History of the Metric System in America
When introducing a system of international units, otherwise known as the metric system to an area or country where they had their unit of measurement is known as metrification. Metrification in America has not been easy. It is one of the small pool of countries that include Liberia and Myanmar that have not officially adopted the metric system as the primary method of measurements. The metric system is an international standard, and it makes it easier for collaborations between scientists when solving world problems. In most parts of the world, the metric system is more popular, and America should follow suit.
Metrification has already been tried in America by past governments, but they were not very successful. George Washington argued on the importance of having a system of having standard weights and measurements (Rébillout 20). He delegated Jefferson, a fan of the metric system, to develop a standardized system, but Congress took the matter in a random way (Rébillout 20). There were a lot of calls to convert to the metric system, but all have failed.
The metric system is also controversial among Americans. Americans do not use the metric system as a sense of individualism, which is essential (Vera 190). But in their daily lives, they must use the metric system. Units such as megapixels, bytes, volts, and kilotons are often used (Vera 200). The primary elements, such as weather, roads, and weights, are based on the imperial system.
The metric system is vital in advancing science because it is an international standard. It is also easy to use when it comes to calculations (Nowlan & Robert 248). All this encourages the advancement of science.
The metric system is sound even when compared to the imperial system. America should consider using it because it can bring a lot of benefits to the country and its citizens. All they need is political goodwill, and they will adapt in no time.
Works cited
Rébillout, Luc. “Dear America: Don’t Be Afraid of the Metric System.” (2019).
Vera, Hector. “Breaking Global Standards: The Anti-metric Crusade of American Engineers.” Technology and Globalisation. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2018. 189-215.
Nowlan, Robert A. “Measure and Measurement Reprise (Area and Perimeter, the Metric System).” Masters of Mathematics. Brill Sense, 2017. 241-261.