Final answer:
The automobile reshaped American society and the economy by fostering suburban growth, shaping urban design, and expanding industries like rubber, steel, and petroleum. It also necessitated government investment in infrastructure, changing the daily lives and mobility of individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The invention of the automobile has arguably changed people's lives in profound ways. Introduced by Karl Benz in 1886, the automobile revolutionized transportation and reshaped societies. The growth of suburbia and the automobile culture greatly impacted the lives of Americans by dictating urban planning, increasing the demand for industries like rubber and petroleum, and contributing to the economic boom through the creation of new jobs and businesses.
Commutes and lifestyles became centered around the car, with suburbs sprawling further from city centers, emphasizing the importance of personal mobility. With the rise of cars, the government needed to invest in infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles, which further bolstered economic growth. This shaped the landscape of America, from the expansion of industries to the way cities and communities are designed.