30 Amazing Ideas from Invention 1920 That Changed the World

The 1920s marked a defining era of progress, transformation, and innovation. Among these pivotal years, Invention 1920 stands out as a groundbreaking point in history. This single year sparked a wave of revolutionary technologies and ideas that laid the foundation for the modern world we live in today. From lifesaving medical breakthroughs to home convenience products and mass media, 1920 brought inventions that changed daily life forever.

In this blog, we explore 30 powerful inventions of 1920 and how each one influenced the world socially, economically, and scientifically.

1. The First Modern Traffic Light System

Inventor: William Potts

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Year: 1920

Before Invention 1920, managing traffic in growing cities was a major challenge. Signals were limited to just red and green lights, which often confused drivers and led to traffic collisions. Recognizing this problem, William Potts, a Detroit police officer with a background in electrical engineering, created a revolutionary solution.

Potts designed the first four-way, three-color traffic signal, adding a yellow (amber) light to warn drivers of a change from green to red. This addition introduced a crucial element of anticipation, allowing vehicles to slow down before stopping and reducing sudden halts that caused accidents.

He installed the first system at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and Michigan Avenue, one of Detroit’s busiest crossings. The lights were manually operated and powered by electricity, but they set a global standard still in use today.

Impact:

• Improved traffic flow and safety in urban environments
• Became the global model for traffic signals
• Paved the way for future automation in traffic systems

2.The Birth of Commercial Radio Broadcasting

Pioneer Station: KDKA, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Date: November 2, 1920

In the early 20th century, radio was used mostly for military and maritime communication. But in Invention 1920, KDKA, a station owned by Westinghouse Electric, changed history by broadcasting the U.S. presidential election results live to the public. The race between Warren G. Harding and James Cox became the first news event ever transmitted directly into homes.

The success of this broadcast proved that radio could be more than just a communication tool—it could entertain, inform, and connect society on a larger scale.

Within just a few years, radio stations flourished across the United States, offering music, sports, news, weather updates, and storytelling. It became the foundation for modern mass media.

Impact:

• Transformed how people received news
• Paved the way for the entertainment and music industry
• Unified families and communities with real-time information

3.The Start of Insulin Research

Researcher: Dr. Frederick Banting

Year Research Began: 1920

Discovery Publicized: 1921

In 1920, diabetes was a deadly disease. Patients had no effective treatment, and many died at a young age. Dr. Frederick Banting, a Canadian physician, began investigating the role of the pancreas in regulating blood sugar. Partnering with medical student Charles Best, Banting hypothesized that a substance produced by the pancreas—what we now know as insulin—was key to treating diabetes.

Their research, initiated in 1920, led to a successful insulin extraction by 1921. By 1922, the first human patient was treated, changing the course of medical history.

Impact:

• Saved millions of lives worldwide
• Laid the foundation for hormone replacement therapies
• Pioneered a new era in endocrinology and chronic disease treatment

4. The Invention of the Band-Aid

Inventor: Earle Dickson

Company: Johnson & Johnson

Year: 1920

Earle Dickson, a Johnson & Johnson employee, invented the Band-Aid to help his wife treat minor injuries easily at home. His wife frequently cut herself while cooking, and traditional bandages didn’t stay on her fingers.

To help her, Dickson took a piece of gauze and attached it to surgical tape, covering it with crinoline to keep it sterile. He created an easy-to-apply dressing that stuck to the skin and could be used without assistance.

Johnson & Johnson loved the idea and began mass-producing it as the Band-Aid in Invention  1920. It was an instant success and revolutionized first-aid care.

Impact:

• Made wound care accessible at home
• Became a global household item
• Sparked the development of other self-care medical products

5.The Hair Dryer Enters Homes

Inventor: Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy (prototype)

Year Made for Consumers: 1920

Although the first primitive hair dryer was invented in 1890 by Alexandre-Ferdinand Godefroy, it was large and stationary, mainly used in salons. By 1920, advancements in electric motors and heating elements made it possible to create handheld versions suitable for home use.

These early home dryers were heavy, produced low air pressure, and often overheated, but they marked the start of personal hair care electronics.

