The Wright Brothers Essay -- History Air Flying Fly Flight Essays

The Wright Brothers The world was changed on December 17, 1903 when Orville Wright flew the first airplane for a period of 12 seconds. Orville, born in 1871 and his brother Wilbur, born in 1867 grew up in Dayton Ohio with two other brothers, Reuchlin and Lorin and one sister Katherine. They grew up in a loving family, which helped the brothers with the success in their future. Many people are not aware that much of their knowledge that went into the makings of the airplane came from their mother Susan and the bicycle repair shop they owned. Interestingly, Wilbur and Orville were not the men who first thought of flying. In the 16th century, Leonardo de Vinci had thoughts of a â€Å"flying machine† that was ahead its time, though aeronautical science was still in its infancy. They proceeded to develop new scientific information and practical applications. Wilbur’s confidence in the advancements of aviation is reflected in the following statement said in 1899 â€Å" I am convinced that fligh t is both possible and practical.† Wilbur and Orville Wright made history with the invention of the first effective airplane and changed the world of aviation. Bishop Milton Wright and Susan Katherine Wright raised their five children in Ohio and Iowa. Milton’s ecclesiastical career caused the family to move around frequently. The family started in Dayton, Ohio and moved to Iowa in 1878. They returned to Ohio in 1885. When the boys had a problem they would look to their father for intellectual and scientific advice. Whereas if a toy broke they would go to their mother for mechanical help. Milton and Susan were very supportive of any interests their children pursued. Orville once stated â€Å" We were lucky enough to grow up in an environment where there was always much encouragement to children to pursue intellectual interests; to investigate whatever around curiosity.† Ideas of flying became a fascination at a young age for the boys. A piece of the aeronautical puzzle fell into place the day that Milton, back from one of his church group trips, brought the boys a flying top toy that was made of cork, paper, bamboo, and rubber bands. This little toy broke quickly but Wilbur and Orville always kept the memory of that toy in the back of their minds. With regard to their education, Wilbur did well in school, but was not able to graduate from high school. His mother contracted and died... ...t died in 1948 of a heart attack in his hometown. This same year the 1903 Flyer is admitted into the Smithsonian Institution. The airplanes have come a long way since the makings of the Wright brothers. In 1927 Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic Ocean to Paris in 39.5 hours all by himself. That had never been done before. Nowadays people own their own private jets and planes can carry hundreds of people along with luggage or food. But the Wright brother did more than make it possible for people to fly, they made a connection that many never thought possible. The plane brought separated families together, medicine to the sick in other countries and of course they made travel faster. The Wright brothers turned themselves into revolutionary icons with their determination and passion for the world of aviation. Works Cited Books: The Americans A History, Winthrop D Jordan/Miriam Greenblatt/John S. Bowes To Conquer the Air, James Tobin Articles: Gates, Bill. Top 100 Most Influential People Time Magazine March 29,1999 Wright, Wilbur and Orville. The Wright Brothers Aeroplane September 1908 Internet: The Henry Ford Museum Exhibits, The Wright Brothers July 30th 1995