The first reference to the automobile or like machine is in Homer's "Iliad." He writes that Haephestus, god of invention, built three wheeled vehicles, moving under their own power. Homer said they were "self moved, obedient to the gods." Since then, numerous mentions to the automobile have been made through history. However, no significant progress was made on the concept until the mid 1800s with the steam engine. Over the last century, countless advances and cultural changes have taken place. It can easily be said that the automobile has effected drastic changes in America and its culture.
A New Century
At the turn of the century, the horseless carriage faced strong opposition. One of the fiercest groups was the Farmers, Anti-Automobile Society (FAAS). Their members, who were encouraged
to spend Sundays chasing automobiles and shooting at the drivers set out to lay down very strict rules for drives. They wanted cars driving at night to set off a rocket every mile, and
wait ten minutes for the road to clear of any horses, which were often scared by automobiles and the loud noise they made. If a driver saw a horse coming, the driver was to pull over and
cover the car with camouflage. While the rules made by local governments were not that drastic, they were still very restrictive. Many cities, like Boston, banned cars from the streets
completely. Other cities prohibited driving at night. Police were not friendly either. Drivers were often arrested for no particular reason. In 1902, the American Automobile Association
(AAA) was formed. A good watchdog for its members, the AAA fought abusive police action and over-restrictive regulations.
In 1909, Ford released the Model T. It was a cheap, sturdy vehicle that was easy to operate and maintain. At around $800, it was
an instant hit. Over the course of three year's, Ford's production jumped 800% to 78,000 cars. In 1914, Henry Ford's historic contribution to the automobile and
manufacturing would open, the assembly line. This new concept cut production time and costs significantly. Ford's production leaped to 472,000 and the price of the Model T gradually
dropped to $290, which could be constructed in a mere 93 minutes.
After World War One, the horse dropped out of the spotlight as a primary form of transportation. Although the war spurred increased demand for both horses and automobiles, most people
began to accept the car as the better means of getting around. Simply put, it's much easier to maintain a car as opposed to a living being like a horse, which gets tired, requires
frequent feeding and land to feed on. However, the horse did not go quietly or quickly. The animal played a big roll in the economy. Feed and veterinary bills amounted to millions of
dollars a year. "Harness makers, buggy-whip companies, carriage builders, livery stable operators, blacksmiths, an army of street cleaners, wheelwrights and even hitching-post
manufacturers were all affected by the technological development of automobiles. These companies had to either re-tool and adapt to the industry or face the realities of a declining
business." (Automotive History)
"Suburbanization"
With the proliferation of automobiles came the development of the suburbs. No longer was it something limited to the rich. Many cities expanded at exponential rates. With such easy,
accessible, and independent transportation, it was no longer necessary to have everything is a small space. While this would seem to be nothing but a great idea, there are several
opponents to suburbanization because it is claimed that this trend reduces the overall quality of urban areas. The automobile also opened up the world to people living is rural areas.
With the city in easy reach, rural residents could go shopping weekly instead of annually. The car also opened up more schools and opportunities to children.
Safety
With the proliferation of automobiles came rising accident rates. Before WWI, over 36,000 people had been killed in automobile accidents. Comparatively, 24,424 had been lost in the
Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, The Mexican War, and the Spanish-American War combined. With this emerging trend, many of the vehicle regulations shifted from anti-car to
anti-accident. Organizations like the National Council for Industrial Safety turned towards curbing accident rates by educating the public and compiling statistics.
Several advancements like the electric starter, better brakes, seat belts and air bags have helped reduce death rates. Many regulations have been passed over the years to help the issue.
Most recently, cell phones, which have been looked upon as a disastrous distraction, have been banned from usage in cars in a small number of locations.
In 1965, Ralph Nader released his then famous book, "Unsafe at any speed: The designed-in dangers of the American automobile." The book slammed several auto makers and a
number of specific models. His book received a great deal of accolades and just as much criticism. Either way, it raised a lot of questions and eyebrows in a decade where auto safety was
of great concern.
The Drive-In
In 1928, Richard Hollingshead invented the Drive-In movie theatre. Cars would drive into a large lot with speakers
throughout and a screen in front. Over the next 15 years, several hundred drive-ins sprang up across the country. The 50's proved to be the best of times for the drive-in. During
the decade the number of theatres would rise from 1,000 to over 5,000. Along with the higher numbers, drive-ins also got bigger and more elaborate. Along with the normal concession stand
came miniature trains, pony and boat rides, miniature golf, and talent shows.
After the 50's it was downhill. Attendance dropped as the theatres targeted teen and adult audiences instead of families, and people stopped going to actually watch the movie. Fate
was sealed with the advent of cable TV and the VCR. There was no longer much reason to leave the house to see a movie.
The Drive-Thru
In this country of convenience, the drive-thru is a practical necessity. The idea is that you can drive up to a
window or terminal and complete a task you would normally have to get out of your car to do. Since its conception, several new things can be done at a drive-thru window. You can order
fast-food, execute a bank transaction, pick up prescription medicine, get married, or rent movies. It is doubtful that this idea will ever go out of style.
America's Love Affair with the Automobile
While it's difficult to describe or explain, it's an undeniable fact that American's love their cars. It may be attributed to their low cost and the strong desire for
personal mobility and freedom. Many people place more concern for their automobiles then their own bodies. It should said that not all people are obsessed with cars, nor is this
"love affair" purely American. Studies have proven that in all places, people would choose the automobile as their mode of transportation as opposed to public transit or more
primitive means. The reason that this appears to be just an American phenomenon is that the United States is one of very few countries with a population that can afford automobiles.
Perhaps when and if the standards of living rise in other countries, they will discover the thrill of owning an automobile.
Works Cited
Lewis, David L. "Automobile." Colliers Encyclopedia, 1984 Ed.
Automotive History. [Online] Available
http://www.autoshop-online.com/auto101/histtext.html
March 12, 2002
AutoWorld Time Machine, [Online] Available
http://www.autoworld.be/en/3.htm
March 18, 2002
Transit In Houston And Other Cities From Around The World, [Online] Available
http://www.hpra.org/masstransit.htm
March 23, 2002
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