Impact:

• Empowered women with DIY hair styling
• Launched a new beauty appliance industry
• Evolved into modern, efficient hair dryers used globally

6.The Beginning of Frozen Food Technology

Pioneer: Clarence Birdseye

Year of Discovery: 1920

While working as a fur trader in Labrador, Canada, Clarence Birdseye noticed that freshly caught fish, when flash-frozen in Arctic temperatures, retained their flavor and texture even after thawing. Inspired by this, he began experimenting with quick-freezing methods in Invention 1920.

Birdseye’s method involved freezing food quickly at extremely low temperatures to prevent ice crystals from forming inside cells—preserving quality better than slow freezing. His innovation laid the foundation for the frozen food industry.

Impact:

• Enabled year-round availability of seasonal foods
• Revolutionized food storage and convenience
• Gave birth to frozen dinners and supermarket frozen aisles

7.The First Lie Detector Prototype

Inventor: John A. Larson

Year: 1920

In 1920, John Augustus Larson, a University of California medical student and police officer, created the polygraph, or lie detector machine. His invention measured physiological responses such as blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate to detect deception.

Although the effectiveness of polygraphs remains debated today, Larson’s invention was the first attempt to use science in criminal investigations.

Impact:

• Used in law enforcement and courtrooms
• Inspired psychological studies into human behavior
• Raised ethical debates on truth-telling and privacy

8.The Introduction of Q-tips

Inventor: Leo Gerstenzang

Original Name: Baby Gays

Year: 1920

Leo Gerstenzang noticed his wife wrapping cotton on toothpicks to clean their baby’s ears. Realizing the need for a safer product, he created a small wooden stick with cotton swabs on both ends, calling it “Baby Gays.” The name was later changed to Q-tips, short for “Quality Tips.”

These swabs quickly became popular for both medical and cosmetic use.

Impact:

• Set the standard for ear and hygiene swabs
• Became a multi-use tool in beauty, cleaning, and art
• Inspired many similar hygienic products

9.Portable Vacuum Cleaners Go Mainstream

Inventor: James Spangler (prototype in 1907)

Consumer Availability: 1920

Though the first portable vacuum cleaner was invented by James Spangler in 1907, it wasn’t until 1920 that these devices became affordable and practical for regular households. Hoover and other brands began producing smaller, upright electric vacuums that could be used without professional help.

With urban homes becoming more dust-prone and people valuing cleanliness, the portable vacuum rapidly gained popularity.

Impact:

• Revolutionized domestic cleaning routines
• Replaced broom-based cleaning in urban homes
• Evolved into today’s smart robot vacuums

10.Hand-Held Electric Fans

Year: 1920

Technology: AC electric motors

The 1920s brought electric fans into everyday households. Previously reserved for industrial spaces, the invention of compact AC-powered motors made it possible to build affordable desk and hand-held fans for residential use.

These early fans provided much-needed relief during summer months, especially before the widespread use of air conditioning.

Impact:

• Improved home and office comfort
• Became essential appliances in warm climates
• Paved the way for cooling technology like A/C systems

11.The Sliced Bread Machine Prototype

Inventor: Otto Frederick Rohwedder (concepts in 1910s, prototypes in 1920)

Location: Davenport, Iowa, USA

While mass-produced sliced bread officially debuted in 1928, the early prototypes and design work were being refined in 1920 by Otto Frederick Rohwedder. His goal was to build a machine that could both slice and wrap bread without it falling apart or going stale.

After a fire in 1917 destroyed his initial blueprints and equipment, Rohwedder rebuilt and refined his invention through 1920. These efforts laid the foundation for what would become one of the most revolutionary kitchen inventions of the century.

Impact:

• Made bread more convenient and easier to use
• Led to the popular saying, “The best thing since sliced bread”
• Increased demand for packaged food products and food safety packaging

12.The First Domestic Refrigerator Units

Inventors: Multiple, including General Electric (GE) engineers

Year of Early Home Models: 1920

By 1920, domestic electric refrigerators began appearing in high-end homes. Earlier refrigeration systems used blocks of ice and insulated boxes (iceboxes), but these required regular maintenance and couldn’t keep food cold consistently.

The 1920 versions—like GE’s “Monitor-Top” model—used electric compressors to circulate coolant and keep food fresh for longer periods. Although expensive at the time, they marked the beginning of a kitchen appliance that would soon become a necessity.

