* The Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, led to the development of new technologies and methods of production that laid the foundation for the technological advances of the 20th century.
* The rise of science and engineering: The 20th century saw a tremendous increase in the number of scientists and engineers, and in the amount of money invested in research and development. This led to a number of major breakthroughs in science and technology, such as the development of the transistor, the integrated circuit, and the personal computer.
* The global exchange of ideas: The 20th century saw an unprecedented increase in the global exchange of ideas and information. This was due in part to the development of new forms of communication, such as the telegraph, the telephone, and the Internet.
* Government and corporate support: Governments and corporations around the world invested heavily in technological research and development, both for military and commercial purposes. This led to the development of many new technologies, such as the rocket, the atomic bomb, and the jet engine.
* Consumer demand: Consumers' demand for new and better products and services also drove technological change. For example, the demand for personal computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices led to the development of new technologies that made these devices possible.
The combination of these factors led to a period of unprecedented technological change in the 20th century. This change has had a profound impact on our lives, and it continues to shape the world we live in today.