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| Associated Press This is an image representing the United States innovation throughout its history. |
In my American history class we were asked to write a post about which of the eight values of speech theory is the most important to us. I chose theory seven: Promote Innovation. I chose this theory because I believe that the United States was built on innovation and we have for the most part regressed from that lifestyle.
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| Civil war Telegraph ines |
My first point and why this is the most important to me out of all the theories, is that we as a society rely so much on other countries to produce and import products and supplies. The United States is known for importing 1.25 to 1.6 times more than they export. The problem I see with this is that if the countries that we get supplies from decide for whatever reason to stop sending us products or supplies, whether it be a political issue or economical issue, the threat is always there. The United States production and innovation built this country during so many points in time. The first point I will bring to light starts all the way back during the civil war. During that time the Northern states had a very clear advantage when it came to innovation. The Northern states had an extensive railway system, the telegraph and much more supplies to out produce the south. The extensive northern railway system allowed for the transport of troops and supplies much faster than the south. Along with the railways, the Northern states had over 15,000 miles of telegraph wires. Allowing President Lincoln and his generals to send over 1,000 messages a day. This was the pivotal advantage held by the North. As the South’s resources dwindled and with little ability to produce more weapons and supplies, they were eventually overpowered and brought to their knees by General William Tecumseh Sherman during his “March to The Sea”.
The next point and honestly in my opinion an even better example of why innovation is so important, is the United States presence in WWII. During WWII the Germans had the best tanks and one of the strongest militaries in the world. They had better weapons, strategies, and tanks; and for the most part dominated the war until the United States made its entry into the war on December 8th, 1941 when the United States declared war on Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Just a few days after Germany and Italy declared war on the United States. During this time period the United States went into full production mode and had factories all over the U.S. to build more weapons, ammo, and military vehicles than any of the Axis powers could fathom. Germany produced 25,000 to 30,000 tanks during WWII. German tanks often had thicker armor and heavier stronger weapons, but their complex designs and low numbers could not match the overwhelming industrial output from the Allied powers. The United States produced roughly 89,000 tanks during WWII. American tanks were easier to repair, ship, and supply with spare parts across global fronts.
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| Detroit Tank Arsenal |
The U.S. used mass production lines from automotive giants like Chrysler and Ford. The parts were interchangeable and workers built vehicles quickly. For example, the Detroit Tank Arsenal built an M4 Sherman tank every 48 hours at peak performance. This level of production was unheard of and was the biggest success factor for the United States.
These examples go to show what the U.S. is capable of in terms of innovation, something that is often not promoted anymore. With so many creative minds and wonderful ideas surfacing across the country we should be bustling with innovation and be light years ahead of other countries both technologically and economically. Instead we rely on other countries to build and house American ideas. Hopefully as more and more great minds come together the United States can become the innovative titan it once was.
AI DISCLAIMER: NO AI WAS USED IN THE CREATION OF THIS POST.
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