Why isn't the United States on the metric system?
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My son recently asked me why the United States does not use the metric system, as that is all he uses in physics and chemistry classes. I am not sure he expected the answer I gave him. I was in middle school during the last push to put the United States on tWhy isn't the United States on the metric system?
My son recently asked me why the United States does not use the metric system, as that is all he uses in physics and chemistry classes. I am not sure he expected the answer I gave him. I was in middle school during the last push to put the United States on the metric standard. But before I get to my time in Mrs. Rheumes 7th grade math class, I want to touch on the brief history of the metric system in America. The United States was one of the initial signatories to the Treaty of Meter in 1875. To the Senate of the United States : I transmit to the Senate for consideration, with a view to ratification, a metric convention between the United States and certain foreign governments, signed at Paris, on the 20th of May, 1875, by Mr. E. B. Washburne, the minister of the United States at that capital, acting on behalf of this government, and by the representatives acting on behalf of the foreign powers therein mentioned. A copy of certain papers on the subject, mentioned in the subjoined list, is also transmitted for the information of the Senate. U. S. GRANT. But yet, the United States did not switch over to the metric system in 1875, and it would not be until 1975 when President Ford signed the Metric Conversion Act before it was considered. 1274.206 Metric Conversion Act. The Metric Conversion Act, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act declares that the metric system is the preferred measurement system for U.S. trade and commerce. NASA's policy with respect to the metric measurement system is stated in NPD 8010.2, Use of the Metric System of Measurement in NASA Programs. Read more