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Steam engine
The steam engine is invented. It is not very useful yet, but the idea of using steam to make machines go will be important to the Industrial Revolution. -
Spinning Jenny was invented
The spinning jenny is invented. The machine spins more than one ball of yarn or thread at a time, making it easier and faster to make cloth. -
Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin.
Eli Whitney creates a machine that makes it much easier to separate cotton seeds from cotton fiber. -
Samuel Morse invents the telegraph.
Samuel Morse invents the telegraph, which allows messages to be sent quickly over a wire. By 1860, telegraph wires stretch from the east coast of the United States west of the Mississippi River. -
Elias Howe invents the sewing machine.
People had to make their own clothes at home or pay someone else to sew them by hand. Now clothes can be made in large factories. -
Elisha Otis invents the elevator safety break.
Elisha Otis invents a safety break to prevent them from falling if a cable breaks, making people feel more confident about using elevators in tall buildings. -
The Bessemer Method for processing steel is invented.
Henry Bessemer invents a process for making steel out of iron. Having a way to make steel more quickly and more cheaply helps the production of building and leads to the growth of cities.
