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Technology and infrastructure diffusion in the US, 1800 to 2003

The diffusion of technologies and infrastructure in the United States, measured in total production or adoption units.

18002003185019001950Diesel locomotives in serviceAgricultural tractorsATMsAviation passenger-kmCredit and debit paymentsCard paymentsMail (millions)MRI unitsNewspapersRetail locations accepting cardRail passenger-kmSteamships (tons)Crude steel production (blast oxygen furnaces)Crude steel production (electric furnaces)Telegrams (millions)Synthetic (non-cellulosic) fibresCommercial vehiclesCanalsRoads (000s miles)

Source: Isard (1942) and others