🔋 History of Energy | 1300 BC

-1300 to 2025 Timeline: technology, economy, science, politics, society, disasters

Historical timeline covering events from -1300 to 2025 in categories: technology, economy, science, politics, society, disasters

Timeline Events

Hekla 3 Eruption Causes Climatic Cooling
Year: -1159
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
the Hekla 3 eruption triggers an 18-year period of climatic cooling.
Related Links:
- Hekla 3 eruption
Tags: Volcanic Eruption, Climate Change, Environmental Disaster, Natural Disaster, Iceland, Global Impact
Climate Shift Triggers Bronze Age Migrations in Europe
Year: -650
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
A climate change affects all the Bronze Age cultures in Europe with colder and wetter climate, and tribes from the Scandinavian Nordic Bronze Age cultures are pushed downwards into the European continent.
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, Bronze Age, Migration, Cultural Diffusion, Environmental Disaster
Coinage Introduced in Phoenicia and Lydia
Year: -600
Category: Economy & Trade
Coins in Phoenicia (Modern Lebanon) or Lydia.
Related Links:
Tags: Coinage, Economy, Trade, Phoenicia, Lydia, Ancient World, Currency, Finance
Lydian Coinage Development: Single-Sided Coins
Year: -525
Category: Economy & Trade
First metal coins used by the Lydians of western Anatolia. Until c. 525 BC, coins bore an image on one side only.
Related Links:
Tags: Ancient greece, Lydia, Coinage, Economy, Trade, Currency, Metallurgy
Piraeus Founded as Port for Athens
Year: -493
Category: Economy & Trade
Piraeus, the port town of Athens, is founded.
Related Links:
- Piraeus
- Athens
Tags: Ancient greece, Maritime Trade, Economy, Infrastructure, Classical Antiquity, Mediterranean Sea, Naval Power
Construction Begins on the Grand Canal
Year: -486
Category: Technology
First part of the Grand Canal of China is built.
Related Links:
- Grand Canal of China
Tags: Canals, Infrastructure, Transportation, Economy, Qin Dynasty, Water Management, Trade
Augustus Addresses Food Shortage in Rome
Year: 6
Category: Economy & Trade
Due to a food shortage in Rome, Augustus doubles the grain rations distributed to the people, sends away his slave retinue, and places the senate in recess indefinitely.
Related Links:
- Rome
Tags: Ancient rome, Roman Empire, Augustus, Economy, Imperial Rule
Roman Tax Reforms to Address Financial Strain
Year: 9
Category: Economy & Trade
Roman finances become strained following the Danubian insurrection and the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, resulting in the levying of two new taxes: five percent on inheritances, and one percent on sales.
Related Links:
- Roman finances
Tags: Roman Empire, Taxation, Economy, Financial Crisis, Ancient rome
Tiberius Establishes a Credit Bank in Rome
Year: 33
Category: Economy & Trade
Emperor Tiberius founds a credit bank in Rome.
Related Links:
- Tiberius
- Rome
Tags: Roman Empire, Tiberius, Banking, Credit, Finance, Economy, Ancient rome, Economic Development
Financial Crisis in Rome
Year: 33
Category: Economy & Trade
A financial crisis hits Rome, due to poorly chosen fiscal policies. Land values plummet, and credit is increased. These actions lead to a lack of money, a crisis of confidence, and much land speculation. The primary victims are senators, knights and the wealthy. Many aristocratic families are ruined.
Related Links:
- A financial crisis hits Rome
- land speculation
Tags: Roman Empire, Economy, Finance, Financial Crisis, Credit, Aristocracy, Wealth
Roman Coinage in Circulation: 249 Million Sestertii
Year: 60
Category: Economy & Trade
as 249 million.
Tags: Roman Empire, Economy, Coinage, Currency, Trade, Finance, Roman Economy
Storm Destroys 200 Ships at Portus
Year: 62
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
A violent storm destroys 200 ships anchored at Portus.
Related Links:
- Portus
Tags: Roman Empire, Disaster, Maritime History, Storm, Economy, Trade, Ancient rome
Lucius Caecilius Iucundus' Banking Activities During Vesuvius' Eruption
Year: 69
Category: Economy & Trade
Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, Roman banker from Pompeii (b. c. AD 14)
Related Links:
- Lucius Caecilius Iucundus
- Pompeii
Tags: Ancient rome, Pompeii, Banking, Finance, Economy, Roman Empire, Trade, Business
Bread Shortage in Rome Due to Grain Supply Disruptions
Year: 70
Category: Economy & Trade
Rome faced a bread shortage due to grain supply disruptions caused by delayed shipments from Africa and Egypt.
Related Links:
Tags: Roman Empire, Food Shortage, Trade, Economy, Supply Chain
Denarius Silver Content Increased by Domitian
Year: 81
Category: Economy & Trade
The silver content of the Roman denarius rises to 92% under emperor Domitian, up from 81% in the reign of Vitellius.
Related Links:
Tags: Roman Empire, Currency, Coinage, Domitian, Economy, Monetary Policy, Ancient rome
Denarius Silver Content Increased Under Trajan
Year: 98
Category: Economy & Trade
The silver content of the Roman denarius rises to 93 percent under emperor Trajan, up from 92 percent under Domitian.
Related Links:
- silver
- denarius
Tags: Roman Empire, Currency, Trajan, Domitian, Economy, Coinage, Ancient rome
Sale of a Slave Girl Recorded in Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 581
Year: 99
Category: Economy & Trade
August 29 – Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 581, recording the sale of a slave girl, is written.
Related Links:
- August 29
- Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 581
Tags: Roman Empire, Slavery, Economy, Trade, Social History
Romans Begin Silkworm Cultivation
Year: 522
Category: Economy & Trade
Romans obtain silkworm eggs and begin silkworm cultivation
Related Links:
- 522
- silkworm
Tags: Silk Road, Roman Empire, Textiles, Trade, Economy, Byzantine Empire, Luxury Goods
Possible Volcanic Eruption and Resulting Climate Anomaly
Year: 535
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
Postulated volcanic eruption in the tropics which causes several years of abnormally cold weather, resulting in mass famine in the Northern Hemisphere. (See Extreme weather events of 535–536.)This Buddhist stela from China, Northern Wei period, was built in the early 6th century.
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, Famine, Extreme Weather, Global Impact, Environmental Disaster
First Issuance of Chinese Paper Money
Year: 650
Category: Economy & Trade
The first Chinese paper money is issued.
Related Links:
- 650
- paper money
Tags: Economy, Finance, Currency, Trade, Tang Dynasty, Banking
Rise of Wet-Field Rice Cultivation and Trade Networks
Year: 700
Category: Economy & Trade
Wet-field rice cultivation, small towns and kingdoms flourish. Trade links are established with China and India.
Tags: Agriculture, Trade, Economy, Monarchy, Economic Development
Al-Mahdi's Death and Al-Hadi's Accession; Tang Dynasty Maritime Expansion
Year: 785
Category: Politics
Death of Abbasid caliph al-Mahdi and succession of al-Hadi on 24 July 785. The Tang dynasty begins landing regular maritime missions on the coast of East Africa, cutting out middlemen Arab sea merchants.
Related Links:
Tags: Abbasid Caliphate, Tang Dynasty, Succession, Maritime Trade, Political Transition, Diplomacy, Economy
Onset of the Medieval Warm Period
Year: 950
Category: Science
c. 950: The beginning of the Medieval Warm Period.
Related Links:
- 950
- Medieval Warm Period
Tags: Climate Change, Middle Ages, Temperature, Ecology, Environment, Global History, Weather
Chinese Discovery of Coal for Iron Production
Year: 1001
Category: Technology
1100 – the demands of the Chinese iron industry for charcoal led to a huge amount of deforestation, which was curbed when the Chinese discovered how to use bituminous coal in smelting cast iron and steel, thus sparing thousands of acres of prime timberland.
Related Links:
Tags: Iron Age, Metallurgy, Environment, Industrial Revolution, Economic History
First Paper Money in Sichuan, China
Year: 1024
Category: Economy & Trade
– The world's first paper-printed money can be traced back to the year 1024, in Sichuan province of Song dynasty China. The Chinese government would step in and overtake this trend, issuing the central government's official banknote in the 1120s.
Related Links:
Tags: Currency, Economy, Song Dynasty, Trade, Finance, Government
Shen Kuo's Scientific and Technological Advancements
Year: 1031
Category: Science
In 1095, Shen Kuo made significant scientific advances, including theories on land formation, climate change, and true north, along with improvements to astronomical instruments, hypotheses on planetary motion, and the spherical nature of the sun and moon, and he conducted early experiments with camera obscura and archaeology.
Related Links:
Tags: Astronomy, Climate Change, Archaeology, Scientific Revolution, Song Dynasty, Shen Kuo
Song Dynasty Develops Precursor to Bessemer Process
Year: 1075
Category: Technology
– the Song Chinese innovate a partial decarbonization method of repeated forging of cast iron under a cold blast that Hartwell and Needham consider to be a predecessor to the 18th century Bessemer process.
