There can be no doubt that the twentieth century is one of the most remarkable in human history for its previously unparalleled rate of technological advances and scientific discoveries, a rate that continues to this day. In fact, there were so many new gadgets invented and discoveries made in the last century that it’s difficult to pare the list down to just the ten (which is why there will be a number of glaring omissions from my list). However, I think I have managed to whittle it down to those ten innovations or technologies that have had the greatest influence on humanity—both positively and the negatively. And so, without further ado and in no particular order, here are my nominees for the Most Important Inventions of the 20th Century of the twentieth century.
10. Nuclear Power
Nuclear power was to the twentieth century what steam power had been to the nineteenth: a game changer. Suddenly humanity had a power source that didn’t pollute, was efficient and practically unlimited, and so had the potential to change the planet overnight. Unfortunately, it was a two-edged sword in that this same energy source could be used to create the most destructive weapons in history, threatening human survival with its very presence. Additionally, while nuclear power plants didn’t spew pollutants into the air, in the hands of the truly incompetent they had the capacity to render whole regions radioactive and, as such, uninhabitable for generations (as was demonstrated at Chernobyl in 1986).
However, it is hard to deny the overall positive impact nuclear power has had. The fear of mutually assured destruction probably prevented the world from experiencing a third world war and, when operated safely, nuclear power plants truly are a superb and cost-efficient energy source that has the capacity to power entire cities. The only question is whether we’re mature enough to handle that power into the next century.
9. The Personal Computer
It’s difficult to imagine our world today without computers. Of course, they have been around since World War Two, but they were clunky, massively expensive things that had all the calculating power of a brick. When Steve Wozniak and Stephen Jobs introduced the Apple in 1976, however, it changed everything and the rest is, as they say, history. Today, of course, they are everywhere and we have become so dependent upon them that many people almost feel naked without one. For some, they even provide the very means of maintaining a livelihood: we use them to keep track of our finances, write books, design logos and sell real estate. Plus, they are rapidly replacing the stereo and television in their ability to entertain us with music, movies, and games. Makes it hard to understand how our ancestors did so well without them, doesn’t it? (Image: the Apple 1, 1976.)
8. The Airplane
Just as the locomotive made the world a smaller place in the nineteenth century, the airplane did the same for us in the twentieth century, shrinking our planet to the point that a person could fly anywhere in the world in a matter of hours. Not only have they made travel quick and safe, but aircraft provide many other services as well: from crop dusting and fighting forest fires to overnight delivery of packages and chasing hurricanes. They have also revolutionized warfare, turning battle into a long-range affair fought at arm’s length by machines of such sophistication that the way wars are fought has completely changed. Of course, they’ve also been responsible for leveling whole cities and bringing war to the civilian population—who had rarely been directly affected by war until the twentieth century—but then no invention is perfect.
7. The Automobile
Though under development in Europe during the nineteenth century, the automobile didn’t really become a practical and reliable source of transportation until the twentieth century. Once it did, it changed everything; overnight the horse and buggy became quaint anachronisms while much of the country was paved over to make room for endless ribbons of asphalt. It also brought about a revolution in the market place, suddenly making it possible to truck in goods that otherwise would be impossible to acquire. Most of all, Henry Ford’s assembly-line production style made the automobile affordable and accessible to the average person (before Ford’s Model T was introduced in 1908, only the fabulously wealthy could afford a car). The automobile gave everyone a degree of mobility and personal freedom our forefathers could only dream of, and turned entire generations of teenagers into raging revheads.
6. Rocketry
While the rocket was first invented and used by the Chinese over three thousand years ago—and used occasionally by the Greeks and Romans since —it wasn’t until the twentieth century that it came into its own and became more than just a dazzling amusement or a largely harmless but still effective “terror weapon” for ancient armies. In the twentieth century, rockets became bigger and more powerful. Most importantly, they became controllable, which suddenly made them useful both as weapons of war and, even more vitally, as our means of accessing outer space.
