TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND HISTORICAL CHANGE New Technology – The Invention of the Steam Engine
How did the steam engine contribute to historical change?
There were many causes of the Industrial Revolution which began in England in the middle of the 18th century.
One of the most important causes was the invention of the steam engine. The steam engine contributed to huge historical change in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Explore the contribution of the steam engine to historical change in the 18th and 19th centuries
Key Words Industrial Revolution
Before: Before the invention of the steam engine in the 18th century, most power was produced manually (by hand) or by water (water wheels). These produced limited power to drive machines.
After: The invention of the steam engine provided much greater power for mining, manufacturing and transport.
The invention of the steam engine
The steam engine was the most important invention of the Industrial Revolution. Steam engines built by Thomas Newcomen were first used to pump water out of mines.
But James Watt made improvements to the early steam engines. Watt’s engine had a rotary (turning) motion. Now steam engines could be used with belts to power other machines. The steam engines were now used to power factories.
Watt’s steam engine: Watt improved the steam engine, which meant it could now be used to drive machinery in factories. How did the invention of the steam engine contribute to historical change?