During the second half of the 19th century, mechanical engineering emerged as a distinct academic discipline. By the 20th century, as technology advanced and knowledge expanded, the field began to split into specialized branches. This process of specialization accelerated in the mid-1900s, especially following World War II. As the volume of knowledge in mechanical engineering grew beyond what any single individual could master, specialization became necessary. However, excessive specialization led to fragmented understanding and limited perspectives. It became difficult to manage or coordinate large-scale projects, and communication between disciplines suffered. This narrowing of technical exchange hindered innovation and slowed overall technological progress. Additionally, it reduced the ability to adapt to external changes—such as new technologies, materials, products, or fluctuations in supply and cost. Experts confined to narrow fields often lacked the broader knowledge needed to address complex problems and struggled with collaboration, which made continuous learning more challenging. As a result, from the mid-to-late 20th century, mechanical engineering began to shift toward a more integrated approach. There was a renewed emphasis on fundamental theories, an expansion of professional boundaries, and a growing effort to merge specialized areas for a more holistic understanding of the field.

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