Related Links:
- Bessemer process
Tags: Song Dynasty, Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution
Quanzhou Establishes Maritime Trade Tax Office
Year: 1087
Category: Economy & Trade
a new office at the Chinese international seaport of Quanzhou is established to handle and regulate taxes and tariffs on all mercantile transactions of foreign goods coming from Africa, Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Persia, and South East Asia.
Related Links:
- seaport
- Quanzhou
Tags: Trade, Taxation, Maritime, Song Dynasty, Tariffs, International Trade, Economy, Silk Road
Founding of the Venice Arsenal
Year: 1104
Category: Technology
The Venice Arsenal of Venice, Italy, is founded. It employed some 16,000 people for the mass production of sailing ships in large assembly lines, hundreds of years before the Industrial Revolution.
Related Links:
Tags: Shipbuilding, Naval Technology, Middle Ages, Assembly Line, Industrial Revolution, Trade, Economy, Maritime Power
Severe Drought Begins in American Southwest
Year: 1130
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
1180: 50-year drought in what is now the American Southwest.
Related Links:
- American Southwest
Tags: Drought, Climate Change, Environmental Disaster, American Southwest, Pre-Columbian America, Ecology, Environmental History
First Documented Use of Windmills
Year: 1185
Category: Technology
First record of windmills.
Related Links:
- windmills
Tags: Middle Ages, Energy, Agriculture, Wind Power, Resource Management
⛓️ African Slavery Begins in Americas
Year: 1502
Category: Economy & Trade
First reported African slaves in the New World
Related Links:
- African slaves
- New World
Tags: Slavery, Colonialism, New World, Transatlantic Slave Trade, Atlantic World, Exploitation, Forced Migration, Spanish Empire, Portuguese Empire, Economy
Portuguese Founding of Recife
Year: 1537
Category: Economy & Trade
The Portuguese establish Recife in Pernambuco, north-east of Brazil.
Related Links:
Tags: Colonialism, Portuguese Empire, Settlement, Exploration, Trade, Economy
Habsburg Spain Declares Bankruptcy
Year: 1557
Category: Economy & Trade
Habsburg Spain declares bankruptcy. Philip II of Spain had to declare four state bankruptcies in 1557, 1560, 1575 and 1596.
Related Links:
Tags: Habsburgs, Philip II, Economics, Bankruptcy, Habsburg Dynasty, Economy, Finance, Global Trade, European History
William Lee's Invention of the Stocking Frame
Year: 1589
Category: Technology
William Lee invents the stocking frame.
Related Links:
- William Lee
- stocking frame
Tags: Textile Industry, Industrial Revolution, Mechanization, Manufacturing
Tulip Mania's Market Crash
Year: 1637
Category: Economy & Trade
End of Tulip mania.
Related Links:
- Tulip mania
Tags: Speculation, Economy, Trade
Thomas Savery Invents Steam-Powered Water Pump
Year: 1698
Category: Technology
Thomas Savery develops a steam-powered water pump: for draining mines
Related Links:
- Thomas Savery
- steam-powered water pump
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Engine, Mining, Mechanical Engineering, Energy
Thomas Savery Demonstrates Steam Engine to Royal Society
Year: 1699
Category: Technology
Thomas Savery demonstrates his first steam engine to the Royal Society.
Related Links:
Tags: Steam Engine, Industrial Revolution, Scientific Revolution, Royal Society, Energy
Newcomen's Steam Engine Development
Year: 1712
Category: Technology
Steam engine invented by Thomas Newcomen
Related Links:
- Steam engine
- Thomas Newcomen
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Power, Mining, Energy
Thomas Newcomen Builds the First Commercial Steam Engine
Year: 1712
Category: Technology
Thomas Newcomen builds the first commercial steam engine to pump water out of mines. Newcomen's engine, unlike Thomas Savery's, uses a piston.
Related Links:
- Thomas Newcomen
- Thomas Savery
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Engine, Mining, Energy
John Kay Invents the Flying Shuttle
Year: 1733
Category: Technology
Flying shuttle invented by John Kay
Related Links:
- Flying shuttle
- John Kay
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Textile Industry, Manufacturing
Lewis Paul and John Wyatt Invent Mechanized Cotton Spinning Machine
Year: 1738
Category: Technology
Lewis Paul and John Wyatt invent the first mechanized cotton spinning machine.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Textile Industry, Manufacturing
First Water-Powered Cotton Mill Opens
Year: 1742
Category: Technology
Marvel's Mill, the first water-powered cotton mill, begins operation in England.
Related Links:
- Marvel's Mill
- cotton mill
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Textile Industry, Manufacturing, Economy
John Roebuck Develops the Lead Chamber Process for Sulfuric Acid Production
Year: 1746
Category: Technology
John Roebuck invents the lead chamber process.
Related Links:
- John Roebuck
- lead chamber process
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Chemistry, Manufacturing, Early Technology
Height of the Little Ice Age's Impact
Year: 1750
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
Peak of the Little Ice Age.
Related Links:
- Little Ice Age
Tags: Climate Change, Environmental History, Famine, Agricultural Crisis, Economic Hardship, Social Unrest
Vaucanson's Perfection of the Precision Lathe
Year: 1751
Category: Technology
Jacques de Vaucanson perfects the first precision lathe
Related Links:
- Jacques de Vaucanson
- lathe
Tags: Precision Engineering, Industrial Revolution, Mechanical Engineering
James Hargreaves Invents the Spinning Jenny
Year: 1764
Category: Technology
James Hargreaves invents the spinning jenny.
Related Links:
- James Hargreaves
- spinning jenny
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Textile Industry, Manufacturing, Mechanization
Watt's Steam Engine Enhancement and Steel Technology Advancement
Year: 1765
Category: Technology
James Watt enhances Newcomen's steam engine, allowing new steel technologies
Related Links:
- James Watt
- steel
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Engine, James Watt, Steel Production, Manufacturing
James Watt Develops Improved Steam Engine
Year: 1765
Category: Technology
James Watt invents the improved steam engine utilizing a separate condenser.
Related Links:
- James Watt
- steam engine
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Engine, James Watt, Manufacturing, Energy
French Capture Clove Plants, Challenging Dutch Spice Monopoly
Year: 1769
Category: Economy & Trade
French expeditions capture clove plants in Ambon, ending the Dutch East India Company's (VOC) monopoly of the plant.
Related Links:
Tags: Colonialism, Spice Trade, Dutch East India Company, French Empire, Monopoly, Competition, Ambon, Economy, Globalization
Cugnot's Invention of the First Steam-Powered Automobile
Year: 1769
Category: Technology
Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot invents the first steam-powered vehicle capable of carrying passengers, an early car.
Related Links:
- Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot
- car
Tags: Steam Engine, Automobile, Transportation, Industrial Revolution
Richard Salter Designs the First Weighing Scale
Year: 1770
Category: Technology
Richard Salter invents the earliest known design for a weighing scale.
Related Links:
- Richard Salter
- weighing scale
Tags: Measurement, Industrial Revolution, Trade
Arkwright's Water-Powered Mill at Cromford Established
Year: 1771
Category: Technology
Richard Arkwright and his partners build the world's first water-powered mill at Cromford.
Related Links:
- Richard Arkwright
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Textile Industry, Manufacturing
John Wilkinson's Boring Machine Invention
Year: 1774
Category: Technology
John Wilkinson invents his boring machine, considered by some to be the first machine tool.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Machine Tools, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering
Jesse Ramsden Invents the Modern Screw-Cutting Lathe
Year: 1775
Category: Technology
Jesse Ramsden invents the modern screw-cutting lathe.
Related Links:
- Jesse Ramsden
- screw-cutting lathe
Tags: Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution, Precision, Machine Tools, Mechanization
Adam Smith Publishes The Wealth of Nations
Year: 1776
Category: Economy & Trade
Adam Smith publishes The Wealth of Nations.
Related Links:
- Adam Smith
- The Wealth of Nations
Tags: Economics, Capitalism, Industrial Revolution, Enlightenment, Trade, Global Economy
James Watt Installs Improved Steam Engines
Year: 1776
Category: Technology
First improved steam engines installed by James Watt
Related Links:
- James Watt
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Engine, James Watt, Manufacturing, Energy
John Wilkinson Invents Mechanical Air Compressor
Year: 1776
Category: Technology
John Wilkinson invents a mechanical air compressor that would become the prototype for all later mechanical compressors.
Related Links:
- John Wilkinson
- air compressor
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Mechanical Engineering, Inventions, Mining, Manufacturing
Samuel Miller Invents the Circular Saw
Year: 1777
Category: Technology
Circular saw invented by Samuel Miller
Related Links:
- Circular saw
Tags: Woodworking, Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, American History
Robert Barron Invents the Lever Tumbler Lock
Year: 1778
Category: Technology
Robert Barron invents the first lever tumbler lock.
