Before the invention of windshield wipers, it was difficult to travel in harsh weather conditions. Drivers had to brave the cold and Mary Anderson witnessed it herself one afternoon when she saw a wagon with its front window open to allow the driver to see out. The invention of windshield wipers was important and benefited those who lived in areas with terrible weather conditions. Anderson's invention not only kept you warm and dry, but it also changed the automotive world forever. Mary Anderson's invention of windshield wipers changed the way the world moves through improved vehicle safety and increased visual capabilities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Mary Anderson was born in 1866 in Greene County, Alabama, at the beginning of the Reconstruction movement in the United States after the Civil War (Encyclopedia of Alabama). His professional activities ranged from real estate development to cattle ranching to vineyard management. At the age of 24, Anderson lost his father and moved to Birmingham, Alabama with his mother and sisters (Encyclopedia of Alabama). Upon settling in Birmingham, she entered the real estate business and built the Fairmont Apartments on Highland Avenue. She managed Fairmont throughout her life with the help of her brother-in-law and until her death in 1953. In 1893, she decided to move to California where she established a cattle ranch and vineyard, and after five years of farming, she returns. to Birmingham to care for her elderly aunt who later died (History.com). After her death, Anderson received 17 chests from her aunt that had been kept secret. They contained gold bars and expensive jewelry, which definitively put an end to Anderson's (Famous Inventors) financial worries. One cold afternoon, while driving through town, Anderson saw a streetcar. The windshield was covered in ice and snow, making it difficult for the driver to see. So he opened the window, which exposed his face to the cold and harsh weather, as well as all the people sitting behind him (About.com). Anderson began sketching the design to determine which one would be a sufficient prototype for what she had in mind. Anderson built many different models and finally found one that worked. It was made of wood and plastic and could be removed if no longer needed. Anderson tested the product herself and it was a success. But no one had confidence in his idea and few people were interested. Even Canadian manufacturers refused it (History.com). She tried to publicize her invention, but no one wanted anything to do with it. Businesses and ordinary people thought it would be a waste of time and didn't believe it would be useful, so she moved on. After many years of waiting, Anderson's invention finally became known and popular thanks to the help of Charlotte Bridgwood and her invention of the Storm electric windshield cleaner (History.com). Windshield wipers were used on all cars around the world. However, her idea was never credited because she abandoned the patent. It was his idea, but now it was something else. When the automobile world skyrocketed in the early and mid-1920s, Anderson left the fold and let corporations and businesses have access to his original design (Encyclopedia of Alabama). Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper now from our editors..