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Jethro Tull invents the seed drill
To avoid wasting seeds, Jethro Tull invents the seed drill to sow seeds in rows and at a specific depth to boost crop yield. This is one of many inventions that helped the Industrial Revolution and influences how we live today. -
John Kay invents flying shuttle
Another invention, the flying shuttle, was invented by John Kay to double the production of a weaver in one day. However, the weavers found it difficult to keep up with the machine. -
James Watt builds the first steam engine
In a pursuit for cheaper power, James Watt created the steam engine, a more efficient engine that used less fuel than other machines of its time. -
Marx and Engels publish The Communist Manifesto
Based on Marxist theory, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels wrote the Communist Manifesto that outlines communism. Communism would allow all property to be publicly owned. -
US Civil War ends; US experiences technological boom
The US had been a primarily agricultural nation until the Civil War ended. Natural resources, new inventions, and urbanization are cited as the main reasons for this. -
Germany becomes dominant industrial power in Europe
Influenced by England, Germany built railroads between their main industrial cities and erected factories and mills. This economical success also contributed to their strengthened military. -
British Unions win right to strike
The Combination Act of 1799 banned the English workers from striking and forming unions because it was seen as a threat to British stability. Despite this, the workers still created unions and eventually won their rights back.