Related Links:
- Robert Barron
- lever tumbler lock
Tags: Security, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Revolution
Icelandic Famine Following Laki Volcano Eruption
Year: 1783
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
Famine in Iceland, caused by the eruption of the Laki volcano.
Related Links:
Tags: Famine, Volcano, Natural Disaster, Environmental Disaster, Iceland, Agricultural Crisis, Mortality, Climate Change
Argand Lamp Invention
Year: 1784
Category: Technology
Argand lamp invented by Aimé Argand
Related Links:
- Argand lamp
- Aimé Argand
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Lighting
Edmund Cartwright Invents the Power Loom
Year: 1785
Category: Technology
Power loom invented by Edmund Cartwright
Related Links:
- Power loom
- Edmund Cartwright
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Textile Industry, Mechanization, Manufacturing, Economic History
Oliver Evans Invents the Automatic Flour Mill
Year: 1785
Category: Technology
Automatic flour mill invented by Oliver Evans
Related Links:
- Automatic flour mill
- Oliver Evans
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Automation, American History
Andrew Meikle Invents the Threshing Machine
Year: 1786
Category: Technology
Threshing machine invented by Andrew Meikle
Related Links:
- Threshing machine
- Andrew Meikle
Tags: Agriculture, Industrial Revolution
Thomas Saint Patents the Sewing Machine
Year: 1790
Category: Technology
Thomas Saint invents the sewing machine.
Related Links:
- Thomas Saint
- sewing machine
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Inventions, Textiles, Manufacturing, Patents
Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin Invention
Year: 1793
Category: Technology
Eli Whitney invents the modern cotton gin.
Related Links:
- Eli Whitney
- cotton gin
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Slavery, Textile Industry, Economy, Agriculture, United States History
Joseph Bramah Invents the Hydraulic Press
Year: 1795
Category: Technology
Joseph Bramah invents the hydraulic press.
Related Links:
- Joseph Bramah
- hydraulic press
Tags: Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution, Mechanical Engineering
Samuel Bentham Invents Plywood
Year: 1797
Category: Technology
Samuel Bentham invents plywood.
Related Links:
- Samuel Bentham
- plywood
Tags: Woodworking, Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution
Lithographic Printing Process Invented
Year: 1798
Category: Technology
The Lithographic printing process invented by Alois Senefelder
Related Links:
- Lithographic printing process
- Alois Senefelder
Tags: Printing, Communication, Industrial Revolution, Mass Production, Art
George Medhurst Invents the First Motorized Air Compressor
Year: 1799
Category: Technology
George Medhurst invents the first motorized air compressor.
Related Links:
- George Medhurst
- air compressor
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing
Louis-Nicolas Robert Invents the First Paper Machine
Year: 1799
Category: Technology
The first paper machine is invented by Louis-Nicolas Robert.
Related Links:
- paper machine
- Louis-Nicolas Robert
Tags: Paper, Printing, Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Communication, Mass Production
Alessandro Volta Invents the First Electric Battery
Year: 1800
Category: Science
Alessandro Volta: discovers electrochemical series and invents the battery.
Related Links:
Tags: Physics, Electricity, Electrochemistry, Energy
Humphry Davy Develops the Arc Lamp
Year: 1802
Category: Technology
Humphry Davy invents the arc lamp (exact date unclear; not practical as a light source until the invention of efficient electric generators).
Related Links:
- Humphry Davy
- arc lamp
Tags: Electricity, Lighting, Experimentation, Industrial Revolution
William Symington's Charlotte Dundas: First Practical Steamboat Demonstration
Year: 1803
Category: Technology
William Symington demonstrates his Charlotte Dundas, the "first practical steamboat".
Related Links:
- William Symington
- Charlotte Dundas
Tags: Transportation, Industrial Revolution
World Population Reaches One Billion
Year: 1804
Category: Society & Culture
World population reaches 1 billion.
Related Links:
- World population
Tags: Demographics, Population Growth, Global History, Humanity, Social Trends, Mortality Rates, Industrial Revolution
First Operational Steam Locomotive
Year: 1804
Category: Technology
First steam locomotive begins operation.
Related Links:
- steam locomotive
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Transportation, Steam Power
Jacquard Loom Automates Weaving Process
Year: 1804
Category: Technology
Joseph Marie Jacquard develops his automated Jacquard loom.
Related Links:
- Joseph Marie Jacquard
- Jacquard loom
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Textile Industry, Automation, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering
Richard Trevithick Develops the First Steam Locomotive
Year: 1804
Category: Technology
Richard Trevithick invents the steam locomotive.
Related Links:
- Richard Trevithick
- steam locomotive
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Power, Transportation
Niépce Develops Early Internal Combustion Engine
Year: 1807
Category: Technology
Nicéphore Niépce invents an early internal combustion engine capable of doing useful work.
Related Links:
- Nicéphore Niépce
- internal combustion engine
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Engine, Mechanization, Energy
Robert Fulton's Steamboat Revolutionizes Water Transportation
Year: 1807
Category: Technology
Robert Fulton expands water transportation and trade with the workable steamboat.
Related Links:
- Robert Fulton
Tags: Transportation, Steam Power, Trade, Industrial Revolution
Nicolas Appert Develops Food Canning Process
Year: 1810
Category: Technology
Nicolas Appert invents the canning process for food.
Related Links:
- Nicolas Appert
- canning
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Logistics
Friedrich Koenig Invents the First Cylinder Printing Press
Year: 1811
Category: Technology
Friedrich Koenig invents the first powered printing press, which was also the first to use a cylinder.
Related Links:
- Friedrich Koenig
- printing press
Tags: Printing, Industrial Revolution, Mass Production, Communication
British Economic Depression and Luddite Riots
Year: 1812
Category: Economy & Trade
Great Britain experiences widespread economic distress; worst year of Luddite rioting.
Related Links:
- Luddite
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Social Unrest, Textile Industry, Working Class
William Reid Clanny Develops Safety Lamp
Year: 1812
Category: Technology
William Reid Clanny pioneered the invention of the safety lamp which he improved in later years. Safety lamps based on Clanny's improved design were used until the adoption of electric lamps.
Related Links:
- William Reid Clanny
- safety lamp
Tags: Mining, Safety, Industrial Revolution
Puffing Billy Demonstrates Power of Steam Locomotives
Year: 1813
Category: Technology
William Hedley's Puffing Billy demonstrates power of steam locomotives.
Related Links:
- William Hedley
- Puffing Billy
Tags: Steam Engine, Transportation, Industrial Revolution, Mining
Invention of the Modern Planing Machine
Year: 1814
Category: Technology
James Fox invents the modern planing machine, though Matthew Murray of Leeds and Richard Roberts of Manchester have also been credited at times with its invention.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing
Mount Tambora Eruption Devastates Sumbawa and Impacts Global Climate
Year: 1815
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
April: Mount Tambora in Sumbawa island erupts, becoming the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history, destroying Tambora culture, and killing at least 71,000 people, including its aftermath. The eruption created global climate anomalies known as "volcanic winter".
Related Links:
Tags: Volcano, Eruption, Disaster, Climate Change, Environmental Impact, Mortality
Global Cooling and Crop Failures
Year: 1816
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
Year Without a Summer: Unusually cold conditions wreak havoc throughout the Northern Hemisphere, likely influenced by the 1815 explosion of Mount Tambora.
Related Links:
- Year Without a Summer
- Mount Tambora
Tags: Climate Change, Volcanic Eruption, Famine, Agriculture, Global Impact, Economic Crisis, Environmental Disaster
Robert Stirling Patents the Stirling Engine
Year: 1816
Category: Technology
Robert Stirling invents the Stirling engine.
Related Links:
- Robert Stirling
- Stirling engine
Tags: Engine, Thermodynamics, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Revolution
Marc Isambard Brunel Invents the Tunnelling Shield
Year: 1818
Category: Technology
Marc Isambard Brunel invents the tunnelling shield.
Related Links:
- Marc Isambard Brunel
- tunnelling shield
Tags: Construction, Infrastructure, Transportation, Industrial Revolution
Child Labor Exploitation Intensifies in Industrial Revolution
Year: 1820
Category: Society & Culture
1820–1842: In the Industrial Revolution child labor was exploited more than ever, especially in cotton factories and mines.
Related Links:
- Industrial Revolution
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Exploitation, Mining, Social Inequality, Working Class, Economic History
Faraday and Stoddart Discover Stainless Steel
Year: 1820
Category: Technology
Michael Faraday and James Stoddart discover alloying iron with chromium produces a stainless steel resistant to oxidising elements (rust).
Related Links:
Tags: Metallurgy, Chemistry, Materials Science, Industrial Revolution, Michael Faraday, Steel
Seebeck Discovers Thermoelectric Effect
Year: 1821
Category: Science
Thomas Johann Seebeck is the first to observe a property of semiconductors.
Related Links:
- Thomas Johann Seebeck
- semiconductors
Tags: Physics, Semiconductors, Electricity, Energy, Experimentation
Thomas Blanchard Patents Pattern-Tracing Lathe
Year: 1822
Category: Technology
Thomas Blanchard invents the pattern-tracing lathe (actually more like a shaper). The lathe can copy symmetrical shapes and is used for making gun stocks, and later, ax handles.
