Industrial Revolution

Steam Engine

Apr 12, 1712

Thomas Newcomen invents the first steam engine. It is not very useful yet, but the idea of using steam to make machines go will be important to the Industrial Revolution.

Invention of Spinning Jenny

Apr 17, 1764

James Hargreaves invents the spinning jenny, automating weaving the warp (in the weaving of cloth).

Cotton Gin

Apr 17, 1794

Eli Whitney creates a machine that makes it much easier to separate cotton seeds from cotton fiber. It greatly reduces the time it takes to clean cotton and helps the southern states make more money from cotton crops.

Telegraph

Apr 17, 1844

Samuel Morse invents the telegraph, which allows messages to be sent quickly over a wire. By 1860, telegraph wires stretch from the east coast of the United States west of the Mississippi River.

Sewing Machine

Apr 17, 1846

At a time when people had to make their own clothes at home or pay someone else to sew them by hand, Elias Howe invents the sewing machine. Now clothes can be made in large factories.