Impact:

• Improved food safety and longevity
• Allowed year-round storage of perishable items
• Laid the foundation for modern kitchen technology

13.Improvements in Automatic (Self-Winding) Watches

Key Innovator: John Harwood (patented in 1923, but early designs in 1920)

Concept Origin: Early 20th century

The concept of automatic or self-winding watches gained traction in 1920 when engineers sought ways to eliminate the need for daily winding. Early designs used the natural motion of the wearer’s arm to power the watch’s mechanism.

Though John Harwood officially patented the first practical automatic wristwatch in 1923, 1920 marked a key period of research and mechanical development. This innovation eventually made watches more convenient and accurate.

Impact:

• Introduced convenience to personal timekeeping
• Became a luxury and utility item for men and women
• Paved the way for modern smartwatches and self-powered devices

14.Automobile Manufacturing Advancements

Companies Involved: Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet

Year of Boom: 1920

In 1920, automobile production experienced a major leap forward thanks to Henry Ford’s perfected assembly line model. The Model T Ford was being mass-produced efficiently, which dramatically lowered costs and made car ownership possible for the middle class.

Other manufacturers like Dodge and Chevrolet quickly adopted similar methods, leading to fierce competition, better quality, and new models. The car was no longer a luxury—it was becoming a necessity.

Impact:

• Made cars affordable and accessible
• Spurred the development of roads, highways, and suburban expansion
• Supported growth in industries like steel, rubber, glass, and oil

15.Early Electric Shavers Begin Development

Inventors: Jacob Schick (prototyping by 1920)

First Model Released: 1931

In 1920, Jacob Schick, a retired U.S. Army colonel, began working on a dry electric razor that could shave without water, soap, or a blade. The idea came from a desire to simplify the shaving process and reduce the need for dangerous straight razors.

Schick filed patents and began developing prototypes throughout the early 1920s, and while the first consumer model launched in 1931, his work in 1920 was foundational.

Impact:

• Revolutionized men’s grooming and daily routines
• Led to the multi-billion dollar electric shaver industry
• Introduced safer, quicker shaving options

16.The Rise of the Jukebox

Inventor/Companies: Various (early models like the “Automatic Phonograph”)

Year Gaining Popularity: 1920

The concept of the jukebox, or coin-operated phonograph, became commercially viable by 1920. Public places like cafes, diners, and bars began installing these machines, allowing patrons to choose and play music for a few cents.

Though earlier versions existed before 1920, technological improvements in amplification and automatic record changing allowed jukeboxes to become widely loved.

Impact:

• Popularized music access in public spaces
• Boosted record sales and music industry growth
• Became a symbol of social life and entertainment

17. Mechanized Farming Equipment Expansion

Key Equipment: Tractors, Plows, Threshers

Year Widely Adopted: 1920

By 1920, mechanized agricultural tools like tractors and automatic threshers were replacing traditional horse-drawn tools. These machines allowed farmers to work larger areas faster and with less labor.

Companies like John Deere and Fordson began manufacturing affordable tractors, leading to a massive shift in how food was produced.

Impact:

• Increased agricultural output dramatically
• Reduced manual labor needs on farms
• Played a role in urban migration as fewer workers were needed in rural areas

18.The Birth of Synthetic Insulin Research

Researchers: Multiple medical scientists

Year of First Steps: 1920

In parallel with Banting and Best’s discovery of natural insulin, 1920 also saw early interest in synthesizing insulin artificially. The idea was to create a more scalable, chemically stable version of the hormone for widespread use.

Though synthetic insulin wouldn’t be commercially available until much later, the research began with pharmaceutical labs experimenting with pancreatic extracts and chemical analogs.

Impact:

• Opened the door to bioengineered drugs
• Made diabetes treatment more consistent over time
• Paved the way for modern biotechnology and synthetic medicine

19.Vacuum Tube Advancements in Radios

Developers: RCA, GE, and other radio technology companies

Year of Major Breakthroughs: 1920

The vacuum tube (or thermionic valve) was crucial in amplifying radio signals and making long-distance radio communication possible. In 1920, major improvements in vacuum tube durability and performance allowed clearer broadcasts, setting the stage for radio to become a household medium.

