Technology's impact on society and culture

Steam Engines

When referring to technology today many people automatically think that the referral is in regards to computers, the Internet and Information Technology. One recent article espouses the fact that "wireless technology is one of the most important transformative technologies" (it's a Wi-Fi World, 2005, pg.32). This is not, however, what previous generations regarded as technology. Technology such as steam locomotion, the creation of the printing press and space travel are all considered major transformative forms of technology that have affected society and culture throughout history.

All these technologies have huge impacts on society and culture. The steam engine is an excellent example of that influence on society. Considering the fact that shortly before the steam engine was invented the favorite mode of travel was horse and buggy, or just a horse. The advantages offered by the steam engine immediately become apparent. Those advantages were not only available to individuals wishing to travel, but the transportation of goods to the marketplace had probably even more impact. Take the transportation of coal for example. Coal mines throughout England had been around for decades, yet it wasn't until the steam engine was invented that coal was capable of being moved quickly to the marketplace. Jack Simmons a reknowned railway historian wrote in his book the Impact of the Railway on Society in Britain "the railway network was in part a response to the existing mining industry, and pits that were operating at the start of the railway age quickly formed connections with the main lines" (pg. 41).

Steam engine technology quickly became a very important cog in the societal wheel of progress, moving passengers and cargo quickly and efficiently throughout England and Europe. Towns near railway stations quickly grew as people and companies wished to be near the easy transportation. One writer states, "the train shaped the whole development of Britain during Victorian times" (Lowsen, 1998, pg. 14). He further elucidates that towns with an "early connection to the railway network grew at great pace, while towns without train connections...remained as backwaters" (pg. 14). The effect then of steam engine technology was to bring Great Britain much closer together while at the same time making goods and services much more available and less expensive. Though other forms of transportation now overshadow steam locomotion it still has much influence over citizens lives. Sometimes the impact can be negative, especially as the railroad lines grow more aged and brittle.