Related Links:
- Thomas Blanchard
- shaper
Tags: Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution, Automation
Charles Babbage Begins Construction of the Difference Engine
Year: 1822
Category: Technology
Charles Babbage, considered the "father of the computer", begins building the first programmable mechanical computer.
Related Links:
Tags: Computer Science, Mechanical Computer, Industrial Revolution, Algorithms
Cadbury Opens Chocolate Shop
Year: 1824
Category: Economy & Trade
Cadbury opens a chocolate shop in Birmingham, England.
Related Links:
- Cadbury
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Food Industry, Business, Consumerism
Dreyse's Bolt-Action Rifle Invention
Year: 1824
Category: Technology
Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse invents the bolt-action rifle.
Related Links:
- Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse
- bolt-action rifle
Tags: Weaponry, Military Technology, Industrial Revolution, Warfare
William Sturgeon Invents the Electromagnet
Year: 1824
Category: Technology
William Sturgeon invents the electromagnet.
Related Links:
- William Sturgeon
- electromagnet
Tags: Electricity, Magnetism, Physics, Industrial Revolution
Carnot Describes the Carnot Cycle
Year: 1824
Category: Science
Carnot: described the Carnot cycle, the idealized heat engine.
Related Links:
- Carnot
- Carnot cycle
Tags: Thermodynamics, Physics, Industrial Revolution, Energy
Joseph Aspdin Develops Portland Cement
Year: 1824
Category: Technology
Joseph Aspdin develops Portland cement (concrete), by heating ground limestone, clay and gypsum, in a kiln.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Construction, Materials Science, Concrete
Stockton and Darlington Railway Opens
Year: 1825
Category: Technology
The Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first public railway in the world, opens in England.
Related Links:
- Stockton and Darlington Railway
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Transportation, Railways, Economic Development
Samuel Morey Patents Internal Combustion Engine
Year: 1826
Category: Technology
American Samuel Morey patents the internal combustion engine.
Related Links:
- Samuel Morey
- internal combustion engine
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Patents
John Walker Invents the Friction Match
Year: 1826
Category: Technology
John Walker invents the friction match.
Related Links:
- John Walker
- match
Tags: Inventions, Industrial Revolution, Chemistry, Lighting, Consumer Goods
James Sharp Invents the First Practical Gas Stove
Year: 1826
Category: Technology
James Sharp invents and goes on to manufacture the first practical gas stove.
Related Links:
- gas stove
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Domestic Life
Georg Ohm Formulates Ohm's Law
Year: 1827
Category: Science
Georg Ohm: Ohm's law (Electricity).
Related Links:
Tags: Physics, Electricity, Scientific Revolution, Mathematics, Energy, Electronics
James Beaumont Neilson Invents the Hot Blast Process
Year: 1828
Category: Technology
James Beaumont Neilson develops the hot blast process.
Related Links:
- James Beaumont Neilson
- hot blast
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Metallurgy
Patrick Bell Invents the Reaping Machine
Year: 1828
Category: Technology
Patrick Bell invents the reaping machine.
Related Links:
- Patrick Bell
- reaping machine
Tags: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Revolution, Agriculture
Construction of the First Practical Electric Motor
Year: 1829
Category: Technology
First electric motor built.
Related Links:
- electric motor
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Electricity, Michael Faraday
William Mann Invents the Compound Air Compressor
Year: 1829
Category: Technology
William Mann invents the compound air compressor.
Related Links:
- air compressor
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Steam Power
Patent Awarded for Corrugated Galvanized Iron
Year: 1829
Category: Technology
Henry Robinson Palmer is awarded a patent for corrugated galvanised iron.
Related Links:
- Henry Robinson Palmer
- corrugated galvanised iron
Tags: Patent, Industrial Revolution, Metalworking
Inauguration of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway
Year: 1830
Category: Technology
Opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
Related Links:
- Opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Transportation, Railways, Economic Development
Edwin Budding Invents the Lawn Mower
Year: 1830
Category: Technology
Edwin Budding invents the lawn mower.
Related Links:
- Edwin Budding
- lawn mower
Tags: Inventions, Industrial Revolution, Mechanical Engineering, Agriculture
General Trades Union Founded
Year: 1833
Category: Economy & Trade
General Trades Union founded in New York City.
Related Links:
- General Trades Union
Tags: Labor Unions, Workers' Rights, Industrial Revolution, New York City, Early American History, Social Movements
Formation of the Zollverein
Year: 1834
Category: Economy & Trade
The German Customs Union is formed.
Related Links:
- German Customs Union
Tags: Economic Integration, Trade, Free Trade, German Confederation, Nation Building, Industrial Revolution
British Poor Law Amendment Mandates Workhouse Confinement
Year: 1834
Category: Society & Culture
Britain amends the Poor Law demanding that any paupers requesting assistance must go to a workhouse.
Related Links:
- workhouse
Tags: Social Reform, Poverty, Social Welfare, Industrial Revolution
Moritz von Jacobi Develops First Practical Electric Motor
Year: 1834
Category: Technology
Moritz von Jacobi invents the first practical electric motor.
Related Links:
- Moritz von Jacobi
- electric motor
Tags: Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Revolution, Physics
Electric Telegraph Patented
Year: 1837
Category: Technology
Telegraphy patented.
Related Links:
- Telegraphy
Tags: Communication, Samuel Morse, Telegraph, Industrial Revolution
William Otis Develops the Steam Shovel
Year: 1839
Category: Technology
William Otis invents the steam shovel.
Related Links:
- William Otis
- steam shovel
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Construction, Transportation, Mining
James Nasmyth Invents the Steam Hammer
Year: 1839
Category: Technology
James Nasmyth invents the steam hammer.
Related Links:
- James Nasmyth
- steam hammer
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Power, Manufacturing, Mechanization
Edmond Becquerel Develops Photovoltaic Effect Method
Year: 1839
Category: Technology
Edmond Becquerel invents a method for the photovoltaic effect, effectively producing the first solar cell.
Related Links:
Tags: Physics, Energy
Charles Goodyear Invents Vulcanized Rubber
Year: 1839
Category: Technology
Charles Goodyear invents vulcanized rubber.
Related Links:
- Charles Goodyear
- vulcanized rubber
Tags: Rubber, Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Materials Science, Transportation
Railway Mania in the UK and Ireland
Year: 1840
Category: Economy & Trade
1840s: Railway Mania sweeps UK and Ireland.
Related Links:
- Railway Mania
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Railways, Investment, Economic Boom, Speculation, Infrastructure, Transportation
Alexander Bain Develops the Printing Telegraph
Year: 1841
Category: Technology
Alexander Bain devises a printing telegraph.
Related Links:
- Alexander Bain
Tags: Telegraph, Communication, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Revolution
Coal Mines Act: Child and Female Labor Restrictions
Year: 1842
Category: Society & Culture
The Coal Mines Act forbade the use of boys younger than ten and women in the mines.
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Women's Rights, Social Reform, Mining
John Bennet Lawes Develops Superphosphate Fertilizer
Year: 1842
Category: Technology
John Bennet Lawes invents superphosphate, the first man-made fertilizer.
Related Links:
Tags: Agriculture, Industrial Revolution, Scientific Advancement, Farming
Joule's Presentation on the Conservation of Energy
Year: 1843
Category: Science
James Prescott Joule: Law of Conservation of energy (First law of thermodynamics), also 1847 – Helmholtz, Conservation of energy.
Related Links:
Tags: Physics, Thermodynamics, Energy, Scientific Revolution
Wood Pulp Paper Production Invented
Year: 1844
Category: Technology
Friedrich Gottlob Keller and, independently, Charles Fenerty come up with the wood pulp method of paper production.
Related Links:
- Friedrich Gottlob Keller
- Charles Fenerty
Tags: Paper, Printing, Communication, Industrial Revolution
Isaac Charles Johnson Invents Modern Portland Cement
Year: 1845
Category: Technology
Isaac Charles Johnson invents modern Portland cement.
Related Links:
- Isaac Charles Johnson
- Portland cement
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Construction, Materials Science, Infrastructure
Henri-Joseph Maus Invents the Tunnel Boring Machine
Year: 1846
Category: Technology
Henri-Joseph Maus invents the tunnel boring machine.
Related Links:
- tunnel boring machine
Tags: Infrastructure, Industrial Revolution, Transportation, Construction, Mining
Ascanio Sobrero Synthesizes Nitroglycerin
Year: 1847
Category: Technology
Ascanio Sobrero invents Nitroglycerin, the first explosive made that was stronger than black powder.
Related Links:
Tags: Chemistry, Explosives, Industrial Revolution, Warfare, Mining
Jonathan J. Couch Invents the Pneumatic Drill
Year: 1848
Category: Technology
Jonathan J. Couch invents the pneumatic drill.