These tubes were also essential for early television and radar technology.

Impact:

• Made reliable, amplified radio transmission possible
• Laid the groundwork for electronic communication systems
• Key component in early computers and televisions

20.Color Motion Picture Experimentation

Technology: Kinemacolor, Two-Color Technicolor

Year of First Experiments: 1920

In the early 1920s, inventors and filmmakers began experimenting with color film processes. While color motion pictures wouldn’t be fully commercial until the late 1930s, early techniques like two-color Technicolor were tested in 1920 for short films and commercials.

This experimentation was essential in overcoming the technical challenges of film colorization—like alignment and fading.

Impact:

• Set the foundation for color cinematography
• Enhanced storytelling and realism in movies
• Paved the way for full-color Hollywood films in the decades to come

21.Automation of Telephone Switchboards

Development Year: 1920

Key Innovators: Bell System (AT&T) and Almon Strowger (early inventor of the automatic switch)

In the early 20th century, telephone calls were connected manually by operators—mostly women—who worked in large switchboard offices. However, by 1920, the telephone industry began automating these switchboards using electromechanical devices.

This was largely based on the Strowger Switch, which had been conceptualized earlier, but by 1920 companies like Bell System had begun widespread implementation of these automatic systems. The move drastically reduced the need for human operators and accelerated the speed and reliability of phone connections.

Impact:

• Streamlined telecommunications globally
• Reduced operational costs for phone companies
• Set the foundation for modern digital exchanges and mobile networks

22.Experimental Television Systems

Pioneers: John Logie Baird (UK), Charles Francis Jenkins (USA)

Key Research Period: 1920–1925

Though television didn’t become a household staple until the 1940s and ’50s, pioneering television experiments began as early as 1920. Inventors like John Logie Baird in the UK and Charles Francis Jenkins in the U.S. started building mechanical television prototypes, transmitting images using spinning disks and light-sensitive elements.

These early experiments used radio waves to send moving images, and though the quality was primitive, they were the building blocks for modern broadcasting systems.

Impact:

• Introduced the concept of image transmission
• Sparked the creation of visual mass media
• Paved the way for commercial television by the 1930s

23.Canned Foods and Better Preservation Methods

Key Innovators: American food manufacturers, military technology adaptation

Year of Advancement: 1920

Canning had existed since the early 1800s, but 1920 marked a leap in canned food quality and safety. Thanks to vacuum sealing, pressure cooking techniques, and better tin alloy materials, canned goods in 1920 were more reliable, longer-lasting, and safer to consume.

Many of these techniques were refined during World War I, and in 1920, food companies started applying them to consumer products. This allowed supermarkets to stock a wide range of shelf-stable vegetables, fruits, meats, and soups.

Impact:

• Improved public access to preserved, nutritious food
• Changed the way food was distributed and consumed
• Became a staple in emergency preparedness and global food aid

24.Electric Toasters Gain Popularity

Inventor of First Pop-Up Toaster: Charles Strite

Initial Development: 1920

Although electric toasters existed before 1920, they required constant attention to flip the bread and prevent burning. In 1920, Charles Strite invented the first automatic pop-up toaster, which was later commercialized as the “Toastmaster” by 1925.

Strite’s toaster included a built-in timer and spring-loaded ejector, allowing users to make perfect toast hands-free. It marked a breakthrough in convenient kitchen appliances.

Impact:

• Became a must-have breakfast appliance
• Represented the rise of smart electric kitchen tools
• Inspired the design of modern timers and thermostats

25.A Boom in Patent Filings

Institution: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Year: 1920

By 1920, a massive wave of innovation led to a sharp increase in patent filings, especially in the fields of electronics, household devices, transportation, and communication. The U.S. saw an increase in entrepreneurial activity, driven by post-war optimism and industrial growth.

This “patent boom” reflected society’s growing interest in solving practical problems through science and engineering. Inventors from all walks of life contributed ideas, leading to long-term innovation in both consumer and industrial sectors.

Impact:

• Stimulated technological and economic growth
• Encouraged inventors to protect their ideas
• Created a legal framework for intellectual property rights

26.Escalators in Public Buildings

Key Developers: Otis Elevator Company

Public Use Expansion: 1920

Although escalators had been invented in the late 1800s, they became widely adopted in public spaces like department stores, hotels, and subways by 1920. The Otis Elevator Company played a major role in perfecting the technology and ensuring safety standards.

