The growth of American technology is examined from the early years of the Republic through the twentieth century. Topics include the cultural impact of firearms in Colonial New England; interchangeable parts and the implementation of mass production; the factory as system and community; railroads and corporate structure; innovation and regulation in hydraulic engineering; and the role of the military in developing “modern” technologies. Extensive readings from recent important books and articles in the history of technology are the basis for class discussion. [SS, W] [W] Prof. Jackson
Prerequisites: either HIST 215 or HIST 252 or permission of instructor