Interchangeability is a concept credited to Eli Wh

itney, however thegreat mind behind this concept is actually Johannes Gutenburg, who actually
invented the printing press. The letters on his press wore out quickly, so
he had interchangeable letters handy for when one would break. Clock
makers started making parts interchangeable in the 18th century.

In 1803,
Eli Whitney manufactured interchangeable parts for muskets as well.Following his presentation, Eli Whitney signed an order with the government
for 4,000 muskets however, he took eight years to make them all, and they
weren't interchangeable.The invention of interchangeable parts had many different impacts.Economically, industry greatly increased in the north, and the south. New
methods of transportation were developed.

New roads were built and some
were made better because orders needed to be shipped. In the north, canals
became an essential part of transportation; goods could be shipped faster
than on land. Interchangeable parts caused the opening of more factories,
and because of that, workers were needed. Immigrants came and quickly
filled these new jobs. Manufacturing was changed also; products could be
produced more efficiently and in less time.

Socially, there were many
effects as well. Many people living in isolated places could now afford to
buy a musket because of the lower prices and cheaper shipping. Since there
were better roads, there were more travel opportunities, and it was easier
to get around.Interchangeable parts have changed in many ways since 1803. When henry
ford developed his assembly line, he had to make every part the same. Thus,
he adopted the idea of interchangeable parts.

Many other companies in the
50's, 60's, and 70's adopted the idea as well. Interchangeable parts
greatly advanced the world of science and technology. They assisted in the
world's first assembly line, helped to make the Model-T more affordable for
the common person. Today, many mass-made products have interchangeable
parts. Sunglasses and eyeglasses have interchangeable parts screws and
lenses.

Many car parts such as tires, and windshields are interchangeable
as well. However, we can't forget the fact that interchangeable parts are
still used in some clocks and watches, where they first began nearly 200
years ago.