The Death and Life of a Great Love Affair

Passion and hatred

Little did the builders of the first steam-engined cars 250 years ago, or Mr. Daimler and Mr. Benz when they built the first gasoline-powered automobiles in 1885, suspect what a dramatic future their peaceful big man's toys would bring to mankind. At first, nobody but the inventors believed in them, and no serious buyer was interested in their ^patents2.

However, they soon appeared on the streets, where they first aroused puzzlement, curiosity and apprehension, and were immediately greeted with interest in their novelty and admiration for their technique and design. Their practical usefulness in their lives few could have imagined, and from the myriad of emotions and attitudes there was no lack of adverse reactions. While some stood stunned or crossed themselves, others shouted from over the ditches that the "devil's chariot" was coming. And this was happening in Germany, we learn from the story of Gottlieb Daimler's daughter.

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