Industrial Revolution

Languedoc Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Bay of Biscay

Jul 18, 1692

Languedoc Canal connects the Mediterranean with the Bay of Biscay. 240 miles long, with 100 locks, 3 major aqueducts, 1 tunnel, and a summit reservoir. The largest canal project between Roman times and the nineteenth century.

Seed Sower Invented

Jul 18, 1708

Jethro Tull's mechanical (seed) sower permits large-scale planting in rows, for easier cultivation between the rows.

Abraham Darby uses coke to smelt iron ore, replacing wood and charcoal as fuel.

Jul 18, 1709

First Steam Engine

Jul 18, 1712

Thomas Newcomen builds first commercially successful steam engine. Able to keep deep coal mines clear of water. First significant power source other than wind and water.

First cotton mill

Jul 18, 1733

First threshing machine

Jul 18, 1758

James Brindley's Bridgewater Canal opens

Jul 18, 1761

Spinning jenny invented

Jul 18, 1765

James Hargreaves invents the spinning jenny, automating weaving the warp (in the weaving of cloth).

Cotton Engine invented by Eli Whitney

Jul 18, 1793

Robert Trevithick demonstrates a steam locomotive.

Jul 18, 1801

The Liverpool and Manchester Railway begins first commercial rail service

Jul 18, 1803

First successful steamboat

Jul 18, 1807

First large, iron, screw-propelled steamship.

Jul 18, 1843

Elisha Otis invents the elevator safety brake making skyscrapers possible

Jul 18, 1853

Bessemer invents steel converter

Jul 18, 1854

Etienne Lenoir demonstrates the first successful gasoline engine.

Jul 18, 1859

Alfred Nobel produces dynamite

Jul 18, 1867

Bell invents the telephone.

Jul 18, 1876

Hertz produces radio waves

Jul 18, 1888

Eiffel Tower Built

Jul 18, 1889

Aspirin invented

Jul 18, 1899

Wright brothers make first powered flight.

Jul 18, 1903

Henry Ford mass-produces the Model T

Jul 18, 1908

Industrial Revolution Ended

Jul 18, 1914