The "Space Age"

Running almost in tandem with the Atomic Age has been the Space Age. American Robert Goddard was one of the first scientists to experiment with rocket propulsion systems. In his small laboratory in Worcester, Massachusetts, Goddard worked with liquid oxygen and gasoline to propel rockets into the atmosphere, and in 1926 successfully fired the world's first liquid-fuel rocket which reached a height of 12.5 meters. Over the next 10 years, Goddard's rockets achieved modest altitudes of nearly two kilometers, and interest in rocketry increased in the United States, Britain, Germany, and the Soviet Union.

The Atomic Age and "Big Science''

One of the most spectacular – and controversial – accomplishments of US technology has been the harnessing of nuclear energy. The concepts that led to the splitting of the atom were developed by the scientists of many countries, but the conversion of these ideas into the reality of nuclear fission was accomplished in the United States in early 1940s, both by many Americans but also aided tremendously by the influx of European intellectuals fleeing the growing conflagration sparked by Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini in Europe.

Early North American science

In the early decades of its history, the United States was relatively isolated from Europe and also rather poor. At this stage America's scientific infrastructure was still quite primitive compared to the long-established societies, institutes, and universities in Europe.
Two of America's founding fathers were scientists of some repute. Benjamin Franklin conducted a series of experiments that deepened human understanding of electricity. Among other things, he proved what had been suspected but never before shown: that lightning is a form of electricity. Franklin also invented such conveniences as bifocal eyeglasses. He did not invent the Franklin stove, however, it was named after him but is a much simpler version of his original

Science and technology in the United States

He United States came into being around the Age of Enlightenment (circa 1680 to 1800), a period in which writers and thinkers rejected the superstitions of the past. Instead, they emphasized the powers of reason and unbiased inquiry, especially inquiry into the workings of the natural world. Enlightenment philosophers envisioned a "republic of science," where ideas would be exchanged freely and useful knowledge would improve the lot of all citizens.
The United States Constitution itself reflects the desire to encourage scientific creativity. It gives the United States Congress the power "to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective

Medieval marriage

A conference in celebration of the work of Professor James L. Bolton

This conference will present current research on themes connected with Jim Bolton’s work, including money supply and the operation of credit, international banking, the impact of the Black Death, the impact of Italians and other alien groups in London, and relations between the city of London and the Crown. Keynote speakers are Caroline Barron (RHUL) and Phillipp Schofield (Aberwystwyth).

GTA 5: new screenshots – in pictures

Rockstar has revealed a selection of new screenshots from the long-awaited return of its multimillion-selling Grand Theft Auto series. In a collection entitled 'The Fast Life' we see lead characters Michael, Trevor and Franklin in a variety of cool vehicles, causing trouble through the open streets of Los Santos. The game is not due until 17 September, so for now, this is as close as we get to the chaos. This zoom along the

heft Auto GTA 5: new screenshots – in pictures

Rockstar has revealed a selection of new screenshots from the long-awaited return of its multimillion-selling Grand Theft Auto series. In a collection entitled 'The Fast Life' we see lead characters Michael, Trevor and Franklin in a variety of cool vehicles, causing trouble through the open streets of Los Santos. The game is not due until 17 September, so for now, this is as close as we get to the chaos.