The timeline task By irudan957 Feb 23, 1775 James watt designs a more efficient steam engine. Feb 23, 1776 American declaration of independance announces the American colonies independence from Great Britain. Feb 23, 1788 The first fleet arrives in botany bay, beginning british settlement in Australia. Feb 23, 1800 Alessandro Volta invents a battery to store electric current, the unit of electric potential, volt, is named after him. Feb 25, 1812 Textile workers smash machinery in factories and mills in the midlands and north of England. Feb 23, 1830 George Stephenson builds the first passenger railway between Liverpool and Manchester. Feb 25, 1838 Publication of the people's charter in Britain demanding political reform, including the right to vote for every man from the age of 21. Feb 23, 1850 Edward Hargraves discovers gold near Bathurst, New south Wales, triggering several gold rushes around Australia. Feb 25, 1868 Convict transportataion to Australia ceases with the last shipment of convicts disembarking in Western Australia Feb 23, 1908 Henry Ford produces his first Ford model T automobile. Feb 25, 1918 World war ends with the defeat of Germany.