Celebrating a Century: Iconic Inventions of the 1920s
In the realm of innovation and technology, the 1920s was a period brimming with breakthroughs and revolutionary creations. As we traverse through the 2020s, it’s fascinating to reflect on the inventions that are marking their 100th anniversary this decade and have fundamentally altered the course of human life. In this piece, I walk us you through the captivating journey of some of these inventions, highlighting their transformative impacts.
1. The Lie Detector (1921)
John A. Larson, a police officer in Berkeley, California, invented the first lie detector or polygraph in 1921. The polygraph measured physiological responses, such as heart rate and blood pressure, to determine if a person was being truthful or deceptive. Though its reliability and ethical use are still debated today, it’s been a staple in criminal investigations and has had a profound impact on the legal system.
2. Insulin (1922)
The discovery of insulin by Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best in 1922 was a landmark breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes. Prior to insulin, a diagnosis of diabetes was a death sentence. The introduction of insulin therapy has since saved millions of lives and continues to be a fundamental treatment for managing diabetes.
3. Traffic Signal (1923)
Garrett Morgan, an African-American inventor, designed the three-position traffic signal in 1923. This invention played a pivotal role in regulating vehicular and pedestrian traffic, significantly reducing accidents and fostering order and safety on the roads.
4. Frozen Food Process (1924)
The advent of the frozen food process by Clarence Birdseye in 1924 transformed the food industry and our eating habits. Birdseye’s invention allowed for the preservation of food without compromising its taste and nutritional value, making seasonal food available year-round and revolutionizing the food supply chain.
5. Television (1927)
In 1927, Philo Farnsworth invented the first fully functional all-electronic image pickup device (video camera tube) and the fully functional and complete all-electronic television system. Television has since become a cornerstone of entertainment, information, and global culture, with its evolution bringing forth color TV, digital TV, and smart TVs, reshaping the way we perceive and interact with the world.
6. Penicillin (1928)
Though discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, it wasn’t until the 1940s that penicillin was developed as a pharmaceutical. This accidental discovery marked the commencement of the antibiotic era, transforming medicine and enabling the effective treatment of bacterial infections, saving countless lives over the past century.
7. Sliced Bread (1928)
Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the first bread-slicing machine, and the first loaf of sliced bread was sold in 1928. This invention led to the popular phrase “the best thing since sliced bread,” symbolizing a benchmark of practical innovation. Sliced bread introduced convenience and uniformity to households, affecting baking and eating habits worldwide.
Impact and Reflection
These inventions of the 1920s have left an indelible mark on our lives, shaping societal norms, individual behaviors, and global industries. They underscore the boundless possibilities of human ingenuity and the profound impacts that seemingly simple innovations can have on our world.
The journey from inception to the realization of these inventions is marked by the tireless efforts, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and unwavering belief of the inventors in the potential of their creations. As a Product Manager, understanding the rich tapestry of these inventions provides invaluable insights into the relentless pursuit of innovation and the transformational power of well-executed ideas.
In contemplating these monumental inventions, we find a wellspring of inspiration, driving us to imagine, create, and, possibly, redefine the future. The 1920s teach us that every decade holds the promise of transformative inventions that can reshape the contours of human existence, and the 2020s are no different. Our journey of innovation continues, with the hope that our creations will leave as lasting an impact as those that have come before us.
Attribution and Inspiration
Seven Inventions from the 1920s That We Still Use Today, By Amie Tennant, Family Search, June 12, 2020
Inventions That Shook the World: 1920s, DCMP, 2009
