Why has technology suddenly rocketed forward in the past 200 years?

Question

I had a look at a list of 18th century technologies, and it had all been done before in places like ancient Greece and China, including steam engines and batteries. So why the sudden leap forward?

Answer 1

I think its kind of like exponential growth in population; the factors are just right for everything to grow insanely.

Some things like control over people in places like Europe via the papacy, monarchies, etc. became less widespread.

It may even be that most people had major problems sorted out in the governmental and social systems that allowed them to focus more on invention, etc.

Also, it could be that communication became MUCH easier, allowing people to communicate more and develop ideas from all around the world with minds all around the world.

Overall, I'd say it was our ability to think more globally after sorting out local problems and being able to communicate more easily.

This is really scattered, sorry. D:

Answer 2

Well, it didn't actually sky rocket in the past 200 years. Technology as you know it today, i.e cell phones, i-pods, video games, microwave ovens, plasma TV and even just the plain old telephone, are what has skyrocketed since the end of WWII. It's all due to electronics and the development of the transistor which enabled scientist to shrink down electrical components.

Then there is the thought that all this is due to a space craft that crashed here in the US. This is where scientist used "reverse engineering" to duplicate devices found on the spacecraft.

So take your pick.

Answer 3

Technology tends to build on itself. Once you invent a club and a rock to smash your neighbor's head with, you're in a position to put the two together to make an axe.

I'm sure electricity has a lot to do with it, specifically. Name significant inventions of the last 100 years in which electricity is not required in some way. It's hard. I get flush toilet, but even that probably predates 100 years ago. Information technology has a boot-strapping effect on invention too. Electricity enables this (computers and telephones and such). Imagine how life would change today if all use of electricity was banned.

Answer 4

I noticed that also but then again some technologies are still old and needs major updating.

We have robots that can do assisted open heart valve surgery. We also have missles that can shoot halfway across the world and hit a target as small as a pen. I think that if we continue this then we will be in the age of the future like we see on TV in about 100 years.

It seems like a bright future but its sad that I probably won't live long enough to get to 2100 to see what happens since I am 16.

Answer 5

short answer: business Revolution. many stuff in western europe slowed down progression, possibly feudalism, the church, the plague, little ice age, etc. even although, think of the form made whilst people first began coming up cities. there have been a lot of key advancements--like the printing press. firearms. navigation. It wasn't purely the previous 2 hundred years. it rather is actual that there have been extra rapid progression created from vaguely around 1860 to as we talk. It additionally makes a distinction in case you look at the history of distinctive cultures and look previous western europe.

Answer 6

Electricity.

Answer 7

I hope humans will be wise enough to be able to transfer everything they create back to their initial state..

Plastic Bottles are one big problem. Most people are more interested in being creative without thinking of how they can transform their products back to the initial state or recycling.

Answer 8

Because of the technology we get when a UFO crashes.