Related Links:
- pneumatic drill
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Construction, Mining, Tools
Linus Yale Sr. Designs the Pin Tumbler Lock
Year: 1848
Category: Technology
Linus Yale Sr. invents the first modern pin tumbler lock.
Related Links:
- Linus Yale Sr.
- pin tumbler lock
Tags: Security, Industrial Revolution, Mechanical Engineering
Invention of the Safety Pin and Gas Mask
Year: 1849
Category: Technology
The safety pin and the gas mask are invented.
Related Links:
- safety pin
- gas mask
Tags: Inventions, Industrial Revolution, Safety, Public Health, Military Technology
James B. Francis Invents the Francis Turbine
Year: 1849
Category: Technology
James B. Francis invents the Francis turbine.
Related Links:
- James B. Francis
- Francis turbine
Tags: Hydropower, Industrial Revolution, Energy
Walter Hunt Patents the Safety Pin
Year: 1849
Category: Technology
Walter Hunt invents the Safety pin.
Related Links:
- Walter Hunt
- Safety pin
Tags: Patent, Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing
Little Ice Age Concludes
Year: 1850
Category: Science
The Little Ice Age ends around this time.
Related Links:
- Little Ice Age
Tags: Climate Change, Environmental History, Weather, Global Warming, Temperature, Ecology
William Armstrong Invents the Hydraulic Accumulator
Year: 1850
Category: Technology
William Armstrong invents the hydraulic accumulator.
Related Links:
- William Armstrong
- hydraulic accumulator
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing
The Great Exhibition Opens in London
Year: 1851
Category: Economy & Trade
The Great Exhibition in London was the world's first international Expo or World Fair.
Related Links:
- Great Exhibition
- World Fair
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Trade, International Cooperation, Exhibition, Global Trade
Elisha Otis Patents the Safety Elevator Brake
Year: 1852
Category: Technology
Elisha Otis invents the safety brake elevator.
Related Links:
- Elisha Otis
Tags: Safety, Industrial Revolution, Urbanization, Transportation, Modernization
François Coignet Invents Reinforced Concrete
Year: 1853
Category: Technology
François Coignet invents reinforced concrete.
Related Links:
- reinforced concrete
Tags: Construction, Materials Science, Industrial Revolution
Bessemer Process Revolutionizes Steel Production
Year: 1855
Category: Technology
Bessemer process enables steel to be mass-produced.
Related Links:
- Bessemer process
- steel
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steel, Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Mass Production, Economic Development
Bessemer Process Patented
Year: 1855
Category: Technology
Henry Bessemer patents the Bessemer process for making steel, with improvements made by others over the following years.
Related Links:
- Henry Bessemer
- Bessemer process
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steel Production, Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Economy
First Oil Refinery Established
Year: 1856
Category: Technology
World's first oil refinery in Romania.
Related Links:
- oil refinery
- Romania
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Oil Industry, Petroleum, Energy, Romania, Economic Development
Alexander Parkes Creates Celluloid
Year: 1856
Category: Technology
Alexander Parkes invents parkesine, also known as celluloid, the first man-made plastic.
Related Links:
Tags: Plastic, Materials Science, Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Chemical Engineering
James Harrison Invents Practical Ice-Making Machine
Year: 1856
Category: Technology
James Harrison produces the world's first practical ice making machine and refrigerator using the principle of vapour compression in Geelong, Australia.
Related Links:
- James Harrison
Tags: Industrial Revolution
Perkin Creates the First Synthetic Dye, Mauveine
Year: 1856
Category: Technology
William Henry Perkin invents mauveine, the first synthetic dye.
Related Links:
Tags: Chemistry, Textiles, Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing
Mushet Develops Steel Production Method
Year: 1856
Category: Technology
Robert Forester Mushet develops a process for the decarbonisation, and re-carbonisation of iron, through the addition of a calculated quantity of spiegeleisen, to produce cheap, consistently high quality steel.
Related Links:
Tags: Steel, Industrial Revolution, Metallurgy, Manufacturing, Economy
Gaston Planté Invents the Lead-Acid Battery
Year: 1859
Category: Technology
Gaston Planté invents the lead acid battery, the first rechargeable battery.
Related Links:
Tags: Battery, Electricity, Energy, Industrial Revolution
London Underground Opens
Year: 1863
Category: Technology
First section of the London Underground opens.
Related Links:
- London Underground
Tags: Transportation, Urbanization, Infrastructure, Industrial Revolution
First Railway Track Laid in Indonesia
Year: 1864
Category: Technology
June: The first railway track in Indonesia was laid between Semarang and Tanggung, Central Java by the Dutch colonial government.
Related Links:
Tags: Railroad, Transportation, Colonialism, Dutch East Indies, Infrastructure, Economy
Pasteurization Process Developed
Year: 1864
Category: Technology
Louis Pasteur invents the pasteurization process.
Related Links:
- Louis Pasteur
- pasteurization
Tags: Public Health, Louis Pasteur, Microbiology, Hygiene, Industrial Revolution, Medical Advancement
Siemens-Martin Process for Steel Production Invented
Year: 1865
Category: Technology
Carl Wilhelm Siemens and Pierre-Émile Martin invented the Siemens-Martin process for making steel.
Related Links:
- Carl Wilhelm Siemens
- Pierre-Émile Martin
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steel, Manufacturing, Metallurgy
Rudolf Clausius Defines Entropy
Year: 1865
Category: Science
Rudolf Clausius: Definition of entropy.
Related Links:
- Rudolf Clausius
- entropy
Tags: Thermodynamics, Physics, Energy, Scientific Revolution
Alfred Nobel Invents Dynamite
Year: 1867
Category: Technology
Alfred Nobel invents dynamite, the first safely manageable explosive stronger than black powder.
Related Links:
Tags: Explosives, Mining, Construction, Warfare, Alfred Nobel, Industrial Revolution, Safety
Lucien B. Smith Invents Barbed Wire
Year: 1867
Category: Technology
Lucien B. Smith invents barbed wire, which Joseph F. Glidden will modify in 1874, leading to the taming of the West and the end of the cowboys.
Related Links:
Tags: American West, Agriculture, Industrial Revolution, Frontier
Safety Bicycle Introduced
Year: 1868
Category: Technology
Safety bicycle invented.
Related Links:
- Safety bicycle
Tags: Transportation, Industrial Revolution, Cycling, Social Change
Robert Mushet Develops Tungsten Steel
Year: 1868
Category: Technology
Robert Forester Mushet discovers that alloying steel with tungsten produces a harder, more durable alloy.
Related Links:
- Robert Forester Mushet
- tungsten
Tags: Steel, Metallurgy, Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Materials Science
The Long Depression Begins
Year: 1870
Category: Economy & Trade
1870–1890: Long Depression in Western Europe and North America.
Related Links:
Tags: Depression, Economic Crisis, Global Economy, Industrial Revolution, Capitalism, Trade, Recession
Hansen Writing Ball: First Commercial Typewriter
Year: 1870
Category: Technology
Rasmus Malling-Hansen's invention, the Hansen Writing Ball, becomes the first commercially sold typewriter.
Related Links:
Tags: Communication, Industrial Revolution, Denmark
Start of the Second Industrial Revolution
Year: 1871
Category: Technology
1914: Second Industrial Revolution.
Related Links:
- Second Industrial Revolution
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Mass Production, Globalization, Electricity, Steel Production, Transportation, Urbanization, Capitalism
Eugen Baumann Synthesizes Polyvinyl Chloride
Year: 1872
Category: Science
Polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as vinyl, is synthesized by German chemist Eugen Baumann
Related Links:
- Polyvinyl chloride
- Eugen Baumann
Tags: Chemistry, Material Science, Industrial Revolution
Stainless Steel Invention and Early Commercialization
Year: 1872
Category: Technology
J.E.T. Woods and J. Clark invented stainless steel. Harry Brearley was the first to commercialize it.
Related Links:
- stainless steel
- Harry Brearley
Tags: Metallurgy, Material Science, Industrial Revolution, Steel, Manufacturing
Invention of Blue Jeans and Barbed Wire
Year: 1873
Category: Technology
Blue jeans and barbed wire are invented.
Related Links:
- Blue jeans
- barbed wire
Tags: Inventions, Industrial Revolution, Westward Expansion, Agriculture, Material Culture
Frederick Ransome Invents the Rotary Kiln
Year: 1873
Category: Technology
Frederick Ransome invents the rotary kiln.
Related Links:
- Frederick Ransome
- rotary kiln
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Construction, Materials Science
Zénobe Gramme Develops the Gramme Dynamo
Year: 1873
Category: Technology
Zénobe Gramme invents the first commercial electrical generator, the Gramme machine.
Related Links:
Tags: Electricity, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Revolution, Power Generation
Fyodor Pirotsky Develops Electric Tram
Year: 1875
Category: Technology
Fyodor Pirotsky invents the first electric tram near Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Related Links:
Tags: Transportation, Urban Development, Industrial Revolution, Public Transit
Nicolaus Otto Develops the Four-Stroke Engine
Year: 1876
Category: Technology
Nicolaus August Otto invents the four-stroke cycle.
