Kaden - A chapter regarding rising American presence in industry and the developments therein with a focus on the introduction of electricity, a gamechanger for many aspects of production.

This chapter focuses on the introduction of electricity to major cities around the world, and the social and cultural impacts of the idea of electrification. One thing of note that I thought was interesting in this chapter was that literature of the time often emphasizes lighting as “white” along side other grandiose adjectives. I wonder if this emphasis relates to the embedding of electrification into Darwinist ideologies of racial superiority? - CJ Nemetz

The chapter provides a detailed analysis of the development of electricity in theaters, advertisements, public utilities, and other domains. In addition, the author links the history of electricity to broader cultural discourses, such as the ideas of progress and civilization in contrast to barbarism and the darkness of jungles. In my view, one of the most interesting aspects of the chapter is its discussion of the aesthetic category of the sublime, as electricity introduced a new dimension to the technological sublime. In classical theory, as formulated by Edmund Burke, the sublime strikes the imagination through a sudden feeling of horror in the face of ungraspable vastness. I wonder whether after electricity, railroads, etc.. - nuclear weapons, as symbols of utter destruction, might be seen as a logical culmination of modern examples of the technological sublime. - Nikolai Kotkov

This chapter talks about how electricity affected people, particularly in urban places. electricity and the rise of it became a symbol for modernity and progress and a source of pride. However, it was also connected with racism and classism, as only rich white people in rich white areas would have access to electricity. - Oliver M

Electric lighting transformed city streets into places of wonder and excitement. People were drawn to the brightness not only for safety but also for the sense of modern progress it represented. The spectacle of light became a cultural symbol of technology shaping everyday life.– Caitlyn Edwards.

This chapter has talked about the big impact and growth of Thomas Edison's lightbulb and electric system on the world that had used fire and gas to light the nights. Probably one of the big examples I've seen is how the famous Paris exhibition in the past attempted to stay open later at night, but there were problems using gas lights. However, in 1881, the introduction of lightbulbs and electric system had a completely different impact that made it successful at night. Not only was Edison's company selling lightbulbs, it also sold the means to produce power to other companies so that they can then used them to stay open later. - David Y.

I got from this chapter, the marketing, and social aspects of technology in cities. The chapter talked about how brighter lights, that could be seen from further distances attracted people to them more. Especially when adding in the designs of signs and buildings with different colored lights. The chapter also put an importance on cities to compete with one another with how grand their system of lights, specifically in the fairs and exhibitions. Again, trying to attract people to their city. -James Clayberg

This chapter goes into great detail about the impact of electricity on city life. One way like in Broadway in New York was shown has symbolism and progress from the bright electrical lights. It also gave them an urban identity showing that they were progressing and growing. - Will C

Kaden - This chapter explores the introduction of streetcars, a product of electrical redesigns in industry.

Contrary to the previous chapter, the introduction of streetcars into early 20th century was tumultuous. Regardless, streetcars acted in a similar vain as the introduction of electricity to cities as the advent of advertising pervading all aspects of life. - CJ Nemetz

This chapter focuses on the development of streetcars, as well as the institutions that expanded in their wake. Particular attention is given to the ways in which streetcars, amusement parks, public transportation systems, gas stations, and other car-related utilities transformed American society from a Victorian modus vivendi to a mass-consumer society. - Nikolai Kotkov

The evolution from old to new, modern technology using electricity, including the street car, which had similar socio-political effects that electricity in general had. However, it was a more public use of electricity that was more positive than just rich people having it in their houses. – Oliver M

This chapter looked at how streetcars not only led to the expansion of the radius a person could travel. But also the dangers or lack of safety of travel. Streetcars connected people to other places in the city and even outside cities. It touched on the impacts of this by increasing or decreasing property values. And the beginning of loss to regional identities now that longer distance every-day travel existed. Streetcars also created more tension between unions and the employers. I noted from this chapter that it mentioned streetcars were selected over underground trains, I wonder with the development of cars, if that's the reason metro trains become selected over streetcars. - James Clayberg

The chapter focuses on the development of streetcars which made it faster, cheaper and cleaner to travel through the city. This increased mobility within cities a lot making life easier and more accessible to people. - Will C

Kaden - Now-outdated designs were once the best when it came to electricity. This chapter made me think of the American transfer to bessemer steel and how, once inaccessible due to cost, technology has risen to meet the need for better things. The profit incentive, a large driver, made for a roundabout way of forcing ingenuity.

These passages examine different interpretations of electricity among various interest groups, including businessmen (electricity as a commodity), government officials (electricity as a utility and a political weapon), and artists and intellectuals (electricity as a natural god, a manifestation of the technological sublime, and a sign of civilization). - Nikolai Kotkov

I found it interesting how the electrification of Europe was mostly state controlled. They built it up more for the social welfare aspect of it rather than profit. Compared to America where this was the opposite and was built primarily with the wealthy in mind. It reminds me of the healthcare debate that’s been going on for a very long time now, profits versus welfare. - Justin Hoskins

Electricity was interpreted in many different ways, as the variety of sustenance means in the American ecosystem subjugated people to understand it and use it in different ways. These differences caused tension at political and economic levels, and at the philosophical level as electricity became more prevalent. - CJ Nemetz

As happens with anything new and important under capitalism :(, electricity quickly became a socio-political issue. Companies, governments, unions/workers, and the masses all had different ideas of how electricity could be used, marketed, sold, bought, etc and they all were just trying to get the most out of it economically. A true classic story as told frequently in this class. – Oliver M.

The chapter really just explained the multifaceted uses and power deferent people had for certain aspects of electricity. Thus, spawning different class systems. Electricity also has an importance to government policies and again, different groups of people benefited and other didn't, especially as we get closer and look at the reasons for the coming depression. –James Clayberg

Kaden - As workers leave the farms and go to the factories, rural hardships arise as a lacking labor force must make for the deficit. Women gained more independence as a result, forced into traditionally male jobs to help.

These chapters trace the influence of electricity on agriculture and farming life. One of the most interesting passages, in particular, discusses the transformation of the Jeffersonian agrarian ideal with the advent of electricity. - Nikolai Kotkov

This chapter focuses on the integration of electricity into agricultural life. I found some contrast between this chapter and chapter 4, as it appears in this chapter that progressive era government programs helped blend the separate interpretations of electricity while attempting to help both sides, rather than being a point of conflict. Farmers reaped (no pun intended) the benefits of electricity while the government benefited from the subliminal promotion of new deal ideas that rural electrification harbored. - CJ Nemetez

The key aspect of this chapter was the shift from a balance of farmers and city workers to the drastic change of 1 of 7 workers working in agriculture and then eventually 1 in 33. The less farmers needed showed how agricultural ideology transformed, as well as the economic and political shift these people had. It also touched on the change in a women's role in a farmhouse. –James Clayberg