Final answer:
Automobiles and gasoline are key components in transportation, triggering economic and infrastructural growth, and influencing patterns such as suburban development and the expansion of related industries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Automobiles and gasoline are examples of major components in the transportation sector. The gasoline-fueled automobile, introduced by Karl Benz, revolutionized transportation and, in turn, society and economies around the world. As cities grew and the need for roadways increased, local and state governments had to secure funding for infrastructure development. Furthermore, the automobile industry stimulated growth in related sectors such as rubber and petroleum. Initially, the United States met its petroleum needs domestically, but as demand outpaced supply, it began importing rubber and seeking petroleum from other sources. The increased necessity for goods like new vehicles, airline fares, and motor vehicle insurance highlights the integral role of transportation in daily life and the economy. Due to technological advances over time, cars have been becoming more fuel-efficient, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of this sector.