TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES:

Without important technological changes, the first Industrial Revolution would not have been possible.

The steam engine was invented by Thomas Newcomen in 1710. James Watt developed an improved version of Newcomen's engine in 1769 including a separate condenser. This invention transformed the cotton industry. Unlike early devices powered exclusively by water, these steam engines were powered by coal. This meant that factories no longer needed to be located next to sources of water.

In the 18th century, Britain's cotton industry charged ahead of many other countries. With James Hargreaves' invention of the spinning Jenny in 1764, yarn could be produced in greater quantities.

In 1787, Edmund Cartwright's power loom revolutionized the speed of cloth weaving.

The first electric battery was invented by Alessandro Volta in 1800.

In 1830 George Stephenson's locomotive, "The Rocket", operated between Liverpool and Manchester.

In 1836 Samuel Morse developed the first working electric telegraph.

In 1867 Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.

In 1879 Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.

A

L

V

C