1) The Jews' monotheistic religious tradition shaped the Western beliefs about God. 2) The 7-day week, including a day of rest for everyone. 3) The concept of morality was also the work of the Hebrews, including the dignity and value of a person. Under Israelite law, everyone had recourse to the courts. A child, widow, wife, etc., could initiate legal action against any citizen to redress perpetrated harm. Compare this to those societies in which only mature, land-owning males had rights. Also: 4) Parents are responsible for teaching children. Illiteracy among Israelites, in every generation, was rare. 5) Infants are to be protected and cared for, whether or not they turned out to be the gender you were hoping for. <span>6) Cruelty to animals is not acceptable. </span>
New forms of transportation such as the steamboat and the railroad helped the nation expand trade. Meanwhile, innovations such as the modern assembly line and electric light bulb revolutionized both business and personal life
