Technological Development

Definition

Technological development refers to the process of innovation and improvement in tools, machinery, and methods that enhance productivity and efficiency in various sectors of society. This process has been pivotal in shaping economies, societies, and global interactions throughout history, influencing areas such as exploration, trade, industry, and communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Between 1450 and 1750, innovations such as the printing press, improved ship designs, and navigational tools like the astrolabe played crucial roles in enhancing exploration and trade.
2. The establishment of maritime empires was heavily reliant on technological advancements like advanced shipbuilding techniques that allowed for longer voyages and more efficient trade routes.
3. In the late 19th century and into the 20th century, technological developments led to significant shifts in global communication, including the invention of the telegraph and telephone.
4. Post-1900 technological advances have dramatically altered daily life, with breakthroughs in medicine, transportation (like automobiles and airplanes), and information technology reshaping society.
5. As economies grew from 1750 to 1900, technological development became a driving force behind industrialization, leading to increased urbanization and changes in labor practices.

Review Questions

• How did technological innovations between 1450 and 1750 facilitate global exploration and trade?
  • Technological innovations like the printing press allowed for better dissemination of navigational knowledge, while improved ship designs such as caravels enabled longer sea voyages. Tools like the astrolabe improved navigation accuracy. Together, these advancements made it easier for European powers to explore new territories and establish trade routes, laying the groundwork for maritime empires.
• Evaluate the impact of technological development on economic growth from 1750 to 1900.
  • Technological development during this period was a catalyst for economic growth as innovations like steam engines and mechanized textile production transformed industries. This shift to mechanization increased production efficiency and output. The rise of factories changed labor dynamics and urbanization patterns, fostering economic expansion but also leading to challenges such as labor exploitation and environmental degradation.
• Analyze how technological advances after 1900 have influenced global interconnectedness and institutions in a globalized world.
  • Post-1900 technological advances, particularly in communication (like the internet) and transportation (like commercial aviation), have significantly enhanced global interconnectedness. These developments have facilitated international trade, cultural exchange, and collaboration across borders. As a result, global institutions have emerged or adapted to manage complex interactions between nations, addressing issues such as trade regulations, environmental concerns, and human rights in an increasingly interconnected world.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of significant industrial growth and technological innovation that began in the late 18th century, leading to the rise of factories and mass production.

Scientific Revolution:

A transformation in scientific thought that emerged in the 16th and 17th centuries, emphasizing observation and experimentation, which laid the groundwork for modern science and technology.

Globalization:

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or operate on an international scale, often driven by technological advancements in communication and transportation.