Without the rocket, it is safe to say we would not only have never gone to the moon or visited every planet in our solar system. Rockets also place satellites into orbit around our planet, so without them we also wouldn’t be able to use GPS, predict the weather, make international calls or, for the most part, even use our cell phones much of the time.
5. The Submarine
Though submersible vessels had been used in the past (the CSS Hunley during the Civil War) and the first true submarine was invented in the 1880’s, it wasn’t until the twentieth century that the modern submarine came into its own. What started as an irritating, but still deadly, weapon in World War One grew into a monstrosity in World War Two- sinking more than any other type of weapon used.
Today, with the advent of nuclear power—which gave the submarine nearly unlimited range and endurance—it has become the capital warship in every first-class Navy in the world and as such has effectively rendered naval warfare of the past obsolete. How effective is the modern submarine? Ask anyone who has ever served on one. They’ll tell you there’s only two types of ships in the world: submarines and targets. ‘Nuff said.
4. Antibiotics
Until Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, almost any little bug that someone picked up was potentially fatal. Once penicillin—and later a whole range of other antibiotics—came on the scene, however, death due to bacterial infection became rare, resulting in a greatly reduced mortality rate and much longer life-span. It also rendered many scourges of the past—from small pox and typhoid to gonorrhea and syphilis—obsolete or, at least in the case of venereal disease, something easily treatable.
3. Television
Yes, I know it destroys brain cells and renders people emotionally and psychologically damaged, but really, where would we be without the boob tube? It is society’s baby-sitter, news source, teacher, entertainer, and story-teller. When in competent hands, television can even be useful at times.
Mostly, though, it fills our days with vapidity and all manner of inane and obnoxious commercials, and is the single greatest reason that families no longer eat in the kitchen or dining room anymore, but instead huddle in the living room around their television eating microwavable food and spilling soft drinks on the sofa. Still, even while we pretend we hate it, we can’t help but seeing what’s on tonight. Worse, most of us would have no idea what to do with our time without it, which is probably the saddest commentary of all.
2. The Internet
The computer rendered the typewriter obsolete and made writing in long-hand a thing of the past, but it took the internet to truly turn the computer into the monster it is today. While the airplane shrank our planet to the point that one could fly from New York to London in six hours, the internet made it possible to be there in a few seconds. It allows truth to make it into and out of repressive countries, it foments revolutions, and spreads lies at the speed of light. It also gives anyone the ability to buy and sell almost anything imaginable, find and torment old school mates, watch the latest you-tube videos, and even find their perfect life partner, all for a few bucks a month. Oh, and you can also get useful information off it if you don’t mind scrolling through 15,000 hits to find out just how long snails really live. Where would we be without it?
1. Radio
Few people today can appreciate the impact the advent of radio had on the twentieth century. Not only did it suddenly make it possible for a person to be heard from hundreds or even thousands of miles away without the use of a wire (quite an accomplishment in the first years of the century) but it was the center of family life through the end of the Second World War and into the doldrums of the fifties, when it was gradually replaced by that new-fangled contraption, the television.
Today, it seems to only be useful in the car as a means of keeping the driver from falling asleep behind the wheel or as a tool of talk radio designed to rile the masses. In its day, however, it was every bit as vital to existence as the television, the computer, the microwave, and the cell phone are to us today.
68 Comments
It’s got to be the stand up taco shell
Don’t mind but I think the order of these Invention is just opposite.
Overall, one of the worth reading post.
Thanks for sharing such an interesting post.
Regards,
Imran Khan
but where’s the DNA structure?
Elevator by Otis? Or climbing stairs up to a couple hundred floors?
Uh hello? The AIR CONDITIONER!
what unuseful stuff. the radio at first
radio is important invention I think it is best investment who invented by a gr scientist
Air conditioning unit?
The transistor is by far the most important invention of the 20th century, maybe even of the second millenium with Guttenbergs printing press a close competitor.
