The European Industrial Revolution By Etropolis Period: Jan 1, 1710 to Jan 1, 1848 The Revolution All dates are approximate. Jan 1, 1712 The Steam Engine is invented Jan 1, 1764 The Spinning Jenny is invented Jan 1, 1769 James Watt improves the steam engine. Jan 1, 1794 Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin. Jan 1, 1844 Samuel Morse invents the telegraph. Jan 1, 1846 Elias Howe invents the sewing machine.