The
technological discoveries and innovations of the 17th-18th centuries
have a great impact of today’s modern lifestyle. During those times, a great
transition occurred that resulted into a better transformation of different
civilizations in the entire world. At first, it started in England until it
penetrated in most European countries and later it reached in America.
Industrial Revolution, that’s the name of that period. During that time, there’s
a list of inventions that really played vital roles for the improvement of the
society. Thus, that particular time became a very significant turning point of
some other great events in history.
Different
tools, machines, other forms of technologies and discoveries were the
highlights during that time. They made production faster and easier; thus the
old society which was patterned into an agricultural economy have changed
drastically. As a result, the economy of Europe and the America boomed as the
beauty of CAPITALISM was unveiled.
Thus,
it is worthy to look back and scrutinize those tools and other technology which
were important players and molders of today’s history. Here is the list of
inventions from the Industrial Revolution.
1. Steam Engine
This is a kind of a heat engine (powered by water and
coal) that makes a machine works in its own. The first successful steam engine
was created by James Watt during the 1700’s. After that, manual labors were
minimized as machines replaced the bare hands of the people. So things were done
easier and faster in factories, mines, mills, railroads, ships, and vehicles.
2. Cotton Gin
This is a machine that can separate the cotton from its
seed. This machine invented and patented by Eli Whitney became very
useful in the cotton industry of the 1700s. Cotton can be used in making
different products especially for clothing. Thus, during that time many businessmen
and entrepreneurs in North and South America took advantage with this technology.
And America became the cotton powerhouse that supported the world market next
to Great Britain. On the other, it created a negative impact in slavery. Many
black Africans were transported and sold to Europeans businessmen in America in
order to maintain vast plantations of cotton. It even ended in a bloody
American Civil Wars.
3. Telephone
Telephone came up when Graham Belle wanted to improve the
Telegraph in 1870. If telegraph was using Morse code to send messages, Belle
used his own musical approach which was using notes, pitch, wire, and
electrical signals. And successfully, he made it in 1876 while telegraph was starting
to vanish.
4. Incandescent Light Bulb
Perhaps this is the most famous invention made by Thomas
Edison. This was a made by doing a lot of trial and error. However, this man also
made other significant inventions just like the electrical power. And all these
made more advancements and productivity in different fields of societies.
5. Sewing Machine
This machine was made in 1790 by Thomas Saint. Thus,
clothing production increased compare to using manual labors during that time.
So, many companies and factories were very happy and satisfied as their
earnings and profits increased. Then
this simple sewing machine was innovated over time with different features like
the safety devices to prevent accidents.
All
these things were just some of the leading tools and discoveries during the
innovation process of the 17-8th centuries. And all those inventors
are worthy of appreciation as they have changed the world as well as its history.
Though their inventions created different impacts towards the lives of men, but
after all, they made a big difference. In the end, this list of inventions from
the Industrial Revolution is just a reminder that people can make a change if
they are willing to make it happen by DOING it.
