Abraham Darby develops a blast furnace capable of producing high-quality iron
Thomas Newcombe develops the first practical steam engine
The invention of new and larger spinning and weaving machines shifts the textile industry into factories
– Enclosures of farming land accelerate in Britain
– James Watt invents a steam engine capable of providing continuous power
First British fleet arrives at Botany Bay (Sydney)
Samuel Crompton invents the spinning mu
Henry Cort’s ‘puddling’ process further improves the quality of iron products- The United States of America is born when the American colonies win independence from Britain
The Boulton and Watt steam engine is first used in textiles factories
– The French Revolution begins
The first official population census is taken in Britain
British found the new colony of Van Diemen’s land (Tasmania)
The first working steam locomotive train, known as Puffing Billy, is built
The first English public steam railway (from Stockton to Darlington) is opened
Railway building begins in France and Germany
– Samuel Morse develops the single wire telegraph
– Australia’s gold rush begins
– Alexander Graham Bell patents the first telephone
– Thomas Edison invents the first reliable electric light bulb
Eiffel Tower completed in Paris, France
– Wright brothers invent modern flight
Henry Ford mass produces the Model T Ford automobile