Escalators allowed large numbers of people to move efficiently between floors, especially in buildings where elevators couldn’t meet traffic demands.

Impact:

• Improved pedestrian flow in urban architecture
• Enhanced shopping and transit experiences
• Became standard in malls, airports, and metro stations

27.Compact Mirrors and Lipstick Tubes

Pioneers: Helena Rubinstein, Elizabeth Arden, and Max Factor

Year of Commercial Growth: 1920

As fashion and makeup became essential parts of women’s identity during the Roaring Twenties, the beauty industry responded with portable makeup tools. Compact cases containing mirrors, twist-up lipstick tubes, and powder puffs became popular items in every woman’s purse.

These were not just practical—they symbolized freedom and independence for women in the post-war world.

Impact:

• Made cosmetics convenient and portable
• Redefined women’s grooming and self-expression
• Created the foundation for today’s multi-billion dollar beauty industry

28.Electronics-Related Patents Surge

Key Fields: Radios, appliances, electrical tools

Surge Year: 1920

In 1920, a significant portion of U.S. patents were filed for inventions in the electronics sector. With electricity becoming widely available in homes, inventors raced to create gadgets that could improve everyday life—like radios, toasters, vacuums, fans, and irons.

Many of these patents reflected the dawn of consumer electronics, where inventors and engineers shifted focus from industrial machinery to home-use devices.

Impact:

• Gave birth to the modern consumer electronics industry
• Encouraged startups and inventors to target domestic consumers
• Spurred the need for electrical standards and safety regulations

29.Innovation in Home Building Materials

New Materials: Asbestos-cement siding, glass blocks, insulation foam

Adoption Year: 1920

As urbanization expanded, there was a demand for stronger, fire-resistant, and more energy-efficient building materials. By 1920, engineers had started incorporating asbestos cement, concrete blocks, insulated panels, and prefabricated components in construction.

These innovations allowed homes to be built faster and safer, although some materials (like asbestos) were later found to be hazardous.

Impact:

• Reduced construction time and costs
• Led to the rise of suburban neighborhoods
• Sparked modern prefab and modular housing trends

30.Military Technology Adapted for Civilian Use

Examples: Engine design, radar principles, synthetic materials

Transition Year: 1920

The end of World War I in 1918 left behind a wealth of advanced military technology. By 1920, companies began adapting these innovations for civilian markets. For example:

• Internal combustion engines were improved and used in cars, tractors, and planes
• Synthetic fabrics and rubbers developed for military gear entered fashion and home goods
• Radar principles started influencing radio communication and early TV experiments

Impact:

• Sped up technological progress in peacetime
• Transformed war-time science into everyday convenience
• Fueled the beginning of a true consumer economy

Timeline of Inventions: A Year-by-Year Comparison (1910–1930)

Understanding the technological context of 1920 helps readers grasp the pace of innovation and the importance of that year. Let’s look at the decades surrounding 1920 to highlight how it was a pivotal year for global inventions.

Why It Matters

Inventions don’t emerge in isolation. They’re part of a broader historical progression. By showing what came before and after, you provide deeper insight into the innovation boom of the early 20th century.

Detailed Timeline of Inventions (1910–1930):

This detailed breakdown helps your blog stand out by showing that 1920 wasn’t just an isolated breakthrough year, but a core part of a rapid innovation chain.

Scientific Principles Behind 1920 Inventions

People are not just curious about what was invented—they also ask how it works. Here’s a science-based explanation of major 1920 innovations:

How Radio Broadcasting Worked in 1920

Early radios operated using AM (Amplitude Modulation) technology. Radio waves were generated using electrical oscillations, which encoded audio signals. These signals traveled through the air and were picked up by antennas.

• Vacuum tubes amplified weak signals.
• Detectors demodulated the signal to extract the audio.
• A speaker turned electrical signals into sound waves.

This technology made real-time, long-distance communication possible for the first time, changing how people got news and entertainment.

