EOTO- The Typewriter

     One of the greatest inventions in history is the typewriter due to its massively revolutionary effect. Before typewriters existed, it used to take months, even years to hand write books and newspapers. These books and newspapers would be distributed to a large number of people awaiting the news of the town. The invention of typewriters changed everything. It facilitated communication and helped the workers become more efficient. This efficiency kickstarted more jobs and encouraged people to write and pursue publishing. 

    Prior to the release of the classic typewriter, we think of, inventors were creating typewriter models for the blind so that it would be easier for them to communicate. Since mostly all of the prototypes failed to get a patent, it wasn't until 1867 that the first mass-produced typewriter was put out. 

Hansen Writing Ball

    The first attempt to mass produce typewriters was Rev. Rasmus Malling Hansen and his 'Hansen Writing Ball' which was intended for the blind to use, as it was meant to have braille. Only a few hundred of these models were sold but soon replaced by the classic type-writer we know and love. 

     The typewriter inventor was Christopher Latham Sholes & Carlos Glidden in Ilion, NY. The typewriters only typed in capital letters but were the first successful typewriter on the market which made them very popular. The 'Sholes & Glidden Typerwritter' was the first to use QWERTY, the layout and spacing of the letters on the keyboard to make it easier to type, which we still use today. 

Sholes & Glidden Design

     People had strong opinions, though, thinking it looked like a sewing machine, and some even thought the idea was entirely useless, especially if there were only upper case letters. It was also sometimes hard for people to learn these new skills, and they certainly had to know how to read and write efficiently, so there was a need for a literate and educated worker to use one. Although the typewriter has some flaws, education was becoming more prevalent and created power among people, which made people want to have one. 

    Despite the multiple attempts to make and produce an organized and operating typewriter, the wait was worth it and it resulted in many positive impacts. With the invention of this new tool, came new opportunities for women in the workplace, as they were given new and important tasks. It also allowed religion and ideas to spread rapidly, as there was more access to the bible. Books became easier and cheaper to buy, so people had more access to education. Newspapers started to prosper and everyone would be able to know what is going on locally, and around the world. The invention of the typewriter did not just help a few people, almost every business, company, and office would soon utilize the typewriter religiously, as it was the gateway to a new future.