The Machine Age[1][2][3] is an era that includes the early-to-mid 20th century, sometimes also including the late 19th century. An approximate dating would be about 1880 to 1945. Considered to be at its peak in the time between the
first and
second world wars, the Machine Age overlaps with the late part of the
Second Industrial Revolution (which ended around 1914 at the start of World War I) and continues beyond it until 1945 at the end of World War II. The 1940s saw the beginning of the
Atomic Age, where
modern physics saw new applications such as the
atomic bomb,[4] the first
computers,[5] and the
transistor.[6] The
Digital Revolution ended the intellectual model of the machine age founded in the mechanical and heralding a new more complex model of
high technology. The digital era has been called the
Second Machine Age, with its increased focus on machines that do mental tasks.
Gigantic production machinery, especially for producing and working metal, such as steel rolling mills, bridge component fabrication, and car body presses
Mass-produced government
propaganda through print, audio, and motion pictures
Replacement of skilled crafts with low skilled labor
Growth of strong corporations through their abilities to exploit
economies of scale in materials and equipment acquisition, manufacturing, and distribution
Conflicts between nations regarding access to energy sources (particularly oil) and material resources (particularly iron and various metals with which it is alloyed) required to ensure national self-sufficiency. Such conflicts were contributory to two devastating
world wars.