1940s
Trinity Test and the Atomic Bomb
The Trinity Test was the world's first successful nuclear weapon test.
It ushered in the Atomic Age, and the development of atomic bombs as a whole exacerbated the Second Red Scare.
Thor Automagic Dishwasher
The Thor Automagic Dishwasher is a house appliance that could wash both dishes and clothes.
It made the life of Americans much more convenient and helped free women from their traditional household roles.
1950s
The Credit Card
The first credit card, the Diners Club Card, gave businessmen a convenient method of paying their traveling expenses.
The advent of credit cards dramatically changed the way that Americans spent their money.
Explorer 1 and the Sputnik Crisis
The Sputnik 1 and Explorer 1 were the first Soviet and United States satellites sent into space, respectively.
Their launches marked the start of the space race and heightened the tensions of the Cold War.
1960s
Birth Control
The first oral contraceptive (a.k.a “the pill”) contained hormones that stopped ovulation, preventing pregnancy.
It caused waves in American society, not only spurring on the women's rights movement, but also starting the sexual revolution.
Napalm and the Vietnam War
Napalm was a highly flammable jelly-like substance used during the Vietnam War.
Images of its effects turned public opinion against the company creating it and increased distrust in the government.
1970s+
Xerox 914
The Xerox 914 was the first photocopier to enter mainstream use.
In 1971, a Xerox was used to compile the infamous Pentagon Papers regarding US intervention in Vietnam.
Clipper Young America
Pan Am's Clipper Young America made the first commercial Boeing 747 flight on January 22nd, 1970.
The Boeing 747 went on to redefine air travel and embed itself in popular culture from the 1970s through the modern era.
