Daylight Saving Time (DST), often colloquially called “saved time,” is the seasonal practice of setting civil clocks ahead by one hour during the warmer months. This shift moves an hour of daylight from the early morning to the evening, extending the amount of usable daylight at the end of the standard workday. In the fall, clocks are turned back one hour to return to Standard Time. This cycle is commonly remembered by the phrase “spring forward, fall back”. 🕒 The Schedule
In most areas of the United States, the annual schedule is standardized by federal law:
The Start: Clocks move ahead one hour on the second Sunday in March at 2:00 a.m.
The End: Clocks move back one hour on the first Sunday in November at 2:00 a.m. 📜 Origins and History
Contrary to popular myth, Benjamin Franklin did not invent DST; he only suggested waking up earlier to save candles as a joke in a 1784 satirical essay. The first serious proposals came from New Zealand entomologist George Hudson in 1895 (who wanted more daylight to collect bugs) and British builder William Willett in 1907.
The system was first officially implemented on a large scale during World War I by Germany, Great Britain, and the United States to conserve coal and fuel for the war effort. It was used again as a temporary national measure during World War II. In 1966, the U.S. passed the Uniform Time Act, which established the standardized framework used today. ⚖️ The Modern Debate: Pros vs. Cons
The practice of changing the clocks twice a year remains a highly controversial topic. 7 Things to Know About Daylight Saving Time | Johns Hopkins