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Long ago, people dreamt of using steam for power. In the 1st century AD, Hero of Alexandria invented the aeolipile (an ancient steam-powered device). It fascinated many, but remained a curiosity (an interesting but impractical object).
The Industrial Age: Seeking Efficiency
In the early 18th century, coal miners faced a big problem. Mines filled with water, making it hard to extract coal. Thomas Newcomen stepped in. He developed the first practical steam engine in 1712. His engine used steam to create a vacuum (a space devoid of matter), which lifted water from the mines. This invention was a game changer.
James Watt: The Game Changer
Years later, in 1765, James Watt, a brilliant Scottish engineer, saw room for improvement. Watt added a separate condenser (a device for cooling steam) to Newcomen’s engine. This innovation (new method) made the steam engine much more efficient (ability to do something well without waste). It reduced fuel consumption and increased power. Watt’s steam engine was ready to revolutionize (change dramatically) the world.
Powering Industry and Transportation
Factories and mills quickly adopted Watt’s steam engine. It powered machines and allowed for mass production (producing large quantities of goods). This marked the start of the Industrial Revolution. Soon, the steam engine moved beyond factories.
George Stephenson, an inventive engineer, built the first successful steam locomotive in 1814. His locomotive, called “Blücher,” could haul heavy loads over long distances. In 1829, Stephenson’s famous locomotive, “Rocket,” showcased the feasibility (practicality) of steam-powered rail transport. Railways began to spread, transforming travel and trade.
Steamships: Crossing the Oceans
The steam engine also changed sea travel. Steamships replaced sailing ships, offering more reliable (dependable) and faster transportation across oceans. Robert Fulton built the first successful steamship, the “Clermont,” in 1807. Steamships made global trade easier and more efficient.
Everyday Impact: Changing Lives
The steam engine transformed cities and towns. Urbanization (growth of cities) increased as people moved to cities for factory jobs. Steam-powered railways and ships facilitated (made easier) global trade. Goods traveled faster, connecting distant markets. The steam engine’s impact on society was profound (very great or intense).
English words you learned & Revised
Aeolipile (an ancient steam-powered device), curiosity (an interesting but impractical object), vacuum (a space devoid of matter), condenser (a device for cooling steam), innovation (a new method or idea), efficient (ability to do something well without waste), revolutionize (to change dramatically), mass production (producing large quantities of goods), feasibility (practicality or possibility of something), reliable (dependable or consistent), urbanization (the growth of cities), facilitate (to make easier), profound (very great or intense), abate (reduce in intensity), imperturbability (quality of being calm and not easily disturbed), cardinal (major), boycott (refuse to have dealings with), puissance (power), recondite (obscure), stipulated (specified).
Benefits of Speaking Better English
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