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First indutrial 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. -
Useful power source
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. -
First textile
The Industrial Revolution spreads to the United States when Samuel Slater opens the first textile mill in Rhode Island. -
Trade unions
Trade unions are legalized in Great Britain. -
The Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is completed opening a water route from the Great Lakes to New York City and the Atlantic Ocean -
The telegraph
The telegraph is invented by Samuel Morse. This changes the way people can communicate from long distances. -
Sewing Machine
The sewing machine is invented by Elias Howe. -
Building
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. -
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. -
Second industrial 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. -
The telephone
Alexander Graham Bell invents the telephone. -
Great Railroad strike
The Great Railroad Strike occurs when railroad companies reduce wages. Violence erupts and federal troops are brought in to restore the peace. -
Light bulb
Thomas Edison invents the first practical incandescent light bulb. It will allow factories to remain open after dark. -
American Federation
The American Federation of Labor is formed. -
First modern electrical power station
The first modern electrical power station is completed to provide power to central London. -
Airplane
The Wright Brothers make the first successful airplane flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. -
Ford
Henry Ford begins production on the Model T Ford. He uses the assembly line to build the first affordable automobile. -
World War I
Historians often place the end of the Second Industrial Revolution with the start of World War I in 1914.
