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Factory System Created
In 1789, Samuel Slater created the factory system. The reason the factory system was made is to produce more product in less time. -
Cotton Gin Invented
On March 14, 1794, Eli Whitney recieved a patent for his cotton gin. A hand crank transported the cotton to the saw wheels, which pulled the fiber through wire slots, separating it from the seeds that fell into the bottom of the gin. The reason it was invented was to speed up the production and distrubition of cotton and cotton products. (not to mention [unintentionally] increasing slavery.) -
First Steamboat Built
On August 17, 1807, Robert Fulton's "Clermont" was fully constructed and ventured out on its first voyage from its construction site, New York City up the Hudson river to Albany. It wasn't the very first steamboat built, but it was the first to become a practical, financial, and commercially successful steamboat. The reason the steamboat was built was to transport goods and people easier, and upstream. -
Steel Plow Invented
John Deere created the first steel plow in 1837, in Grand Detour, Illinois. It was originally made out of an old blade saw. The reason the steel plow was invented was because wood plows couldn't plow the rich soil without breaking. -
Telegraph Invented
In 1838, Samuel Morse invented the electric telegraph. It could send messages over long distances faster than traditional methods (horseback, word-of-mouth, etc..) by listening to a series of clicks. This made news travel faster and easier, and created specific jobs. The reason Samuel Morse created the telegraph was because his wife had died, and he didn't recieve news until weeks later. -
Sulky Plow
Plow(s) could be attatched to animals and be dragged around the field, rather than walking. -
Dubuque Steamboat
Built in 1867 at Wheeling, West Virginia. Finished at Pittsburgh, complete with a wood hull. -
German Key Telegraph
An improved telegraph made by Willhelm Gurlt of Berlin called the "German Key." -
Belle Of Calhoun Steamboat
Built in St. Louis, Missouri. Completed at the St. Louis wharf, with a wooden hull. -
Lummus Cotton Gin
A higher quality cotton gin, advertised in 1896. -
Cotton Factory
A factory in south Carolina with children at work. The machines are power-intensive, using small steam engines to drive the spinning or weaving equipment. -
The Candlestick Telephone
An advance from hearing clicks like on a traditional telegraph. One of the first "phones", as you were able to speak to another line and hear what they're saying. -
Mississippi Queen Steamboat
Modern day paddle-steamboat, the Mississippi Queen, is 382 feet long, 68 feet wide and has a height of 71 feet. It can hold a maximum of 422 passengers. The Mississippi Queen discontinued its cruising in 2008. -
John Deere Plow
A modern day plow, with several blades. Most plows like this are pulled with tractors. -
Modern Day Cotton Gin
A modern day Lummus cotton gin. -
Modern Day Factory
A Nokia factory in 2011. The working conditions are much better, with more fair pay, hours, and respect. -
iPhone 4S
The modern cell phone. Cordless, lightweight, and there's an app for about everything. Not to mention being able to easily talk to others, you can also FaceTime (video chat.)
