Inventors During 1865-1900

The intellectual elements during 1865-1900 mainly involved inventors. Many inventors, about 20,000 per year, in the 1890s “flooded the U.S. Patent Office” with their applications, which was staggering compared to the 1,000 per year in the 1850s (Keene, 475). Some of the more recognizable inventors include Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone, and Thomas Edison, who is known for many inventions, including the incandescent light bulb. Also, George Eastman and Isaac Singer were notable inventors. The former created the Kodak camera, while the latter invented the sewing machine. Most of these inventors were very successful in the business world. However, there are many other inventors who are not as well known. Most of these are women

The first department store was established in New York City in 1846 by Alexander Turney Stewart (Keene, 482). Soon after, others began copy Stewart and created giant stores that had many “departments” (Keene, 482). Within the next few decades, department stores became very popular, and people would swarm to them. Not only for the merchandise that had a fixed price, but also for the experience. Before the department store, most people would make negotiations on prices of the goods rather than having an already settled, fixed price. These stores eliminated the need for awkward negotiations. Also, most of these stores were “richly decorated” to provide a “pleasurable experience” (Keene, 483). They had marble columns, decorative ceilings, and strategically placed statues. These merchants provided a place that “shoppers,” as they were called, could get anything they needed, and more (Keene, 483). These aesthetic elements opened up a world of retail and marketing. People were attracted to these department stores because they were so impressive. They offered items that had never been offered before, and made certain services