Automobiles have made it possible for people to travel great distances with relative ease. This allows them to have larger work possibilities and to choose where they want to live in relation to their career. They also give them the freedom to spend their time doing whatever they want with family and friends. The automobile is not without its problems, however, mainly because of the traffic jams that result from people getting on and off the road and the accidents and deaths that occur because of reckless driving. In addition, finding parking can be a challenge.
Karl Benz invented the automobile in 1885 and many inventors and engineers followed suit with their own designs. Until the early 1900s most of these machines were expensive and only available to those who could afford them. But the invention of Henry Ford’s assembly line techniques allowed mass production of the cars and brought them within reach of more ordinary people.
In the United States, where there was a greater population density than in Europe, great demand developed for the automobile. Industries sprang up to provide the fuel, parts, and services needed for automotive transportation. The American business tradition of assembling parts from other firms was well suited to this industry.
As the automotive industry grew it became one of the primary economic forces in twentieth century America. It was the biggest purchaser of steel and petroleum products and one of the chief consumers of a wide range of other industrial goods. It was also a source of controversy and social tension that led to calls for licensing, safety regulations, and pollution controls.