I consider electricity the most important of engineering achievements of the 19th and 20th centuries. Elecricity changed our very way of life. It dates back to the 19th century when Edison first invented electric light bulb. Before then, most people used gas as their fuel. Gas fuel is very dangerous and is difficult to replace once it is used up. Naturally, elecricity was found to be the answer to what could be used to replace natural fuels like oil.
There is much debate about the oil crisis right now. There is an increasing demand for oil due to the boost in the auto industry, but there is not enough gas. This need for oil is causing prices at the gas stations to rise which, in effect, is causing the prices for food and other goods to rise as well. Cars that use electricity instead of fuel can resolve these problems. Electricity is also used to make electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, and an artificial body organelle such as an artificial heart.
I also consider the airplane an important engineering achievement of the 19th and 20th centuries. After the Wright brothers’ famous trials at Kitty Hawk, people changed their beliefs about flight. In modern times, the airplane is a very important form of transportation. Airplanes are useful in shortening the time to travel long distances. Airplanes are also used in war and for observation, collecting valuable information.
