Since the invention of the automobile, the automobile has been an important part of American life. There are currently more than 16 million American-made cars sold (Magee, Ferrara and LaMeau 149). It's something that is used every day in America by millions of people. The automobile opened the door to new opportunities and new experiences. It symbolizes the American ideal of freedom and independence. Americans have embraced the automobile and implemented it into their lives. Automobiles fueled the American economy and helped create a national road network. Automobiles have had a great influence on American society through their history, the pioneers of the automotive industry, the companies involved in the automotive industry, and the highway system. The history of the automobile went from 1770 to 1914, and in that time period, the automobile became something widely recognized in modern times. The first attempts at making a car were designed around steam engine propulsion. At that time, the steam engine was the best form of engine. Using heat and water, the steam engine drew energy from steam pressure. Although primitive, the steam engine played an important role in the advancement of the automobile. The first self-propelled vehicle was born in 1770 and was the fardier à vapeur (Essay 8). The fardier à vapeur was not an immediate success, but it marks a huge monument to the development of the automobile. From the 1820s to the 1840s, steam propulsion flourished, but soon died out in the early 1850s due to new legislation that deemed steam automobiles impractical (Essay 8). After the steam engine, the innovation of the era with the internal combustion engine began from 1880 to 1900. . Like the steam and... the medium of paper... of the economic history of the United States. Ed. Thomas Carson and Mary Bonk. vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 1999. 166-168. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Network. February 24, 2014. "Ford, Henry." Gale Encyclopedia of the Economic History of the United States. Ed. Thomas Carson and Mary Bonk. vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 1999. 329-331. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Network. February 20, 2014. "Ford Motor Company." Gale Encyclopedia of US Economic History. Ed. Thomas Carson and Mary Bonk. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 1999. 331-333. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. February 20, 2014. 2014. “SIC 1611: Highway and Road Construction.” Ed. Lynn M. Pearce, 6th ed -1709. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 20 February 2014. Wise, The Illustrated History of Automobiles New York: Gallahad, 1981.