Further Development of Modern Standardization (the Second Industrial Revolution)

This chapter unfolds the vibrant period spanning the latter half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century in a grand panorama. This period witnessed how the electrical revolution ignited the flames of industrialization, while the tides of globalization swept across every corner of the world. Against this backdrop, standardization served as a catalyst for industrial advancement, a bridge for cultural exchange, a compass for management innovation, and one that reshaped our perception of time. We will walk through the corridors of time, exploring a glorious epic woven by the intertwining threads of standardization and globalization. Readers will see how the globalization of technical standards accelerated the industrial revolution and how sparks of innovation ignited the industrial engines of the world through a global network. In this race of technology and intellect, the victors reaped unparalleled glory and wealth, while the vanquished faced potential obsolescence. We will also enter the beating heart of assembly lines to feel the pulse of management standardization. The emergence of assembly lines not only marked a revolutionary leap in production efficiency but also signified a paradigm shift in management philosophy. However, not all attempts at adopting assembly lines were successful stories around the world. Their adaptation and evolution in diverse cultural and economic settings demonstrated humanity’s relentless pursuit of innovation in standardization. Next, we will examine the establishment of the global standard time system. A seemingly simple unification of time, in reality, involved intricate economic, cultural, and political contests. The standard time system not only redefined the human perception of time but profoundly impacted every facet of societal life. Finally, we will focus on regional and international organizations that emerged from the waves of standardization. They served as beacons guiding global standardization efforts, and their presence foreshadowed a new era of standardization. By following the analyses presented in this chapter, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of standardization’s pivotal role in shaping historical progress and its enduring influence on the world we inhabit today. It serves as a profound reflection on the past and a glimpse into future trends. Let us embark on this expedition and search for the indelible marks left by standardization within the historical context of the Second Industrial Revolution.