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Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
Pre-Treaty
This timeline shows the link between natural resource use and demand, and the Treaty of Waitangi. It outlines key events before the Treaty was signed, impacting the history of the world. -
Energy Source
1500 fire is the main energy source. It is used for cooking and heat. Blacksmithing is an important occupation. Objects are created from wrought iron by forging metal shaped with tools. -
First Energy Crisis
By 1600 90% of the forest in England had been cut down. The price of wood sky rocketed as the demand for wood increased. -
New Energy Source
By 1700 coal had been discovered to burn more efficiently than wood. In England there is a supply of coal above the ground. -
Coal mining
Britain is geographically lucky and has a supply of surface coal. By the beginning of the 17th century coal is the main energy source. Once depleted they are forced underground to source the coal. -
Coal mining
Coal mining begins and creates employment. Coal is removed with a pick axe. As miners mine deeper they would hit the water table and this became a barrier to accessing the much needed coal. -
The Steam Engine
The steam engine was invented to remove the water so miners could access the coal. -
The Industrial Revolution
The invention of the steam train and steam boat eventually led to the creation of the nations infrastructure, enabling the transportation of goods across the country and across the sea. This expanded the economy. -
China
China is a vast and technologically advanced empire that wanted to exploit their coal reserves. -
Natural Obstacles
The Yellow Sea was the only way coal could be transported for export. The natural obstacle made it impossible to get it out. -
China refocuses
Instead of finding a solution they decided to focus their energy on developing the countries architecture, dynasty's and political system. Today China is the biggest ex[porter of coal in the world. -
The Middle East
Geographically lucky, oil is exceptionally close to the surface. Villagers would dig it out by hand. -
Oil as a resource
Oil is the ultimate source of concentrated carbon energy - more energy rich than coal, easier to transport and has more uses.
