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Charles Townshed develops four year crop rotation
Crop rotation helps return nutrients to the soil without synthetic inputs. The practice also works to interrupt pest and disease cycles, improve soil health by increasing biomass from different crops' root structures, and increase biodiversity on the farm. -
Thomas Newcombe invents the steam engine
The steam engine helped to power the Industrial Revolution. Before steam power, most factories and mills were powered by water, wind, horse, or man. It also provided reliable power and could be used to power large machines. -
Jethro Tull invents the seed drill
The seed drill sows the seeds at the proper seeding rate and depth, ensuring that the seeds are covered by soil. This saves them from being eaten by birds and animals, or being dried up due to exposure to sun. -
The Industrial Revolution begins
The Industrial Revolution transformed economies that had been based on agriculture and handicrafts into economies based on large-scale industry, mechanized manufacturing, and the factory system. New machines, new power sources, and new ways of organizing work made existing industries more productive and efficient. -
Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin
The cotton gin made the cotton industry of the South explode. Before its invention, separating cotton fibers from its seeds was a labor-intensive and unprofitable venture. After Whitney unveiled his cotton gin, processing cotton became much easier, resulting in greater availability and cheaper cloth. -
Thomas Edison invents the light bulb
The light bulb helped to establish social order after sundown, extended the workday well into the night, and allowed us to navigate and travel safely in the dark. Without the light bulb, there would be no nightlife. -
Henry Ford invents the assembly line
The assembly line was important during this time due to its purpose in mass production. It saved the companies money by helping them pay less for their labor per vehicle produced. It allowed the consumer to have a vehicle as part of their everyday life.