How Electric Traffic Lights Functioned

The three-color traffic light used a rotating switch mechanism powered by electricity. Each light (red, yellow, green) was connected to a timed relay system:

• Red: Stop
• Yellow: Caution
• Green: Go

This sequence was looped through a mechanical timer. Modern systems are now AI-based, but the concept remains the same, proving the lasting value of this 1920 innovation.

How Insulin Helps Diabetics

Before 1920, diabetes was a fatal disease. The pancreas fails to produce insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Scientists like Frederick Banting discovered that insulin injections help:

• Move glucose from blood into cells
• Lower blood sugar levels
• Prevent long-term complications

Today’s insulin comes in smart pens and pumps—but the scientific foundation laid in 1920 still saves lives.

Global Inventions in 1920: Not Just the U.S.

Innovation in 1920 wasn’t limited to America. Other nations also contributed remarkable inventions that often go unrecognized.

United Kingdom – Mechanical Television

In 1920, John Logie Baird began experimenting with the mechanical scanning of images. His system used a spinning disc to transmit black-and-white visuals. It wasn’t high-resolution, but it was the birth of television technology.

Germany – Optical Engineering Devices

Germany was at the forefront of precision tools, including:

• Microscopes
• Cameras
• Rangefinders

These inventions enhanced medical diagnostics and industrial manufacturing, laying the foundation for modern devices.

Japan – Home Electronics & Electric Fans

In Japan, companies like Mitsubishi and Toshiba began mass-producing small electrical items:

• Electric fans
• Portable lighting
• Basic home appliances

These contributed to the modernization of Japanese homes and later global tech exports.

Famous Inventors of the 1920s: Profiles & Legacies

Frederick Banting (Canada)

In 1920, he began researching pancreatic extracts. He isolated insulin and tested it in animals, then humans.

Legacy: Nobel Prize winner. His work continues to save millions of lives every day.

William Potts (USA)

As a Detroit policeman and engineer, Potts saw the chaos on city streets and created the world’s first 3-color traffic light system using electrical controls.

Legacy: His design became the global traffic standard.

Earle Dickson (USA)

He wanted to help his wife, who often cut herself while cooking. He attached gauze to adhesive tape—creating the first Band-Aid.

Legacy: Revolutionized minor wound care; over 100 billion sold worldwide.

How Governments and Companies Helped Innovation in 1920

Many forget that great inventions need support systems. Innovation in 1920 was driven by post-war investments, government policies, and private sector R&D.

Government Support

After WWI, governments increased spending on:

• Public health (insulin discovery)
• Traffic control (urban safety)
• Wireless communication (military-to-civilian tech transfer)

Agencies and universities provided funding, labs, and talent for research.

Private Sector Involvement

Large corporations accelerated innovation through in-house laboratories:

• Westinghouse: Developed radio broadcasting.
• Johnson & Johnson: Manufactured Band-Aids.
• GE (General Electric): Advanced household appliances and motors.

This cooperation between public policy and private capital turned ideas into reality.

Educational Use: What 1920 Inventions Are Taught in Schools Today

1920 inventions are often part of science and history curricula in schools.

School Topics:

• Insulin in biology lessons (hormones and homeostasis).
• Traffic signals in civics and urban planning.
• Radio in media history and communication classes.

Movies and Documentaries About 1920 Inventions

• “The Inventor’s Challenge” – Covers early breakthroughs, including medical and mechanical devices.
• “How We Got to Now” by Steven Johnson (PBS) – Series includes episodes on refrigeration, communication, and medicine.
• “American Experience: The Pill” (PBS) – Chronicles innovation in health from the 1920s onward.

Future of These Inventions: What Will They Look Like in 2050?

• Insulin: Microchip-delivered or genetically embedded insulin that adjusts itself.
• Traffic Lights: Smart, AI-controlled systems that manage intersections without human input.
• Band-Aids: Self-healing, medicated, and Bluetooth-enabled patches that track infection.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Still Impacts Us Today

The year 1920 was a true turning point in technological history. Many of the inventions born during that year—or started as research—have become permanent fixtures in our daily lives. From traffic lights and radio to insulin and the Band-Aid, these innovations not only made life easier but also saved lives.

Invention 1920 laid the foundation for a century of progress. It reminds us that simple ideas can have lasting impacts, and that one moment in time can truly change the future.