The Automobile, and other forms of Transportation

By: Elias Borne

1920-1930

Origins of the Automobile

• There was controversy over who actually invented the automobile.

• Many say Henry Ford did in 1908, but there were many predecessors to his production of the first commercial car.

• 1805: Oliver Evans makes first attempt at making a car, his attempt fails miserably because of rough surfaces on roads.

• 1805-1908: Other inventors make successful cars, only for the cars to be rejected by the public.

• 1908: Henry Ford produces the Model T, the first widely spread engine powered car.

Automobile 1908-1920

• 1908: William Durant founds chief competitor of Ford, General Motors (GM)

• Cars were considered “toys for the rich” because of their high prices ($4000-$6000)

• 1913- All black car policy adopted

• Assembly-line style car making began

Ford vs. GM

Ford• Started in 1908 by Henry Ford• Produced the Model T, most

popular car in the U.S. for much of the 1920’s ↓

• Model A, produced in 1928 sold 400,000 units in the first two weeks

GM• Started in 1908 by William

Durant but underwent tumultuous times until 1915

• Started the idea of making different types of cars to attract different buyers

• Made expensive sports cars such as the Cadillac Sport Phaeton

Other Cars of the Time

Foreign Cars• Almost all of these cars were

amazingly expensive with prices from $15,000-$50,000

• Had great size and elegance• French Hispano Zuiza ↓

6-40 Runabout

• A luxury car of its time, the 6-40 provided ample room for the people, but almost none for the baggage, a simple but important flaw in judgment

Automobiles Affect People• The production of cars had mainly benefits to the

people of the U.S. during the 1920’s• Many new industries and jobs were needed to

produce- engines, tires, high quality steel, oil, advertisements etc.

• Because of that, it gave many citizens jobs• Easier transportation caused people to move to the

suburbs• Created different system of shopping focusing on

the idea of shopping malls instead of small stores

Other Transportation Methods

Automobiles were not the only way transportation changed in the 1920’s. Others forms included:

•Airplanes•Airships•Ocean Liners•Trains•Buses•Air-Trains

Air Travel

• During the 1920’s airplanes were established enough to transport people and freight

• Because of the dangers from flying at night, the air-train service (plane by day, train by night) became popular

• Financers decided in 1928 that

the air industry could profit them• Airships were used in the 20’s

and all the way until 1937 with the Hindenburg incident

Ground/Oceanic TravelGround

• The bus industry took off during this time, with buses taking people from small cities and connecting those towns

• Trains, no longer needing to carry specified items, instead carry bulk goods (lumber, coal)

Water• Oceanic liners were popular for

taking passengers across continents, even with the invention of planes

Thank You

Have a nice day

With great regards: Elias