The Steam Engine: Pivotal Technological Advancement Of The 19th Century

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Pages: 3
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Shreya Suresh
Ms.Colorado
US History & Government
November 5th 2015

The Steam Engine
The most pivotal technological advance of the 19th Century

Throughout the history of America’s industrialization there has been a plethora of amazing inventions that have put the United States in front of many other countries technologically, economically and socially. Yet one of the inventions that can be brought to light during the 19th century is the Steam Engine; powering the industrialization of this century beyond means.

Before the invention of the Steam Engine, people were using the power that was provided by animals, and other natural resources such as wind and water to farm or transport goods and etc. But none of these sources were as sufficient and as efficient as the use of steam. Invented back in 1712 by Thomas Newcomen and patented in 1781; the Steam Engine was only brought out to …show more content…
Jobs in factories, mills, transportation hubs, and financial centers that were brought up by the Industrial Revolution allowed much of the middle class to gain a stable income. Not only did it help the financial standpoint of the era, the invention of this engine played a significant role during the Civil War. The use of railroads and locomotives were used as war tactics. These allowed troops to invade their enemies in a more secretive fashion, putting them ahead of the game. Commanders sometimes sent locomotives to make military observations of the ground and gain information about enemy troops. Locomotives could quickly maneuver their directions, thus, these engines were also useful as messenger vehicles when commanders had to send important information to their headquarters. The engines further provided the ability to transport goods and weapons much easier. The use of steam as the renewable resource allowed the engines to be manufactured more for less, and thus there were more on the
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