What about the transistor?
That’s what allowed computers to reach homes and become mainstream . Without them , computing power would have stalled , the personnal computer wouldn’t exist, as well as the mobile phone , and pretty much all IoT devices.
Air Conditioning System.
If they not invented yet, there will be no High-raise Buildings and Seafood in this world
This is very useful information thanks
Actually a submarine was used in the Revolutionary war by the Colonies and the Civil War by both sides.
Auto mobile should be first because it gets us to walmart quiker if u know what im saying
Technology Submission -State of the Art / Novel Rotary-Turbo-InFlow Tech / Featured Development
·1-GEARTURBINE PROJECT
?Atypical InFlow Thermodynamic?Technology Proposal Submission?Novel Fueled Motor Engine Type
??*State of the art Innovative concept Top system Higher efficient percent. ?Have similar system of the Aeolipile Heron Steam device from Alexandria 10-70 AD. -New Form-Function Motor-Engine Device. Next Step, Epic Design Change, Broken-Seal Revelation. -Desirable Power-Plant Innovation.
??YouTube; * Atypical New • GEARTURBINE / Retrodynamic = DextroRPM VS LevoInFlow + Ying Yang Thrust Way Type – Non Waste Looses
-This innovative concept consists of hull and core where are held all 8 bteps of the work-flow which make the concept functional. The core has several gears and turbines which are responsible for these 8 steps (5 of them are dedicated to the turbo stages). The first step is fuel compression, followed by 2 cold turbo levels. The fourth step is where the fuel starts burning – combustion stage, which creates thrust for the next, 5th step – thrust step, which provides power to the planetary gears and turbines and moves the system. This step is followed by two hot turbo steps and the circle is enclosed by the final 8th step – bigger turbine. All this motion in a retrodynamic circumstance effect, wich is plus higher RPM speed by self motion. The Reaction at front of the action.
*8-X/Y Thermodynamic CYCLE – Way Steps:?1)1-Compression / bigger?2)2-Turbo 1 cold?3)2-Turbo 2 cold?4)2-Combustion – circular motion flames / opposites?5)2-Thrust – single turbo & planetary gears / ying yang?6)2-Turbo 2 hot?7)2-Turbo 1 hot?8)1-Turbine / bigger
-With Retrodynamic Dextrogiro vs Levogiro Phenomenon Effect. / Rotor-RPM VS InFlow / front to front; “Collision-Interaction Type” – inflow vs blades-gear-move. Technical unique dynamic innovative motion mode. [Retrodynamic Reaction = When the inflow have more velocity the rotor have more RPM Acceleration, with high (XY Position) Momentum] Which the internal flow (and rotor) duplicate its speed, when activated being in a rotor (and inflow) with [inverse] opposite Turns. The Reaction at front of the action. A very strong Novel torque power concept.
-Non waste parasitic looses for; friction, cooling, lubrication & combustion.
-Shape-Mass + Rotary-Motion = Inertia-Dynamic / Form-Function Wide [Flat] Cylindrical shape + positive dynamic rotary mass = continue Inertia positive tendency motion. Kinetic Rotating Mass.
??-Combustion 2Two continue circular [Rockets] flames. [ying yang] opposite one to the other. – With 2TWO very long distance INFLOW [inside propulsion] CONDUITS. -4 TURBOS Rotary Total Thrust-Power Regeneration Power System. -Mechanical direct 2two [Small] Planetary Gears at polar position. -Like the Ying Yang Symbol/Concept. -Wide out the Rotor circumference were have much more lever [HIGH Torque] POWER THRUST. -No blade erosion by sand & very low heat target signature profile. -3 points of power thrust; 1-flow way, 2-gear, 3-turbine. *Patent; Dic. 1991 IMPI Mexico #197187 All Rights Reserved. Carlos Barrera.
