The Most Revolutionary Revolution

There have been lots of revolutions throughout history which have impacted people far into the future, but the one that has changed our lives the most is probably the industrial revolution. Recently, my history class watched John Green's CrashCourse video on the Industrial Revolution and discussed exactly how the "Industrial Revolution" was, in fact, revolutionary.

The Industrial Revolution was possible because of changes and advancements in the technology, people, resources, and transportation around the time of the 17-1850s. The most radical developments however were brought about by the innovations in technology which gave us the real catalyst for all of this, the steam engine. The steam engine was used to power all sorts of new machines and is still used for energy today. The first steam engine, created by Thomas Newcomen, was used to pump water out of mines. It was powered by coal and also made coal more accessible as a resource. Coal was an essential fuel in the making of machines out of metals such as iron. Iron was also improved upon around this time, it became a stronger and less expensive material, making it popular for the construction of railroads when they increased in use later.

Even wizards use steam engines.
 (Screenshot from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)

The industrial revolution was successful because all parts of it worked together and happened at the same time. Thanks to the steam engine and better iron, steam powered transportation made it possible to transport goods further and faster than ever. The invention of the steam locomotive opened the door to cities being located on land instead of just along major waterways. With these faster and more efficient ways of transporting goods, food and other perishable items were able to be produced somewhere else and then sent to cities. A wider assortment of foods were available and fresh so people got better nutrition and became healthier.