The History of Measurement Systems

Before modern times, every region used its own local units based on the human body, farming, or trade.

After the French Revolution in the late 18th century, France created the metric system, based on tens and on nature.

Many European countries later adopted the metric system to facilitate international trade, education, and scientific communication.

Meanwhile, Britain kept its traditional units, such as inches, feet, and pounds, and brought them to America during colonization.

Even after independence, the United States continued to use these units, since adopting a new system would have required major social and economic changes.

Japan adopted the metric system during the Meiji period as part of its efforts to modernize the country and align with Western standards.