Related Links:
- Nicolaus August Otto
- four-stroke cycle
Tags: Internal Combustion Engine, Industrial Revolution, Transportation, Manufacturing
Bell Granted Patent for the Telephone
Year: 1876
Category: Technology
Alexander Graham Bell has a patent granted for the telephone. However, other inventors before Bell had worked on the development of the telephone and the invention had several pioneers.
Related Links:
- Alexander Graham Bell
- telephone
Tags: Communication, Patent, Telecommunications, Industrial Revolution, Global Impact
Great Railroad Strike in the United States
Year: 1877
Category: Economy & Trade
Great Railroad Strike in the United States may have been the world's first nationwide labour strike.
Related Links:
- Great Railroad Strike
- labour strike
Tags: Labor Unions, Strikes, Industrial Revolution, Gilded Age, Working Class
Edison Develops the Phonograph
Year: 1877
Category: Technology
Thomas Edison invents the phonograph.
Related Links:
- Thomas Edison
- phonograph
Tags: Sound Recording, Communication, Entertainment, Industrial Revolution, Global Impact
Boltzmann Defines Entropy Statistically
Year: 1877
Category: Science
Ludwig Boltzmann: Statistical definition of entropy.
Related Links:
- Ludwig Boltzmann
- entropy
Tags: Physics, Thermodynamics, Scientific Revolution, Energy, Theoretical Physics
Lester Pelton Invents the Pelton Wheel
Year: 1878
Category: Technology
Lester Allan Pelton invents the Pelton wheel.
Related Links:
- Lester Allan Pelton
- Pelton wheel
Tags: Inventions, Hydropower, Industrial Revolution, Energy, Mechanics
Edison and Swan Patent Incandescent Light Bulbs
Year: 1879
Category: Technology
Joseph Swan and Thomas Edison independently patented functional incandescent light bulbs, ending decades of unsuccessful experimentation. Edison's high-resistance design was crucial for the development of large-scale electric lighting.
Related Links:
Tags: Electricity, Lighting, Industrial Revolution, Thomas Edison, Global Impact
Godalming Power Plant Inaugurated
Year: 1881
Category: Technology
First electrical power plant and grid in Godalming, Britain.
Related Links:
Tags: Electricity, Power Generation, Industrial Revolution
Nikolay Benardos Demonstrates Carbon Arc Welding
Year: 1881
Category: Technology
Nikolay Benardos presents carbon arc welding, the first practical arc welding method.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Metalworking, Manufacturing
First Electric Car Produced by Thomas Parker
Year: 1884
Category: Technology
First electric car produced by Thomas Parker in Wolverhampton.
Related Links:
- electric car
Tags: Automobile, Transportation, Industrial Revolution
Paul Vieille Invents Poudre B Smokeless Powder
Year: 1884
Category: Technology
Paul Vieille invents Poudre B, the first smokeless powder for firearms.
Related Links:
Tags: Military Technology, Firearms, Weapons, Industrial Revolution, Defense, Warfare
Sir Charles Parsons Develops the Modern Steam Turbine
Year: 1884
Category: Technology
Sir Charles Parsons invents the modern steam turbine.
Related Links:
- Charles Parsons
- steam turbine
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Steam Power, Energy, Manufacturing, Transportation
Invention of the Closed Core High Efficiency Transformer
Year: 1884
Category: Technology
Hungarian engineers Károly Zipernowsky, Ottó Bláthy and Miksa Déri invent the closed core high efficiency transformer and the AC parallel power distribution.
Related Links:
Tags: Electrical Engineering, Industrial Revolution, Scientific Innovation
Karl Benz Builds First Gasoline-Powered Automobile
Year: 1885
Category: Technology
Karl Benz produced first car with internal combustion engine.
Related Links:
- Karl Benz
- internal combustion engine
Tags: Automobile, Transportation, Internal Combustion Engine, Industrial Revolution
Singer Begins Production of Vibrating Shuttle Sewing Machine
Year: 1885
Category: Technology
Singer begins production of the 'Vibrating Shuttle'. which would become the most popular model of sewing machine.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Textiles, Mass Production
John Kemp Starley Patents the Safety Bicycle
Year: 1885
Category: Technology
John Kemp Starley invents the modern safety bicycle.
Related Links:
- John Kemp Starley
- safety bicycle
Tags: Transportation, Industrial Revolution, Urbanization
Karl Benz Sells the First Commercial Automobile
Year: 1886
Category: Technology
Karl Benz sells the first commercial automobile.
Related Links:
- Karl Benz
- automobile
Tags: Automobile, Transportation, Industrial Revolution
Carl Gassner Invents the Zinc-Carbon Dry Cell Battery
Year: 1886
Category: Technology
Carl Gassner invents the zinc–carbon battery, the first dry cell battery, making portable electronics practical.
Related Links:
Tags: Battery, Electricity, Industrial Revolution
Hall-Héroult Process Enables Aluminum Production
Year: 1886
Category: Technology
Charles Martin Hall and independently Paul Héroult invent the Hall–Héroult process for economically producing aluminum in 1886.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Global Trade
Carl Josef Bayer Invents the Bayer Process
Year: 1887
Category: Technology
Carl Josef Bayer invents the Bayer process for the production of alumina.
Related Links:
- Carl Josef Bayer
- Bayer process
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Chemistry, Metallurgy, Mining, Materials Science
James Blyth Invents First Electricity-Generating Wind Turbine
Year: 1887
Category: Technology
James Blyth invents the first wind turbine used for generating electricity.
Related Links:
- James Blyth
- wind turbine
Tags: Renewable Energy, Wind Power, Industrial Revolution, Energy
MacArthur-Forrest Process Developed for Gold Extraction
Year: 1887
Category: Technology
John Stewart MacArthur, working in collaboration with brothers Dr. Robert and Dr. William Forrest, develops the process of gold cyanidation.
Related Links:
- John Stewart MacArthur
- gold cyanidation
Tags: Mining, Gold Rush, Metallurgy, Industrial Revolution, Extraction
John J. Loud Patents the Ballpoint Pen
Year: 1888
Category: Technology
John J. Loud invents the ballpoint pen.
Related Links:
- John J. Loud
- ballpoint pen
Tags: Inventions, Writing, Patents, Industrial Revolution
John Boyd Dunlop Patents Pneumatic Tire
Year: 1888
Category: Technology
The first practical pneumatic tire was made by Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop, the patent was from 1847 by Robert William Thomson
Related Links:
Tags: Transportation, Automobile, Rubber, Industrial Revolution, Patent
Gottlieb Daimler Establishes Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft
Year: 1890
Category: Technology
Gottlieb Daimler founds his manufacturing company in Germany, ancestor of Mercedes-Benz.
Related Links:
- Gottlieb Daimler
- manufacturing company
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Automobile Industry, Transportation, German Empire, Manufacturing
Robert Gair Invents the Pre-Cut Cardboard Box
Year: 1890
Category: Technology
Robert Gair would invent the pre-cut cardboard box.
Related Links:
- Robert Gair
- cardboard box
Tags: Packaging, Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution, Commerce, Business
Whitcomb Judson Patents the Zipper
Year: 1891
Category: Technology
Whitcomb Judson invents the zipper.
Related Links:
- Whitcomb Judson
- zipper
Tags: Manufacturing, Textiles, Fashion, Industrial Revolution, Patent
World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago
Year: 1892
Category: Society & Culture
The World's Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World.
Related Links:
Tags: Chicago, American Culture, Architecture, Christopher Columbus, Industrial Revolution, United States History
John Froelich Builds First Gasoline-Powered Tractor
Year: 1892
Category: Technology
John Froelich develops and constructs the first gasoline/petrol-powered tractor.
Related Links:
- John Froelich
- tractor
Tags: Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Revolution
Rudolf Diesel Patents the Diesel Engine
Year: 1893
Category: Technology
Rudolf Diesel invents the diesel engine (although Herbert Akroyd Stuart had experimented with compression ignition before Diesel).
Related Links:
Tags: Internal Combustion Engine, Transportation, Industrial Revolution, Energy
First Commercial Gramophone Record Released
Year: 1894
Category: Technology
First gramophone record.
Related Links:
- gramophone record
Tags: Sound Recording, Communication, Music, Entertainment, Industrial Revolution, Mass Media
Arrhenius Publishes Greenhouse Effect Principles
Year: 1896
Category: Science
Svante Arrhenius derives the basic principles of the greenhouse effect
Related Links:
- Svante Arrhenius
- greenhouse effect
Tags: Climate Change, Atmospheric Science, Physics, Environmental Science, Global Warming
Zeppelin LZ 1 Airship Production Begins
Year: 1898
Category: Technology
1900: Zeppelin LZ 1 airship first produced.
Related Links:
- Zeppelin LZ 1
- airship
Tags: Aviation, Industrial Revolution
Pechmann Synthesizes Polyethylene
Year: 1898
Category: Technology
Hans von Pechmann synthesizes polyethylene, now the most common plastic in the world.
