The History of
Technology
How people of all times and
places used their unique skills to
innovate, improvise and invent, to
increased their capabilities.
Technology extends human
capabilities:
 By
the application of knowledge,
tools and skills to solve problems
 With innovation that creates
knowledge and processes to
develop systems to solve problems.
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Most technological developments are
evolutionary; the result of a series of refinements
to a basic invention.
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The evolution of civilization is directly affected by
the development and use of tools and materials.
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Technology has been a powerful force in
reshaping the social, cultural, political, and
economic landscape throughout history.
Major Periods of Technology
Evolution

The Iron Age - defined by the use of iron and steel as the primary
materials for tools.
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The Middle Ages - development of many technological devices that
produced long-lasting effects on technology and society.
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The Renaissance - rebirth of the arts and humanities.
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The Industrial Revolution - development of continuous
manufacturing, sophisticated transportation and communication
systems, advanced construction practices, and improved education and
leisure time.

The Information Age - emphasis on the processing and exchange of
information.
How did the following items influence the lives of the
people that first used it?

In small groups
 Identify a technology advancement influenced history.
 Example: The plow, irrigation systems, cannons, printing
press, steam engine, radar, computer.

Discuss
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What did people do before the advancement?
Why is the advancement important?
How did it change history?
What were the benefits to people?
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A chronological record of significant events often
including an explanation of their causes.
500,000 BC – 10,000 BC

Earliest known stone tools
 Stone axes, bone needles

Impact of technology
 Improved health
 Enhanced security
 Human population increase
10,000 BC – 4000 BC
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Development of composite
tools

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Leatherwork, basketry, fishing
tackle
Impact of Technology

Farming, domestication of
animals, beginning of settled
communities.
4000 BC – 2300 BC
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Development of agriculture,
year round settlements
Pottery, polished stone tools,
spinning and weaving tools,
wooden and stone plows,
sickles.
Impact of Technology –
 Dependable year round
food, division of labor that
spurs invention and
innovation
2300 BC – 700 BC
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Earliest civilizations - the
development of metallurgy, mainly
the combining of copper and tin to
make bronze.
Bronze jewelry, tools, and
weapons.
Impact of Technology - Stone tools
were gradually replaced by metal
ones. Enabled humans to alter
their environment at a great rate
700 BC – 450 AD
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The use of iron as the main
metal.
Iron dagger, iron chisels, small
figurines, ornamental jewelry,
swords, axes, spearheads.
Impact of technology
 Military dominance for uses of
iron weapons and the use of
iron bladed plows enabled
humans to cultivate heavier
soils and increase food
production
450 –1400 AD
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The period of European history
between fall of Rome and the
Renaissance
Wheeled plow, improved
harness for horses, horseshoes,
stirrups, waterwheels, crank,
windmill, cast iron, cannons,
mechanical clock, compass,
ocean-going ships.
Impact of technology - The rise
and decline of serfdom and
feudalism, the rise of the money
economy and capitalism, the
expansion and contraction of
economic activity, and the
beginnings of urbanization and
industrialization.
1400-1750 AD
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The transitional movement in
Europe between the middle ages
and modern times, marked by a
humanistic revival of classical
influence
Telescope, microscope,
thermometer, clocks, barometer
Impact of technology Instrumentation enabled early
scientists to observe and
quantify natural phenomena.
1750-1950 AD
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The cultural stage portrayed by the first
use of complex machinery, factories,
urbanization, and other economic and
general social changes from strictly
agricultural societies.
Steam engine, electricity, automobile,
airplane, radio, television, telephone, and
rocket.
Impact of technology - The Industrial
Revolution gave rise to urban centers
requiring vast municipal services, created
a specialized and interdependent
economic life, and provided the economic
base for the rise of the professions,
population expansion, and improvement in
living standards.
1950 AD–Present
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the gathering, manipulation,
classification, storage, and
retrieval of information is central to
the workings of society.
Transistor, integrated circuit,
computer, communication
satellite, digital photography,
artificial heart, nuclear power
plant, space shuttle.
Impact of technology - As
information becomes more widely
available, increasing numbers of
individuals and organizations will
be in a better position to make
decisions that “experts” now
make, decentralizing decision
making and empowering more
people.
Examine the following graph.
How has the nature of work
changed over time?