The Aerospace Industry’s Impact on 20th Century American Society

Abstract

Since the dawn of mankind, the stars have been an inspiration for humanity. From the studies of the Greeks and the observations of the Indians and Chinese to Da Vinci’s plans and the research of the Wright Brothers, exploring the sky, space and stars has always been at the forefront of human ingenuity. In the United States, the idea of flight exploration began in the early 1900s: a true embodiment of the American dream. This paper examines developments in politics, economics and social movements in 1900s America while contrasting claims with counter arguments and exposing continuities in U.S. history to discuss the impact of the aerospace and defense industry on U.S. society. From Women’s Rights and Civil Rights to military and economics, the growth of the aerospace and defense industry paralleled a period of radical growth for American society creating lasting changes in the process.