Automobiles are motor vehicles designed for the transportation of passengers. Almost all automobiles are powered by an internal combustion engine running on a volatile fuel, usually gasoline (petrol in British English). Most modern automobiles also use a transmission system with gears to change the speed of the engine and wheels.
The automobile was a revolution in American culture and society. It opened new possibilities for travel, recreation and work. The middle classes could shop in cities, while rural dwellers could visit urban areas and rediscover pristine landscapes. Families had more freedom to choose where they wanted to spend their vacations. Young people gained independence with driving freedom. Teenagers were able to go out with their friends. Dating couples were able to take a road trip together. The automobile also changed the way we think about work and family.
As the automobile became more affordable, it was embraced by the American public and began to be produced in large numbers. The invention of the assembly line by Henry Ford enabled him to reduce the cost of production to a level affordable for most of the population. At the same time, the development of oil and gas exploration and refining allowed the automobile to become a major force in the world economy.
Before the automobile, people had to wait for a horse-drawn carriage or ride a bicycle. The automobile was faster and more convenient. It allowed travelers to reach distant destinations more quickly and to do more in their spare time. As the auto industry continued to grow, it also created new jobs in factories and services like gas stations and convenience stores. In the 1920s, automobiles ranked first in value of output and provided one out of six jobs in America.
In addition to changing the way Americans lived, the automobile opened up new opportunities for political activism and protest. In 1916, two women, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke, drove around the country to promote female suffrage. They decorated their car with “votes for women” banners and gave speeches along the way.
Today the automobile continues to play a vital role in American life. It is estimated that the average person drives more than three trillion miles each year. This is a big part of the reason why the United States has the highest per capita consumption of gasoline in the world. In fact, modern life is inconceivable or at least highly inconvenient without a car.