This week in history I learned about roller skates, barbed wire, and the cowboy hat.
The first thing I learned about this week was roller skates. The Civil War killed 600,000 men between 1861 and 1865. After some European attempts, James Plimton Invented the roller skates in 1863. They are simple, relatively safe, shoes-on-wheels that allow people to have fun and play sports. Plimton took advantage of the desire for relaxation after the war ended and manufactured new skating rinks. Roller skates combined with disco music produce Roller Disco in the 1970s, and it’s still a popular form of music today.
The second thing I learned about this week was barbed wire. Cowboys and farmers moved out west to raise cattle and farm, but the cattle couldn’t be contained cheaply. Michal Kelly invented the barbed wire fence in 1868 as a way to manage cattle. It is cheap, made of steel, with sharp barbs attached, nailed to wooden posts, and stretched tight. The fence was marketed through public demonstrations and traveling salesmen. It brought about the end of the Wild West and was used in war.
The third and last thing I learned about was the cowboy hat. Cheap land and the idea of ‘’Manifest Destiny’’ drove settlers West and expanded the U.S territory. John B. Stetson invented the cowboy hat in 1865 after noting the problems with all the hats the cowboys wore. They keep the sun off tour face, neck, a little bit of your shoulders, and keep your bead warm and dry in the rain or snow. Stetson advertised his using illustrations, by sending demo units to store owners, and by simple word of mouth.
The most interesting thing I learned about this week was the roller skate because I love to roller blade and skate. It’s one of my favorite things to do.
The things I learned about this week helped with sports and enjoyment, farming, and fashion.
Leave a Reply