Automobiles are complex machines that work together to power and control the vehicle and make it comfortable for passengers. Millions of people worldwide are employed by the automobile industry in factories, at restaurants or motels that cater to travelers, or by countless other firms that supply and service cars and trucks. But the automobile is also a major source of problems, from traffic jams to pollution to car accidents and deaths.

The automobile transformed American society by allowing people to travel far beyond their home towns, giving them access to more cultural and economic opportunities. It enabled urban dwellers to rediscover pristine landscapes, and rural residents to shop in towns and cities. Families could vacation together in a variety of scenic locations and teenagers enjoyed the independence that comes with driving freedom.

It was Henry Ford who made the automobile truly accessible to the masses, introducing mass production techniques that were widely adopted by other American manufacturers. His streamlined models were cheaper and more reliable than European cars of the time, which required costly upkeep.

As the automobile became a fixture in everyday life, Americans started to use it as a symbol of their identity and pride. For example, in 1916 two women—Nell Richardson and Alice Burke—made a pretty bold move by traveling across the country alone in their automobiles, decorating them with “votes for women” banners. This was just one of many ways the automobile helped empower women to change their world.