Inventing Europe

Introduction

Technology has been bringing Europe closer together since the dawn of railways and telegraphs. The more technology improves, the more people, things and ideas move over borders. Or do they?

There is also a flip side. Sometimes connections fail, sometimes one size does not fit all, some dreams are never fulfilled. Both grand plans and everyday lives in Europe get interrupted.

This virtual exhibit presents 13 complicated stories of technology and Europe, laid out as 'stops' on a network map. To start, either click on a 'stop' to read an individual story, or click on one of the five 'lines' at the right for a themed tour through the stories.

As you read each story or tour, look to the right of the screen to see related objects and stories we found in the online collections of museums throughout Europe. And don't forget to tell us what you think.