Related Links:
Tags: Chemistry, Materials Science, Industrial Revolution
Fiat Founded in Turin
Year: 1899
Category: Economy & Trade
Giovanni Agnelli founds Fiat in Italy.
Related Links:
- Giovanni Agnelli
- Fiat
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Automobile Industry, Manufacturing, Entrepreneurship, Economy, Business
Louis Renault and Brothers Establish Renault Automobile Company
Year: 1899
Category: Economy & Trade
Louis Renault and his brothers found their manufacturing company in France.
Related Links:
- Louis Renault
- manufacturing company
Tags: Automobile Industry, Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Entrepreneurship, Transportation, Business
Waldemar Jungner Invents Rechargeable Batteries
Year: 1899
Category: Technology
Waldemar Jungner invents the rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery (NiCd) as well as the nickel-iron electric storage battery (NiFe) and the rechargeable alkaline silver-cadmium battery (AgCd)
Related Links:
Tags: Battery, Electricity, Energy, Industrial Revolution
Paris Metro's First Line Inaugurated
Year: 1900
Category: Technology
First section of the Paris Metro opens.
Related Links:
- Paris Metro
Tags: Urbanization, Public Transportation, Infrastructure, Industrial Revolution, Modernization
Theodor Kober Designs the First Zeppelin
Year: 1900
Category: Technology
The first Zeppelin is designed by Theodor Kober.
Related Links:
- Zeppelin
- Theodor Kober
Tags: Aviation, Transportation, Industrial Revolution
Max Planck Explains Blackbody Radiation
Year: 1900
Category: Science
Max Planck: explains the emission spectrum of a black body
Related Links:
- Max Planck
- black body
Tags: Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Theoretical Physics, Scientific Revolution, Energy, Electromagnetism
First Powered Vacuum Cleaner Patented
Year: 1901
Category: Technology
The first motorized cleaner using suction, a powered "vacuum cleaner", is patented independently by Hubert Cecil Booth and David T. Kenney.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Patent, Consumerism
Willis Carrier Patents Modern Air Conditioning
Year: 1902
Category: Technology
July 17: Willis Carrier invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution
Ægidius Elling Invents First Successful Gas Turbine
Year: 1903
Category: Technology
The first successful gas turbine is invented by Ægidius Elling.
Related Links:
- gas turbine
- Ægidius Elling
Tags: Energy, Industrial Revolution, Power Generation
Trans-Siberian Railway Completed
Year: 1904
Category: Technology
June 21: Trans-Siberian Railway is completed.
Related Links:
- June 21
- Trans-Siberian Railway
Tags: Railroad, Infrastructure, Transportation, Russian Empire, Industrial Revolution, Modernization, Geopolitics, Economic Development
Leo Baekeland Develops Bakelite
Year: 1907
Category: Technology
Leo Baekeland invents bakelite, the first plastic made from synthetic components.
Related Links:
Tags: Plastic, Synthetic Materials, Chemistry, Industrial Revolution, Material Science, Manufacturing
Commercial Oil Production Begins in Persia
Year: 1908
Category: Economy & Trade
May 26: First commercial Middle Eastern oilfield established, at Masjed Soleyman in southwest Persia.
Related Links:
Tags: Oil Industry, Petroleum, Energy, Extraction, Economy, Resource Extraction
Ford Motor Company Introduces the Model T
Year: 1908
Category: Technology
October 1: The Ford Motor Company invents the Model T.
Related Links:
Tags: Automobile, Industrial Revolution, Mass Production, Assembly Line, Transportation, Consumerism
Cellophane Invention
Year: 1908
Category: Technology
Cellophane is invented by Jacques E. Brandenberger.
Related Links:
- Cellophane
- Jacques E. Brandenberger
Tags: Material Science, Packaging, Industrial Revolution, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing
Fritz Haber Develops the Haber-Bosch Process
Year: 1909
Category: Science
Fritz Haber invents the Haber process.
Related Links:
- Fritz Haber
- Haber process
Tags: Chemistry, Industrial Revolution, Agriculture, Scientific Breakthrough, World War I, Chemical Warfare
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
Year: 1911
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
March 25: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City results in the deaths of 146 workers and leads to sweeping workplace safety reforms.
Related Links:
- March 25
- Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Labor Rights, Fire, New York City, Social Reform, Gilded Age
Louis Chevrolet Co-Founds Chevrolet Motor Company
Year: 1911
Category: Technology
November 3: Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer Louis Chevrolet co-founds the Chevrolet Motor Company in Detroit with his brother Arthur Chevrolet, William C. Durant and others.
Related Links:
Tags: Automotive Industry, Automobile, Entrepreneurship, Manufacturing, Business, Industrial Revolution, Transportation
Ford Motor Company Introduces the Moving Assembly Line
Year: 1913
Category: Technology
October 7: Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving assembly line.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Assembly Line, Mass Production, Manufacturing, Automobile Industry
Bergius Process Developed
Year: 1913
Category: Technology
The Bergius process is developed by Friedrich Bergius.
Related Links:
- Bergius process
- Friedrich Bergius
Tags: Chemistry, World War I, World War II, Energy, German Science
Viktor Kaplan Invents the Kaplan Turbine
Year: 1913
Category: Technology
The Kaplan turbine is invented by Viktor Kaplan.
Related Links:
- Kaplan turbine
- Viktor Kaplan
Tags: Renewable Energy, Industrial Revolution
Harry Brearley Invents Stainless Steel
Year: 1915
Category: Technology
Harry Brearley invents a process to create Martensitic stainless steel, initially labelled Rustless Steel, later marketed as Staybrite, and AISI Type 420.
Related Links:
- Harry Brearley
- Martensitic stainless steel
Tags: Metallurgy, Materials Science, Industrial Revolution, World War I
Bayerische Flugzeugwerke Founded
Year: 1916
Category: Economy & Trade
March 7: Bayerische Flugzeugwerke, later to become BMW, is founded in Germany.
Related Links:
- March 7
- BMW
Tags: Industrial Revolution, World War I, Aviation, Manufacturing, Automotive Industry, Business
Czochralski Process for Crystal Growth Invented
Year: 1916
Category: Technology
The Czochralski process, widely used for the production of single crystal silicon, is invented by Jan Czochralski.
Related Links:
Tags: Materials Science, Semiconductors, Electronics, Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution
Arthur Eddington Proposes Nuclear Fusion as Stellar Energy Source
Year: 1920
Category: Science
Arthur Eddington: Stellar nucleosynthesis
Related Links:
- Arthur Eddington
- Stellar nucleosynthesis
Tags: Astrophysics, Nuclear Physics, Stars, Stellar Evolution, Energy, Scientific Theory, 20th Century Science, Cosmology
Fischer–Tropsch Process Developed
Year: 1925
Category: Technology
The Fischer–Tropsch process is developed by Franz Fischer and Hans Tropsch at the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institut für Kohlenforschung.
Related Links:
Tags: Chemical Engineering, Industrial Revolution, World War II
Harry Ferguson Patents the Three-Point Hitch
Year: 1926
Category: Technology
Harry Ferguson, patents the Three-point hitch equipment linkage system for tractors.
Related Links:
- Harry Ferguson
- Three-point hitch
Tags: Agriculture, Farming, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Revolution
World Population Reaches Two Billion
Year: 1927
Category: Society & Culture
World population reaches two billion.
Related Links:
- World population
Tags: Demographics, Population Growth, Global History, Industrial Revolution, Public Health, Mortality Rates, Humanity
Ball Screw Invention
Year: 1929
Category: Technology
The ball screw is invented by Rudolph G. Boehm.
Related Links:
- ball screw
Tags: Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, Manufacturing, Automation, Machine Tools, Industrial Revolution
China Suffers Devastating Floods, Millions Dead
Year: 1931
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
June: Floods in China kill up to 2.5 million people.
Related Links:
- June
- Floods in China
Tags: Floods, Natural Disaster, Disaster Relief, Mortality, Climate Change, Republic of China
Nylon Fiber Production Begins
Year: 1935
Category: Technology
Nylon, the first fully synthetic fiber is produced by Wallace Carothers while working at DuPont.
Related Links:
Tags: Synthetic Materials, Textiles, Chemistry, Industrial Revolution, Consumer Goods
Volkswagen Founded by the German Labour Front
Year: 1937
Category: Economy & Trade
Volkswagen founded by the German Labour Front.
Related Links:
- Volkswagen
- German Labour Front
Tags: Automotive Industry, Industrialization, Nazi Germany, Labor Unions, Economy, Volkswagen, Weimar Republic
Discovery of Nuclear Fission
Year: 1938
Category: Science
Otto Hahn, Lise Meitner and Fritz Strassmann: Nuclear fission of heavy nuclei
Related Links:
Tags: Nuclear Physics, Physics, World War II, Energy, Atomic Bomb
Polyester Invented
Year: 1941
Category: Technology
Polyester is invented by John Rex Whinfield and James Dickson.
