Technological advances made between 1870 and 1940 dramatically improved living standards, quality of life, and workplace productivity. Some historians and economists have argued that we are unlikely to see such dramatic improvements in the future.
Choose three new technological systems developed in this period.
Explain how these improved living standards, quality of life, and workplace productivity.
Describe how demographic characteristics like race, gender, class, occupation, and location (urban vs. rural, for example) shaped the adoption of these technologies. Who got access to them first, and why?
By way of conclusion, give your thoughtful assessment of the argument that we are unlikely to see these dramatic improvements in the future. Do you agree or disagree with this argument? Why? What evidence can you offer to support your position?