Why Do We Have Daylight Saving Time in the United States?
A Brief History of Daylight Saving Time
Sunday marks another year of “springing forward” for daylight saving time. CLOCKS WILL MOVE FORWARD AN HOUR, AND THE SUN WILL START TO SET LATER. BUT HOW DID THIS IDEA START?
The Origins of Daylight Saving Time
Some would tell you the age-old myth that daylight saving was created to give farmers extra time to work in the sun. Some would credit the idea to Benjamin Franklin, who coined the phrase, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” But neither of those are really the truth.
The Real Story Behind Daylight Saving Time
During World War I, Germany adopted daylight saving to conserve fuel, inspiring the rest of Europe to do the same. The United States went on to establish daylight saving time in 1918, and abolished it after World War I. Years later, Franklin Roosevelt reinstated the tradition in a year-round format, which he named “war time,” lasting until 1945.
The Uniform Time Act of 1966
It wasn’t until the passing of the Uniform Time Act of 1966 that daylight saving became permanent, which established time zones across the country. The act stated that clocks would advance by one hour at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday in April and turn back one hour at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday of October.
Modern-Day Daylight Saving Time
Now, daylight saving has evolved to start at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and end on the 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November.
Exemptions to Daylight Saving Time
Two states, Arizona and Hawaii, choose not to observe daylight saving time.
Conclusion
As the country “springs forward” on Sunday, remember to set your clocks forward one hour. Don’t forget to turn them back an hour on Sunday, November 2. Daylight saving time may have its benefits, but it’s also a good reminder to stay vigilant and make the most of our time.
FAQs
Q: When does daylight saving time start and end?
A: Daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.
Q: Which states do not observe daylight saving time?
A: Arizona and Hawaii do not observe daylight saving time.
Q: What is the purpose of daylight saving time?
A: The original purpose of daylight saving time was to conserve fuel during World War I, but it has since been used to make better use of natural daylight and reduce energy consumption.
