If you could go back in time and be part of any engineering achievement in the past, what would you choose?

Your choice must involve something that was accomplished before $1970,$ although it might still be in use today. You may go as far back in time as you wish,

but not more recently than $1970.$

Your essay must include the following:

Why did you choose this specific thing?

Discuss the actual development of the item in question. Include such issues as why the item was desired, what problems the designers confronted, and

specific design decisions that were made.

What effects has the development of this device $($or process$)$ had on society and the planet, including positive, negative, and neutral effects?

A bibliography with at least three distinct entries. All may be online references, but no more than one may be Wikipedia or similar sites.