———————————————————————
·2-Imploturbocompressor; One Moving Part System Excellence Design – The InFlow Interaction comes from Macro-Flow and goes to Micro-Flow by Implossion – Only One Compression Step; Inflow, Compression and outflow at one simple circular dynamic motion Concept.
*·“Excellence in Design” because is only one moving part. Only one unique compression step. Inflow and out flow at the same one system, This invention by its nature a logic and simple conception in the dynamics flow mechanics area. The invention is a wing made of one piece in a rotating motion, contained in a pair cavity system connected by implocavity, and interacting dynamically with a flow, that passes internally “Imploded” through its simple mechanism. This flow can be gas (air) or liquid (water). And have two diferents aplications, in two diferents form-function; this one can be received (using the dynamic flow passage, as a receiver). Or it can be generated (with a power plant, generating a propulsion).
Presenting one of the many diferents examples, could specifically be this same invention applied in pair in every bar end, similar to what would be a turbine reaction or turbocompressor, and making the best profit of a exhaust gas dynamic flow, compressing a new air entrance and therefore falling into the technical field of the reaction turbines. This of course, considerating materials that are resistant to the high temperatures such as the ceramics ones. And furthermore this invention approaches more the combustion point and therefore also more to the gases expansion point, in order to search a higher expanding dynamic strength. It could, for example, be presented into an inter dynamic rotor system (aplication), supported internally and in a rotating system. And likewise being able to activate a new concept of dynamic turbine by pushing gearing, and likewise, creating a new technical field. Or can be in a more simple way by means of the system of this same invention applied to the bar end, but without a movement of interaction with the rotor, only the rotary dynamics in a static point for any type of mechanical work such as a dynamo in order to generate electricity through the dynamic strength of a flow when it is rotating at the moment it receives it, just like a pelton well do.
And when the flow that is received and that is intended to be used at best, must no necessarily by a exhausting or rejection gas, but must be a dynamic passing gas or liquid flow with the only intention to count it or to measure it. This could be possible at the passing and interacting period when it passes inside its simple mechanism. This can be in any point of the flow trajectory.
In case the flow that is received is a water falling by gravity, and a dynamo is placed on the rotary bar, the Imploturbocompressor can profit an be obtained by generating? electricity such as obtained by the pelton well, like I say before.
Or only receive the liquid flow, in order to measure its passage with a counter placed on the bar, because when this flow passes through the simple mechanism of a rotating wing made of only one piece it interacts within the implocavities system. And this flow can be air wind, with the diference of can have an horizontal position, and have wind from all the sides and all the time. The aforementioned information about this invention refers to technical applications, such as a dynamic flow receiver. (whether being gas or liquid).
Connecting the free end of the bar of this invention to a power plant (manual, electrical, mechanical, or combusting, etc…), there will be available a capacity and a position in order to generate the flow dynamics (or even better, a propulsion). This applied? to gas flows (air) or to liquid flow (water). This of course, considering the due rotating directions as well as the inclination, wings, curvature and the due dimensioning for every application of every technical field.
With the appropriate power plant and the appropriate dimensioning and number of RPM this invention is also feasible to generate an atmospheric air propulsion and the autoprolpusion of an aircraft. Being an effective and very simple system that implodes and compresses the atmospheric air permits the creation of a new concept of propulsion for aircrafts, due to its simple mechanism and innovative nature. At the place of the aircraft were the system appears and the manner how the propulsion direction can be oriented with a vectorial flow (no lobster tail) with I call “yo-yo system” (middle cut (at the shell) to move, one side loose), guided and balanced is feasible to create a new concept of TOVL-vertical take-off landing, I wish good for a wild conditions. Because the exhaust propulsion can going out radial in all the 360 vectorial positions, going out direct all the time in all the vectors direction. With his rotor cover for an better furtive fly, like going down of a bridge for example.
The “Imploturbocompressor”, is a good option to pump water, or a gas flow, and all kinds of pipes lines dynamic moves.
