-
First Steam Engine
To solve issues with pumping water from mines, Thomas Savery built a steam engine. After failing in mines, the machine was repurposed for homes. Thomas Newcomen built another version, which was used in mines. In 1781, James Watt created a steam engine for the Industrial Revolution. Caption: A diagram of an early steam engine. https://science.howstuffworks.com/steam-technology2.htm
https://www.asme.org/about-asme/who-we-are/engineering-history/landmarks/70-newcomen-engine -
First Light bulb
Thomas Edison, the man credited with the invention of the light bulb, announced in 1878 that he knew how to make a gaslight. In 1879, he finishes experimenting with carbon filaments and creates the common electric light. His invention is later used in street lamps. Caption: An early lightbulb is shown above. http://americanhistory.si.edu/lighting/19thcent/invent19.htm
https://s3.amazonaws.com/timeglider_user/lillyjacksc525f6b527/1535683009.jpg -
First Battery
After nine years of studying, Alessandro Volta of Como created the first modern battery by using zinc and copper electrodes/disks. His batteries were used in Russian and American experiments. Caption: A modern rendition of Volta's battery. http://www.edisontechcenter.org/batteries.html#history
http://w1tp.com/0000t.jpg -
First Automobile
Karl Benz invented the first true automobile, which was powered by an internal combustion engine and gasoline. The car ran for the first time on New Year's Eve, 1879. Caption: Benz and a friend ride in 1901. https://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/auto.html
https://heacockclassic.com/articles/1886-benz-patent-motorwagen-birth-of-the-motorcar/ -
First Geothermal Plant
One of the first geothermal plants is finished in California. John Grant used drills to create a geothermal well that provided lighting for a nearby hotel. Unfortunately, difficulties with the environment pushed this source of energy to the background for a while. Caption: A similar geothermal plant in Italy, 1904. https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1900-1950
http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/212_spring2011.web.dir/Kevin_McCarthy/index.html -
Hoover Dam
Construction for Hoover Dam began in 1931 and attracted attention from Americans nationwide. It's completion became a monument to the skill of the American industry and workforce. Today, the dam protects western states from floods and helps irrigate farm fields, all while running on hydroelectric power. Caption: An aerial view of the dam. https://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/140hooverdam/140hoover_dam.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoover_Dam -
Nuclear Fission
In 1938, Lisa Meitner and Otto Hahn discovered that a uranium nucleus could split. In 1934, Enrico Fermi combined uranium and neutrons; this process was repeated by other scientists until eventually a chain reaction occurred. Nuclear weapons were later made using this data. Caption: A diagram of the chemical process of nuclear fission. https://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/200712/physicshistory.cfm
https://www.nuclear-power.net/nuclear-power/fission/ -
Solar Panels
Solar panel production begins in 1954. This production will pave the way for solar panel using becoming more popular - in 2014, Obama announced steps to increase solar panel/renewable energy use. Caption: Solar panels are a significant example of renewable energy. https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000015#1900-1950
https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=723 -
The Oil Spill
A BP offshore rig explodes, spilling tens of thousands of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. This deeply upset wildlife communities and the southern coastlines and sought a national response to the situation. The effects of the spill are still seen today. Caption: Workers clean up a similar spill in Thailand - this oil spill was not the first, and won't be the last. https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/research/overview-gulf-oil-spill/
https://www.israel21c.org/a-slick-solution-to-spilled-oil-on-our-seas/ -
Three Gorges Dam
After criticism from environmentalists and the media, Three Gorges Dam was finally completed, bringing a mass amount of energy to China. Pollution, earthquakes, and other environmental factors follow the end of construction, but positive effects soon show. This marks one of the first steps in China for a move towards using alternative energy sources. Caption: Since it's startup in 2006, Three Gorges Dam has brought monumental change to China. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Three-Gorges-Dam
