Final answer:
Knob-and-tube wiring was predominant before the 1930s and was replaced by more modern electrical systems following technological advancements such as the incandescent light bulb and the vacuum tube.
Step-by-step explanation:
Knob-and-tube wiring was the common method used to wire homes in the United States prior to the widespread adaptation of more modern wiring techniques. This method, developed in the 1880s, continued into the early 20th century but fell out of favor following the 1930s due to the evolution of electrical standards and the introduction of safer, more efficient wiring methods. The incandescent light bulb, invented by Thomas Edison, was a significant factor in the proliferation of electrical wiring in homes and factories, transforming everyday life with much brighter and more reliable light compared to candles, oil, and gas lamps.
As technological advancements continued over the decades, communication and entertainment also evolved. The vacuum tube, which was a significant component in early electronics, including radios and televisions, became essential until it was replaced by more compact and efficient components such as transistors and integrated circuits. These developments marked the transition from knob-and-tube wiring to the modern electrical systems that power our homes and technologies today.