The Industrial Revolution was a period of extreme industrial activity promulgated by new manufacturing processes. It largely took place in Europe and the United States between 1760 to around 1840. Check out some of the positive effects of the industrial revolution.
Introduction
The industrial revolution was one of the most crucial periods in the history of mankind. It can be said that the modern world is a result of the revolution. Most people agree that the invention of the first practical steam engine in 1712 by Thomas Newcomen. This led to a series of events that materialized the industrial revolution.
When James Watt perfected it in 1781, things moved into high gear.
The most important thing to note is that it was not a single event that brought in change. Furthermore, the revolution was a series of important events that changed how humanity lived and worked. Therefore, it is important to understand the entire timeline of the industrial revolution. Below is a timeline from the American perspective:
1700's
1793 - Samuel Slater brought the knowledge of British textile manufacturing techniques to the United States, kickstarting the industrial revolution. He opened his first textile mill in Rhode Island.
1793 - The same year Slater started his mill, Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. This was a critical invention that increased the productivity of processing cotton. Cotton, as we all know, is one of the most used fabrics in clothes.
1800's
1807 - The first successful steamboat operation got commenced by Robert Fulton. His boat was called the Clermont. This was yet another moment that showed how mechanical means could help humanity.
1825 - Completed was the Erie Canal. It opened up a navigable water route from the Great Lakes to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean. It greatly enhanced the development of New York and by extension, the United States.
1831 - Cyrus McCormick invented the mechanical reaper.
1837 - John Deere invented the steel plow that forged a farming revolution.
1844 - Samuel Morse invented the telegraph which single-handedly changed how people communicated. The ability to communicate over long distances was a miraculous gift of science and technology back then. It brought the world closer and allowed trade and business to flourish.
1844 - Rubber could withstand high temperatures that, in turn, allowed for its practical use.
1846 - Elias Howe invented the sewing machine which became an important part of the Amerian household in the succeeding century.
1853 - Another major invention happened this year. Elisha Otis invented a safety brake for elevators finally making them practical and safe. Furthermore, this single invention kickstarted so many building projects that simply weren’t possible before.
1869 - Completed was the Transcontinental Railroad that greatly stimulated the American economy.
1870 - Historians generally agree that from this point on, the second industrial revolution began. Lastly, this revolution saw an even faster rate of innovation. This led to the development of technologies that we use till this day.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the timeline and some of the positive effects of the industrial revolution. Finally, check out our front page for more articles.
