The Windshield Wiper: A Female Innovation

The video explores the story of Mary Anderson, an Alabama businesswoman who invented the windshield wiper in 1903. Despite initial rejection from manufacturers, her design became standard in vehicles decades later. Although she never profited from her invention due to an expired patent, her contribution significantly improved driving safety. The video highlights her legacy and the importance of her innovation in the Museum of Artifacts that Made America.

What was a notable characteristic of the early 20th-century American car industry?

• Safety features were largely absent.

• Cars were primarily electric.

• Cars were equipped with advanced safety features.

• Driver's licenses were mandatory.

What inspired Mary Anderson to invent the windshield wiper?

• A visit to a car manufacturing plant.

• Reading about car accidents in the newspaper.

• Observing a streetcar driver struggle with snow on the windshield.

• A conversation with a fellow inventor.

What was the initial reaction of manufacturers to Mary's windshield wiper invention?

• They offered her a lucrative contract.

• They suggested improvements to her design.

• They rejected it, citing no commercial value.

• They immediately adopted it.

Why did Mary Anderson not profit from her windshield wiper invention?

• She sold the patent too early.

• She was not interested in financial gain.

• Her patent expired before the invention became standard.

• She donated the patent to charity.

What career did Mary Anderson pursue after her invention?

• She became a famous inventor.

• She retired from professional life.

• She worked as a car designer.

• She became a successful property developer and rancher.