Automobiles are a major form of transportation, both for business and leisure. The automobile allows us to travel long distances with ease and in relative comfort, compared to other forms of land transportation like bicycles or walking. People can use cars to run errands, visit friends, or go shopping. Cars are also more convenient than other types of public transportation because they allow you to set your own schedule and to avoid the inconvenience of waiting for the next bus or train. A car also offers more comfort than other forms of transportation because you can control the climate and drive in a comfortable environment.
The first automobiles were developed in the late 1800s. These were powered by electricity, and later by internal combustion engines. The combustion engine works by burning a fuel such as gasoline, diesel or kerosene to create mechanical energy that turns the wheels of the car.
Inventors and engineers worked to improve the automobile throughout the 1900s. One of the most significant advancements came from Henry Ford, who revolutionized automobile manufacturing with the assembly line. Ford used the mass production method to reduce the price of his Model T and make it affordable for the average American.
The automobile greatly changed American life during this time. Families could now take road trips to places they couldn’t reach before, and cities could expand into the countryside. Businesses saw a boom in sales, and new jobs opened to supply the needs of the automobile industry. Industries that produced parts, such as rubber and plastics, also grew. Service businesses, such as gas stations and convenience stores, sprang up to serve the automobile driver.
Another huge change in America due to the automobile came from women, who gained a sense of independence and freedom by driving their own cars. This was especially true during the 1910s and 1920s when women were fighting for voting rights and other social changes. Women drove around with “votes for women” banners, and gave speeches in their automobiles.
Automobiles became so important to everyday life that they became cultural icons. They were incorporated into popular art such as music, novels and movies. Artists used cars to symbolize freedom, power and the future.
While the automobile has brought many changes to society, it has also caused some negative effects. In the early 1960s, engineering was subordinated to the questionable aesthetics of nonfunctional styling and poor quality, which led to higher unit profits for Detroit automakers at the expense of safety and fuel economy. The environmental costs included air pollution and a drain on dwindling world oil supplies. The automobile has also become a target for theft, vandalism and other criminal activities. Despite these downsides, the automobile continues to be a vital means of transporting people and goods, as well as a symbol of freedom. For these reasons, the automobile will likely remain a mainstay in the United States and worldwide for some time to come.