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First Steam Engine
The first practical steam engine is invented by Thomas Newcomen. Steam would become an important source of power for the Industrial Revolution. -
Industrial Revolution Begins
The First Industrial Revolution begins around 1760 in the textile industry in Great Britain. Over the next decade, manufacturing will move from hand production in the home to machine production in factories. -
The Spinning Jenny
James Hargreaves invents the spinning jenny allowing a worker to produce multiple spools of thread at the same time. -
Spinning Mule
The spinning mule is invented by Samuel Crompton. -
Improved Steam Engine
James Watt patents an improved steam engine making it useful as a power source in factories and other applications such as steam boats and trains. -
USA Involved With First Textile Mill
The Industrial Revolution spreads to the United States when Samuel Slater opens the first textile mill in Rhode Island. -
Cotton Gin
Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin greatly increasing the productivity of processing cotton. -
Successful Steamboat!
Robert Fulton starts the first successful steamboat operation with his boat the Clermont. -
Attack on the Factories!
The Luddites attack factories in Great Britain smashing machines in a protest against industry. -
Legalized Trade Unions
Trade unions are legalized in Great Britain. -
Erie Canal Completed!
The Erie Canal is completed opening a water route from the Great Lakes to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean. -
Mechanical Reaper
The Mechanical Reaper is invented by Cyrus McCormick. -
Steel Plow
A blacksmith named John Deere invents the steel plow. -
Telegraph
The telegraph is invented by Samuel Morse. This changes the way people can communicate from long distances. -
Vulcanized Rubber
Charles Goodyear receives a patent for vulcanized rubber. -
Sewing Machine
The sewing machine is invented by Elias Howe. -
Elevator Safety!
Elisha Otis invents a safety break for elevators making them practical and safe for the first time. This allows for tall buildings and skyscrapers to be built. -
The Bessemer Process
The Bessemer Process for making steel is invented by Henry Bessemer. This allowed for the mass production of inexpensive steel. -
Transcontinental Railroad
The Transcontinental Railroad is completed. -
The Second Revolution Begins
Around this time the Second Industrial Revolution begins. This phase of the Industrial Revolution is characterized by rapid expansion of new technologies such as the telephone, railroads, and electrical power.
