasm here), and track your dog when he gets lost.

Applications are endless and each one bigger and more helpful than the previous. Not enough can be said about this invention.

Of course, all this would be meaningless with out an even more simple device, the BATTERY!

To add to this, ELECTRICITY WAS DISCOVERED IN THE 18TH CENTURY!

All other inventions listed here would not be possible without the transistor. It took part in either the design or manufacturing of them, or is actually inside them, in whole or as part of a chip allowing them to do what they do.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the greatest invention of the 20th century?
What invention from 1900 - 1999 had the biggest positive impact on the world?

Answer 3

Well its hard to say exactly, because I think a snowball effect of computers to the personal computer and all the little technologies rolled up in them, and now the Internet, is really the greatest invention. I think by far we will be impacted, both postively and negatively, by the Internet more than anything else that came out of the 20th century, but of course that wouldn't be possible without the PC and the chipsets and processors and all that.

Answer 4

Some of you are confusing discoveries with inventions.

Particularly electricity. Not only is that a DISCOVERY, but it was NOT even discovered in the 20th century. Use your heads.

My votes would be the internet, heavier than air flight, and the transistor.


edit:
By the way, my great uncle invented the laser and the physics behind the microwave, so I appreciate those of you who think that was the best! thanks!

double edit:
again, to the woman below me; automobiles were not invented in the 20th century.

I can accept people getting this kind of thing wrong casually, but not on the internet where it would take you 15 seconds to find out the first automobile was built in... 1672.

Answer 5

Everything invented in the 20th century had it's own impact, but I wouldn't...and couldn't name the thing that had "the most impact." But the thing that would have the most impact if it was invented, would be a cure for all cancer and HIV/Aids.

Answer 6

I would've said the autoclave, but that method of medical instrument sterilization was invented in 1879. However...

Lysol was first marketed in 1918. It's practically the granddaddy of publicly purchased disinfectants, and IMO, has made a distinctly positive impact in improving general health through effective sanitary practices.

Answer 7

1.3 world wide web
[or as the woman on 'My name is Earl' said, "the wonderful world of web"] came to my mind first.

which is dependent on the 20th C invention of
1.2 electric computers

which is dependent on another 20th C (?) invention 1.1 the stable current/voltage electrical energy grid .....

Answer 8

I'm a grad student in history (of technology, among other things). So, for what its worth, I don't think we can pick a single invention--at least not yet. iit takes a long time for really important inventions to show their full effects. For the 18th century it wa s the steam engine, for the 19th, the electric generator.

So here's my "top 10" candidates (in no particuar order):

Airplanes
Television
Computers
Antibiotics
Genetic engineering
Spacecraft/space travel
Composite materials
Assembly line
Nanotechnology
solar power

PS: i did not include radio, automobiles, telephones--these ar e19th century nventions.

Answer 9

The Internet, computers, and the electronics that made them possible are the most important, because of the potential to put many people in the world in direct communication. These things have the potential to increase understanding among the peoples of the world. How can we continue to be indifferent to people when we have direct contact with them?

Answer 10

Oh, I know great inventions preceeded this to make it possible but for me it's -
The computer..most specifically the INTERNET. It has made the world smaller. For me, it's great because I have instant contact with family and friends in Spain and other parts of the world!
_______Keep in mind I am no scientist LOL..and I know there is a more "educated" answer to this question

Answer 11

1943-1944 when Netherlands born doctor Willem Kolff invented the first kidney dialysis machine. Before this invention final stage renal patients faced a slow painful death. When Kolff saw a young man die from renal failure, he took it upon himself to do something about it. Many other doctors frowned on the "washing machine" looking device. Yet, in 1945 when a woman regained conciousness after being comotose for over a decade, the "washing machine" gained noteriety.

Today thousands of people enjoy the benefit of this machine. Also with the modern advances in medicine, patients live much longer while waiting on kidneys.

Over the last five years the portable dialysis machine was invented. Now many patients can live a full life without the burdeon of going to a dialysis treatment center several times a week and sitting for many hours.

http://inventors.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.invent.org/hall%5Fof%5Ffame/1%5F1%5F6%5Fdetail.asp%3FvInventorID=88
http://lufkinroad.wcpss.net/staff/vetterb/3-4B/Kidney%20Dialysis%20Machine/invention%20info.htm
http://www.davitaathome.com/?&CMP=KNC-ZO3292772175&s_kwcid={ifcontent:ContentNetwork}{ifsearch:{keyword}}|{creative}