Likewise, with the due form and dimensioning, and considering the liquid density and the due revolutions for this element there could be generated a propulsion (water) in order to move an aquatic ship, whether on surface or under water. Also can be a good option to pump liquid combustion for a rocket propulsion.
Making a metaphoric comparison with the intention to expose it more clearly for a better comprehension of this innovative technical detail, it would be similar to the trajectory and motion of a dynamic flow compared with a rope (extended) that passes through the system would have now a knot (without obstructing the flow), so the complete way of the flow at the imploturbocompresor system have three direct ways and bettween make two diferents turns; direct way (entrance) – turn – direct way (implocavity) – turn – direct way (exit), all this in a circular move system.
Its prudent to mention that the curves and the inclinations of the blades of a rotating wing made of this invention, is conferred by its shape and function a structural rigidity allowing it to conduct and alter appropriately the dynamic flow passing through its system.
This invention are very versatile, can be applied and used for any kind of flow, whether as gas or as a liquid, received or be generating it.? And it has different technical fields, being applied in any circumstance where the intention is to obtain an profitable work, to modify on his imploflow system.
i think the Nuclear Power is 1st gys
Not sure why this is called a good list… there are components WITHIN a lot of these inventions that are far more important inventions that those posted here. For instance, the transistor is not even ON this list, which is absolutely ridiculous. It is easily arguably the most important invention of the 20th century, and this list doesn’t even mention it.
Fail.
i agree with all of you, all this things are important in our life, thanks for the peaple who created such kind of things
The best invention, albeit not invented in the 20th century, has to be the bicycle. WHy?…it’s inexpensive,
keeps you in shape with little effort.
It’s organic in it’s absence of onboard electronics, unless your Lance Armstrong..LOL!
You can take your bike anywhere off road. You can park your bike without any toll booths. No need for a liscense. Requires minimal maintenance.
I can go on but i will stop here. 🙂
Air conditioning should be in there.
I’m at the beach right now and can say Amen to that. 😉
I think internet is the best invention in the 20th century. It made our life more convenient and comfortable.
The biggest of all innovation is TRIZ – Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. A Methodolgy for innovating systematically. Unfortunately it did not become popular
Cellphones???
Good article but try to be less biased in your writing. Keep it factual, don’t add in opinions. That’s what makes a perfect top ten list. Other then that, great job.
Surely the Transistor should be in the top ten???? SOMEWHERE???
Transistor is pretty important, but so was its predecessor the tube (valve if you’re UK), which dominated the first half of the 20th century. You might as well also suggest the integrated circuit (ie., chip). Similar functions, just different in size and cost.
Well, Dang! I read through/scrolled down to the end to find that Tom White beat me to the punch. Whilst I agree with Tom that the valve (vacuum tube, DeForrest triode, etc) was crucial in the development of radiocommunications, I am typing this missive on a Mac laptop that i can hold in one hand. There has never been a vacuum tube based computer that I could hold in one hand.
As for the IC, it is nothing more than someone recognizing that it is possible to put two transistors on one block. Then three. Etc.
My opinion, for what it’s worth: Vacuum tube technology made radio, TV, and long range communication possible. (Not to mention RADAR in WW2 – arguably among the more significant advantages the Allies held. It also made digital computers, as we know them, possible. The computer upon which I am writing this, and the computer upon which you are reading this, would NOT be possible without cheap large scale integrated circuits. Which are all derived from one transistor.
IMHO – after much consideration, the VALVE is NOT the predecessor of the transistor. The transistor was an entirely NEW thing. And the laptop computer upon which I am composing this message and the computer (laptop or otherwise) upon which you are viewing this missive, ALL derive from the original transistor.
BTW – I forgot to mention that I actually have some familiarity with and fondness for vacuum tube technology.
“Real Radios Glow In The Dark!”
