Navigating the Maze

Chapter 4

A new century: A new America 1900–1925

Abstract

This chapter deals with the government policy vacuum related to science and technology during the beginning decades of the 20th century and the “bureau building” that began to take place in earnest during this period to cope with the growing technological needs. The early conflict over national electricity standards highlighted the need for government policy and authority in technological areas. The chapter explores legislation declaring the National Bureau of Standards a national physical laboratory, after the German and British models, as well as the establishment of the Bureau of Mines, the Forestry Service, the Bureau of the Census, and the National Park Service. Legislation establishing ...