This book surveys the history of American technology from the early 17th century to the present, focusing on the key individuals, ideas, and systems that have shaped the important technological developments throughout American history. Cowan demonstrates how technological change has always been closely related to social development, and examines the important relationship between social history -- the family, women and work, and the home -- with that of technological developments in the factory, business, and the scientific community. In a fascinating concluding chapter, Cowan examines the vast social implications of recent technological developments, and how these technologies are causing crucial changes in America's political, economic, and social structure.

This book surveys the history of American technology from the early 17th century to the present, focusing on the key individuals, ideas, and systems that have shaped the important technological developments throughout American history. Cowan demonstrates how technological change has always been closely related to social development, and examines the important relationship between social history -- the family, women and work, and the home -- with that of technological developments in the factory, business, and the scientific community. In a fascinating concluding chapter, Cowan examines the vast social implications of recent technological developments, and how these technologies are causing crucial changes in America's political, economic, and social structure.