Lafayette Explor-Air, Knight-Kit, Heathkit, Eico, Dynaco kits. Real Radios that my mentors owned:
Collins, Drake, Hammarlund, Hallicrafters, Viking, etc.
G Woody – formerly aka WA4TIZ
submarines were invented in the 19th century, during the American Civil War, weren’t they?
true indeed. but where not proficient in purpose.
were*
yall all sum retards word is born.
my list
1. Internet
2.Radio
3. Television
4. Antibiotics
5. Airplane
6.Rocketry
7. The Auto Mobile
8.Submarine
9.Nuclear Power
10.The Personal Computer
shut up .. yu dum is helll .
You guy theres no reason to really say internet becasue if nuclear power never exsited then where would your screens come from the have plasma whiich is procceds at a nuclear power plant
jason_b that has to be the stupidest thing i have ever heard in my whole life. there in no such thing as “nuclear” plasma in a computer screen. Did you skip kindergarden? A common computer screen has a liquid crystal display. it is not “plasma whiich is procceds at a nuclear power plant”.
and to add to what i said, a kindegarten would not know what an LCD is, but i dont think even they would think its “nuclear plasma”
hello people internet should be first if we didnt have it we would not be commenting now 🙂
Great inventions of the modern world! Thank you white people of EU and NA!
how about the pet Tickle Me Plant you can now grow from seed that closes its leaves like crazy when you Tickle It
I’m so glad there are submarines!! I can’t survive a day without one!! Not….. WTF are submarines doing in this list? A world without submarines will make no difference at all. I think for example the invention of the refrigerator is WAY more important then the submarine:S
i like trains
Trains are 1800s.
I think chuck norris should be first
so do i 🙂
Fail!
Good list of some top 20th century inventions. I think you’ve named a number of key inventions.
No doubt it’s a beautiful post of yours and you hve done a great job.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
I beleive all but 1 or 2 were invented by AMERICANS in this list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just had to point that out!
This is a good list. HUGE innovations. It’s really such a tough call between the top 4.
There’s one more that was forgotten: audio and video storage. It doesn’t necessarily come in one format (vinyl, film, tape, digital, etc.) but it’s impact is massive.
Before storage was possible, performances could not be captured, whether visual, musical, spoken or sound. People could not share things they had experienced, could not hear or see first hand what others saw. Most times, experience came second hand by writers and newsprint.
Storage changed not only experience, it changed time. Things could be known or shared immediately over distance, or kept for the future. A picture is worth a thousand words, if by word you mean two bytes on a computer. Movies and songs are worth millions of words and the experience of seeing or hearing them can never be conveyed by words alone.
I was a bit thrown out of place by the #1 given to radio, if anything it could be switched with television, but I guess radio played a much more vital and functional role during it's time than television.
Television depends on radio as well. How do you think TV signals are transmitted and received? Via radio.
i think mark is right
i think the internet must be in 1st!!!!
Obvious list is obvious. 🙂
The auto was a 19th century invention…
yah, but only after Ford assembly line it became reacheable for everybody
Sorry, but antibiotics don't heal viral infections, such as smallpox. That was eradicated by vaccination, which started in the 18th Century (well, the effective one came on later).
Don’t want to sound like a smart arse but in the first sentence of the nuclear power list you liken it steam power in the 19th century. However, the electricity that is created in nuclear power station is from steam turning turbines. It is the source that heats the water to cause steam that has changed over the centuries: from coal to a nuclear reaction.
…. an outstanding list of Top 10…. now that's a hard one to decide between for #1 and #2…. the Internet or Radio…. the Radio or Internet !! 🙂
Without radio there wouldn’t even be a lot of the Internet. Satellites communicate by radio.
Seriously radio is first ?
Yeah,internet should be first. In fact,radio should be at 7.
the radio was the first way of instant news!
Yep. What technology do you think enables wireless networking, cellphones, communication with satellites, etc? Radio.
I gotta admit, between the internet and late night AM radio, it's a toss up. And that's saying a lot.