Prompt Cast
Why the US has been slow to fully adopt the metric system
TLDR Despite the US legally adopting the metric system in 1866, it was not compulsory, leading to a slow transition due to costs, historical biases, and public resistance. The influence of globalization and business interests is gradually pushing the US towards adopting the metric system.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The podcast episode discusses why the US is not fully on the metric system, despite its widespread usage and presence in US law.
04:07
The French Revolution led to the adoption of a standardized system of measurements called the Metric system, which was based on a decimal-mode system and aimed to create a standard unit of distance that was not dependent on human body parts.
08:19
The French Revolution led to the adoption of the Metric system, which was based on a decimal-mode system and aimed to create a standard unit of distance that was not dependent on human body parts, and after the French Revolution, Napoleon brought the metric system to other lands.
12:21
The US government recognized the need for a uniform system of measurements and weights for commerce, but initially did not adopt the metric system due to the expense and potential French bias, and also because they were snubbed by the French during a metric system debut.
16:17
In 1866, the US legally adopted the metric system, but it was not compulsory, which added to the already confusing US customary system with its 300 different units, and in 1875, the US signed the Treaty of the Meter and established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures.
20:47
The US still uses the pound-inch system, but it is defined by the metric system, meaning that the US is essentially operating on the metric system.
25:03
In 1975, Congress enacted the Metric Conversion Act, making the metric system the preferred system of weights and measurements for trade and commerce, but it was still not compulsory for private businesses to switch to the metric system.
29:23
The public in the US has pushed back on adopting the metric system due to the cost of changing documents and company practices, as well as a sense of stubbornness and individualism, especially if it's the French pushing for it.
33:42
The US is slowly moving towards adopting the metric system due to globalization and the influence of business interests.
37:27
The hosts discuss a listener's upcoming trip and express excitement for her, then ask for examples of American stubbornness.
Categories:
Society & Culture
