One of the most powerful uses of the steam engine was its use to move goods and people from one location to another. Prior to it's development humans used wind, animals and water to generate power. With the steam engine, one could move a ship through the water without wind. Locomotives could haul thousands of pounds with ease. With a reliable source of transportation and the ability to transport large quantities, industries increased sales which allowed for the development of hundreds of other technologies. Without the steam engine, the world may never have known the term Industrial Revolution.
To understand the significance of the steam engine, one must imagine going back in time to the 17th century, when wind, animals and water provided everyone with the power that they required. Wind was used to harness energy with a sail. In some countries, windmills were used to generate power. The problem with wind was that if there was none, there would be no power. Animals were also used to move wagons and pull equipment used in agriculture. Animals required food and water and were quite limited when compared to steam engines. Water was used to generate power with water wheels, but required a flowing source of water.
The concept of the steam engine, and improvements to engine technology, led to more sophisticated forms of transportation. Today, ships still cruise the oceans transporting goods and people from country to country. Trains still power their way from city to city. Look to the sky and it won't be long before a jet cruising somewhere around 35,000 feet will be flying overhead. Though the fuel to power these modern engines no longer use steam, the concept all began with the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution. Today, there have been some detrimental consequences of technology: pollution. In fact, the number one culprit, as seen in the chart below, is the transportation industry.
To understand the significance of the steam engine, one must imagine going back in time to the 17th century, when wind, animals and water provided everyone with the power that they required. Wind was used to harness energy with a sail. In some countries, windmills were used to generate power. The problem with wind was that if there was none, there would be no power. Animals were also used to move wagons and pull equipment used in agriculture. Animals required food and water and were quite limited when compared to steam engines. Water was used to generate power with water wheels, but required a flowing source of water.
The concept of the steam engine, and improvements to engine technology, led to more sophisticated forms of transportation. Today, ships still cruise the oceans transporting goods and people from country to country. Trains still power their way from city to city. Look to the sky and it won't be long before a jet cruising somewhere around 35,000 feet will be flying overhead. Though the fuel to power these modern engines no longer use steam, the concept all began with the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution. Today, there have been some detrimental consequences of technology: pollution. In fact, the number one culprit, as seen in the chart below, is the transportation industry.