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First Steam Engine created
Created January 1, 1698 by Thomas Savery who built his machine to help pump water out of coal mines. This machine was so simple that it had no moving parts.
http://www.his.com/~pshapiro/steam.engines.html -
Discovering Electricity
Electricity was mainly discovered by Ben Franklin in 1752 by using a kite with a key attached to the end of it to prove that lightening and electricity were the same because of the major similarities.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/franklinb/aa_franklinb_electric_2.html -
Steamboat Transportation
William Symington developed a steamboat for towing barges in Scotland. In 1807, Robert Fulton successfully demonstrated his steamboat by making a run between New York City and Albany on the Hudson River.
http://energyquest.ca.gov/time_machine/time_machine_date_test.php?begYear=1800&endYear=1810 -
Creation of the Radiator
Jacob Perkins invents a radiator for use with hot water central heating. -
A.C Generators
Nikola Tesla develops A.C. (alternate current) generators enabling electricity to be transmitted longer distances. -
Beginning of U.S. Power Commission
Congress creates the U.S. Power Commission to oversee energy production. -
Municipal Utilities
Early 1920's federal legislation made it possible for cities across the U.S. to set up nonprofit electric companies. -
20 year oil supply
U.S. Geological Survey predicts that the United States only has energy oil supply to last 20 years. -
Atomic Energy
Scientists use atomic energy to make electricity without boiling water or dynamos. -
Electric Vehicle Introduction
General Motors Corp. introduces an Electric Vehicle at the Greater LA Auto Show: the Impact (later refined into the sporty EV1, available for lease as of January 1995).
