US Manufacturing History 8-12-24

In the 1600s the steam engine was invented to pump water out of coal mines. In 1764 James Watt improved efficiency by allowing spent steam to condense. Steam engines were added to power ships. 

In the 1800s, the steam engine was adapted to power manufacturing equipment and was adapted to create railroads and steam engines to run on tracks. In 1819, steam engines replaced sails on ships. Factory-made goods replaced Home-made goods. Feeding coal into furnaces to boil water and create steam to power equipment allowed an alternative to water powered equipment. This enabled companies to locate factories in cities near railroads. In the 1860s, factories made guns, bullets, cannons and other war production. Railroads moved armies and supplies to the battlefields. In 1869, the transcontinental railroad was completed to allow easy movement of settlers to the West and goods to be transported.

In 1881 Thomas Edison built the first electrical power generator for use in factories. This eventually replaced steam engine driven energy in factories. In the 1900s, electric lights enabled factories to add nightshifts and double their production.  Product quality and performance were determined by inspecting and testing completed units.

From 1900 to 1960, US manufacturing continued to grow, but added management controlled inspection of units with little effect on product quality. US involvement in World War I resulted in establishing more advanced aircraft and tanks. World War II resulted in the development of nuclear power, radar and radio frequency communications.

From 1960 to 1990, quality assurance developed and finally delivered in 2000 with Lean Management principles and targeted automation. In 1970, the invention of the integrated circuit allowed electronics to advance. Computers replaced their cathode ray components with integrated circuits and more advanced chips. 3D Laser measuring machines were developed to inspect machined parts. 

By 2000, most US manufacturing had been off-shored to other countries to keep labor and regulatory costs down. From 2000 to 2024, the US National Debt soared from $5 trillion to $35 trillion. US government spending has triggered global inflation. The US service economy is failing to provide the jobs we need to provide food and shelter. US oil and natural gas production needs to increase to lower global gasoline prices and end the wars in Ukraine and Israel. US borders need to be closed and illegals deported to allow US citizens to find jobs. US government spending needs to be reduced by $2 trillion. Manufacturing needs to return to the US.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader