10 Technologies That Made Us Independent

Eleven score and 15 years ago, our forbearers lived by candle light, communicated via pen and parchment, traveled by horse, and paid for goods and services with coins. We might have been free politically, but here are 10 technologies and gadgets that made our lives more independent.

By: Stewart Wolpin

July 5, 2011

Freedom of Entertainment: The Phonograph

Source: Getty Images

Until the early 1900s, someone had to know how to play an instrument in order for there to be music in the home. Once Emile Berliner created the flat record, Edison's phonograph – now more popularly known as the gramophone and, thanks to RCA, the Victrola (pictured) – became commercially viable. We could now listen to music anywhere, even without electricity, freeing us to enjoy Enrico Caruso, Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, U2 and Lady Gaga.

Share Your Thoughts

First Name:

Birth Date:

For your protection, ensure that no personally identifiable information (like full name or email address) is submitted in your comment.

CAPTCHA

This tests that you are really a person and not a computer.

What code is in the image?:

Enter the characters shown in the image.

Trust is a cornerstone of our corporate mission, and the success of our business depends on it. P&G is committed to maintaining your trust by protecting personal information we collect about you, our consumers.

Our Privacy Policy

10 Technologies That Made Us Independent

Freedom of Entertainment: The Phonograph

Share Your Thoughts

Your Privacy

More on Life Goes Strong

Play Goes Strong

Work Goes Strong

Home Goes Strong

Family Goes Strong

Style Goes Strong

Health Goes Strong