This films collection gives an insightful look into the electrical modernization of America. These films follow Americas long history of unfettered and arrant energy consumption. Topics Include:History of Energy Consumption In America, Modernization of America, History of Light & Power Grids
Included Films:
How Man Made Day
How Man Made Day
Produced: 1960s
Length: 10 Minutes
How Man Made Day explains how man invented artificial daylight. It presents the progress of mans use of light from bonfires to candles to gas lamps and finally to light bulbs and fluorescent lamps. The film starts with a scenic view of sunset and proceeds to show a man turning the lights on of his house one by one, giving emphasis to the importance of being able to see your surroundings, even at night. The film shows primitive people using fire to light their caves as well as to protect themselves against wild beasts and a medieval setting in which men invented the candle and the wick. The most important breakthrough presented is Thomas Edisons invention of the electric light bulb. The film also illustrates how bulbs function and how light is controlled. The light bulb and the fluorescent light are seen as ingenious inventions as these do not use heat to provide light. With these inventions, streets can be light at night, extending day time and thus extending the time people can interact with each other.
Freedom & Power
Freedom & Power
Produced: 1952
Length: 22 Minutes
In line with the 75th anniversary of General Electrics, the film shows how the invention and continued development of electrical power changed the world.Freedom and Power starts with an American history recap about the arrival of the founding fathers and how towns turned into cities. It also highlights how wars shaped the American society. The film does an excellent job of following the progression of electric power use through time. The film also emphasizes the significance of scientific breakthroughs, like Morses telegraph and Edisons incandescent lamp.The film argues that with the invention of electric power, American society progressed as it never did before. For example, it raised the standard of living due to improved sanitation and health procedures. Every home is lighted and electrified due to electric power, thus making life more efficient and convenient and creating freedom from drudgery.The role of electric power in the industrialization and mass production of goods is also highlighted. Due to electric power, industries and mass production in the United States improved creating a 40% share in the worlds total production of goods. The increase of productivity can be attributed to electrical power and makes the United States productive and develop at a rate much faster than other countries in the world.
Singing Wires
Singing Wires
Produced: 1951
Length: 22 Minutes
Singing Wires tells the story of a family behind the times when it came to electrical engineering. Made in 1951, the film gives a detailed account of Bob’s farm compared to Judy’s farm down the street. One major difference stands out: Bob’s farm lacks electricity, and therefore his family has to do everything by hand. As for Judy’s farm, life was easier as their farm is more efficient and profitable. Bob wises up and welcomes electricity, redefining their life. This is a perfect example of how electricity revolutionized rural America and made farm life less back breaking.
