Category: History > Transportation
In the early 19th century, the industrial revolution brought about significant advancements in technology and transportation. One of the most interesting developments was the invention of the "dandy horse," or laufmaschine, created by German inventor Karl Drais in 1817. This early two-wheeled contraption was propelled by the rider's feet pushing against the ground, and it marked a pivotal moment in personal transportation history. Drais's invention emerged during a time of widespread social upheaval and rapid urbanization, as people were seeking efficient ways to navigate growing cities. The dandy horse laid the groundwork for the modern bicycle, which further evolved with the introduction of pedals and chain drives in the 1860s, ultimately revolutionizing not only how people traveled but also influencing societal changes related to mobility, leisure, and even women's rights, as bicycles became a symbol of independence.