Technology in the 19th & 20th Century

Analyzing the transfer of technology from one place to another can be a very difficult task. People
have tried to trace the origins of specific technologies and map out what cultures it affected, why and
what impact the technology had on history. Books have been written on conclusions that authors have
made after doing the research I have suggested. I believe that obtaining the information to write a book
about this subject is extremely hard and confusing. After reading The Tools of Empire by Daniel R.
Headrick and excerpts from both Technology in World Civilization by A. Pacey and Major Problems in
the History of American Technology, I have formed some opinions of my own primarily based on my
readings about nineteenth and twentieth century technology transfer.

During the nineteenth century two major events stand out in connection to technology. First the
progress and power of industrial technology, second the domination and exploitation of Africa and Asia
by Europeans. In the book The Tools of Empire, Headrick the author connects theses factors through
many examples in history. Leading into the twentieth century even though many would like to fast
forward into the dawn of electronics, there is still a major focus on technology in Africa and Asia.
However, the transfer of technology is now steering away from dominating and leaning towards local
adaptation.

Africa and India experienced a deeper affect of technological transfer because they were
conquered and colonized by Europe. The steamboat with its ability to travel up and down river enabled
Europeans deep into Africa and Asia. The railroad helped eliminate the difficulties of inland
transportation for Europeans in India. The steamboat and the Railroad were two important technologies
of the nineteenth century that changed many aspects of life in India and Africa. China’s rulers controlled
European influence rather tightly, yet there was trade of course. And through the opium war there was
an influence of European technology in China.

In the twentieth century the transfer of technology from industrialized to the less industrialized is
still happening. Yet it is happening a slightly different manner instead of being forced upon a nation it
is being adapted to and for a nation. In the 1930s the United States made advancements in genetic –
chemical technology. When the technology reached India in the 1960s is was adapted to the local
conditions, therefore it was transferred from the United States and stimulated in India and that is why it
was successful. This type of local stimulation also occurred in China and Africa.

Many stimulating factors of the nineteenth century remain factors of the twentieth century. In the
nineteenth century there was major shipbuilding out of wood, which lead to iron shipbuilding. Natural
resources as a stimulating factor in the Twentieth century can be seen in Africa when they redesigned
their stoves because of deforestation. When Europeans tried to explore Africa in the nineteenth century
they were killed from diseases, more specific malaria. This led to medical research and even medicine
that enabled Europeans to penetrate Africa. In the twentieth century there was a decline in deaths
among young children and infants in China, East Asia and India. This was due to medical discoveries
in vitamins and protein at this point there was also improved birth control techniques. Other stimulating
factors include the government, military, trade and geographic location.

The direction of technology in the nineteenth and twentieth century have many similarities, yet
they have important differences. In the nineteenth century there was a drive to dominate the weak.
Today we are more likely to help push the weak in the right direction. Many governments have changed
since the nineteenth century, which has led to a different direction in the twentieth century. China for
example is more influenced by other countries therefore there will be a more direct line of technology
in the years to come.

Source: onlineessays.com

Submitted by:
Matthew Anthony F. Ludovice