1900-1909 | 1910-1919 | 1920-1929 | 1930-1939 | 1940-1949 | 1950-1959 | 1960-1969 | 1970-1979 | 1980-1989 | 1990-1999
20th Century
Second Decade

1910: Sweden's Elkstrom invents "flying spot" camera light beam.
1911: Efforts are made to bring sound to motion pictures.
1911: Rotogravure aids magazine production of photos.
1911: "Postal savings system" inaugurated.
1912: U.S. passes law to control radio stations.
1912: Motorized movie cameras replace hand cranks.
1912: Feedback and heterodyne systems usher in modem radio.
1912: First mail carried by airplane.
1913: The portable phonograph is manufactured.
1913: Type composing machines roll out of the factory.
1914: A better triode vacuum tube improves radio reception.
1914: Radio message is sent to an airplane.
1914: In Germany, the 35mm still camera, a Leica.
1914: In the U.S., Goddard begins rocket experiments.
1914: First transcontinental telephone call.
1915: Radio-telephone carries speech across the Atlantic.
1915: Birth of a Nation sets new movie standards.
1915: The electric loudspeaker.
1916: David Sarnoff envisions radio as "a household utility."
1916: Cameras get optical rangefinders.
1916: Radios get tuners.
1917: Photocomposition begins.
1917: Frank Conrad builds a radio station, later KDKA.
1917: Condenser microphone aids broadcasting, recording.
1918: First regular airmail service: Washington, D.C. to New York.
1919: People can now dial telephone numbers themselves.
1919: Short-wave radio is invented.
1919: Flip-flop circuit invented; will help computers to count.

1900-1909 | 1910-1919 | 1920-1929 | 1930-1939 | 1940-1949 | 1950-1959 | 1960-1969 | 1970-1979 | 1980-1989 | 1990-1999