Related Links:
- Polyester
- John Rex Whinfield
Tags: Textiles, Synthetic Materials, Chemistry, Industrial Revolution
Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Invented
Year: 1947
Category: Technology
Floyd Farris and J.B. Clark (Stanolind Oil and Gas Corporation) invents hydraulic fracturing technology.
Related Links:
- Stanolind Oil and Gas Corporation
- hydraulic fracturing
Tags: Oil Industry, Fossil Fuels, Energy, Petroleum, Resource Extraction
Basic Oxygen Steelmaking Developed
Year: 1948
Category: Technology
Basic oxygen steelmaking is developed by Robert Durrer. The majority of steel manufactured in the world is produced using the basic oxygen furnace; in 2000, it accounted for 60% of global steel output.
Related Links:
- Basic oxygen steelmaking
- Robert Durrer
Tags: Industrial Revolution, Manufacturing, Metallurgy, Global Economy
Float Glass Process Developed
Year: 1952
Category: Technology
The float glass process is developed by Alastair Pilkington.
Related Links:
- float glass process
- Alastair Pilkington
Tags: Manufacturing, Glassmaking, Materials Science, Industrial Revolution, Global Impact
Soviet Union Achieves First Nuclear Power Electricity
Year: 1954
Category: Technology
September 14: The Soviet Union generates first electricity by nuclear power.
Related Links:
Tags: Soviet Union, Cold War, Energy, Atomic Age, USSR
Invention of the Silicon Solar Cell
Year: 1954
Category: Technology
Invention of the solar battery by Bell Telephone scientists, Calvin Souther Fuller, Daryl Chapin and Gerald Pearson capturing the Sun's power. First practical means of collecting energy from the Sun and turning it into a current of electricity.
Related Links:
- Calvin Souther Fuller
Tags: Energy, Renewable Energy
Malcolm McLean Develops the Intermodal Container
Year: 1955
Category: Technology
The intermodal container is developed by Malcom McLean.
Related Links:
- intermodal container
- Malcom McLean
Tags: Transportation, Logistics, Shipping, Globalization, Trade, Economy
First High-Speed Rail Service Launched in Tokyo
Year: 1967
Category: Technology
First high-speed rail introduced in Tokyo.
Related Links:
- high-speed rail
Tags: Transportation, Infrastructure, Modernization, Economy
Greenpeace Environmental Organization Founded
Year: 1971
Category: Society & Culture
Greenpeace founded.
Related Links:
- Greenpeace
Tags: Environmentalism, Activism, Conservation, Social Change, Climate Change
Sears Tower Construction Completed
Year: 1973
Category: Technology
May 3: Construction of the Sears Tower (later renamed to Willis Tower) completed.
Related Links:
- May 3
- Sears Tower
Tags: Architecture, Skyscrapers, Modernism, Urban Development, Construction, Chicago, Economy
Chuck Hull Invents Stereolithography
Year: 1983
Category: Technology
Stereolithography is invented by Chuck Hull.
Related Links:
- Stereolithography
- Chuck Hull
Tags: Manufacturing, Industrial Revolution
Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
Year: 1986
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
April 26: The Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine kills about 100 people.
Related Links:
- April 26
- Chernobyl disaster
Tags: Nuclear Disaster, Environmental Disaster, Cold War, Soviet Union, Radiation, Accident, Energy, Public Health, Technological Failure
Piper Alpha Oil Rig Disaster
Year: 1988
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
July 6: The Piper Alpha oil rig in the North Sea catches fire and explodes, killing 165.
Related Links:
Tags: Industrial Accidents, Oil Industry, Energy, Safety Regulations, Disasters, Environmental Impact
IPCC Releases First Assessment Report on Climate Change
Year: 1990
Category: Science
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases its first assessment report, linking increases in carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere, and a resultant rise in global temperature, to human activities.
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, Global Warming, Environmental Science, Environmentalism, Sustainability
Mount Pinatubo Erupts
Year: 1991
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
June 12 – 15: Mount Pinatubo erupts with a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 6 and reduces global temperatures.
Related Links:
Tags: Volcano, Eruption, Natural Disaster, Atmospheric Science, Climate Change, Geology, Environmental Impact
Hurricane Andrew Causes Devastation in Bahamas and United States
Year: 1992
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
August 24 – 28: Hurricane Andrew kills 65 and causes $26.5 billion in damages in the Bahamas and the United States.
Related Links:
Tags: Natural Disaster, Hurricanes, Climate Change, Florida, Disaster Relief, Economic Impact, Weather, Damage
Three Gorges Dam Construction Begins
Year: 1994
Category: Technology
December 14: Construction of the Three Gorges Dam begins in Hubei, China.
Related Links:
- December 14
- Three Gorges Dam
Tags: Hydropower, Infrastructure, Energy, Environment, Yangtze River
Hurricane Mitch Devastates Central America
Year: 1998
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
October – November: Hurricane Mitch leaves more than 19,325 dead in Central America as a result of catastrophic flooding and mudslides.
Related Links:
Tags: Hurricane, Natural Disaster, Flooding, Disaster Relief, Climate Change, Environmental Impact
Exxon and Mobil Merge to Form ExxonMobil
Year: 1999
Category: Economy & Trade
November 30: ExxonMobil founded.
Related Links:
- November 30
- ExxonMobil
Tags: Oil Industry, Energy, Corporate History, Fossil Fuels, Business
Flooding in Africa Kills Hundreds
Year: 2000
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
February 9: Torrential rains in Africa lead to the worst flooding in [until March and kills 800 people.
Related Links:
- February 9
- worst flooding
Tags: Flooding, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Casualties, Environment
Kyoto Protocol Officially Takes Effect
Year: 2005
Category: Politics
February 16: The Kyoto Protocol comes into effect.
Related Links:
- February 16
- Kyoto Protocol
Tags: Environmentalism, Climate Change, International Relations, Treaty, Sustainability, Global Warming, United Nations
Maharashtra Floods Claim Over 1,000 Lives
Year: 2005
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
July 26 – 27: Floods in Maharashtra, India over 1000 people die.
Related Links:
Tags: Floods, Natural Disaster, Maharashtra, Disaster Relief, Climate Change
Cyclone Nargis Devastates Myanmar, Causing Massive Casualties
Year: 2008
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
May 2: Cyclone Nargis kills 133,000 in Myanmar.
Related Links:
Tags: Cyclone, Natural Disaster, Burma, Disaster Relief, Climate Change
Typhoon Ketsana Causes Hundreds of Deaths in the Philippines
Year: 2009
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
September 26: Typhoon Ketsana kills 789 people in the Philippines.
Related Links:
- September 26
- Typhoon Ketsana
Tags: Typhoon, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Disaster Relief, Extreme Weather
Tōhoku Earthquake and Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
Year: 2011
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
March 11: A 9.1 earthquake in Japan triggers a tsunami and the meltdown of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.
Related Links:
Tags: Earthquake, Tsunami, Nuclear Disaster, Natural Disaster, Energy, Environmentalism, Disaster Response
Deadly Floods in Pakistan, Thailand, and Philippines
Year: 2011
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
Floods in Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines kill roughly 2,500 people.
Related Links:
Tags: Floods, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Disaster Relief, Casualties
Hurricane Sandy Causes Billions in Damage and Hundreds of Deaths
Year: 2012
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
October 22 – November 22: Hurricane Sandy causes $70 billion in damage and kills 233 people.
Related Links:
Tags: Natural Disaster, Hurricanes, Climate Change, Infrastructure Damage, Loss of Life
Kyoto Protocol Extended at UN Climate Change Conference
Year: 2012
Category: Politics
November 26 – December 8: UN Climate Change Conference agrees to extend the Kyoto Protocol until 2020.
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, United Nations, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Global Governance, Environmentalism
Typhoon Bopha Devastates Philippines, Killing Thousands
Year: 2012
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
December 4 – 9: Typhoon Bopha kills over 1,600 in the Philippines.
Related Links:
Tags: Typhoon, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Disaster Relief
Typhoon Haiyan Causes Thousands of Deaths in Vietnam and the Philippines
Year: 2013
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
November 8: Typhoon Haiyan kills nearly 6,150 people in Vietnam and the Philippines.
Related Links:
Tags: Natural Disaster, Typhoon, Cyclone, Climate Change, Disaster Relief, Mortality
Severe Flooding in Alberta
Year: 2013
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
2013 Alberta floods.
Related Links:
- 2013 Alberta floods
Tags: Flooding, Natural Disaster, Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Relief, Infrastructure Damage
Photonic Metamaterials Enable Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling
Year: 2014
Category: Science
Photonic metamaterials are discovered to make passive daytime radiative cooling possible by Raman et al.
Related Links:
- Photonic metamaterials
- passive daytime radiative cooling
Tags: Physics, Materials Science, Climate Change, Nanotechnology
Paris Agreement on Climate Change Negotiated
Year: 2015
Category: Politics
November 30 – December 12: 195 nations agree to lower carbon emissions by negotiating the Paris agreement.
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, Environmentalism, International Relations, United Nations, Global Warming, Sustainability, Diplomacy, Environmental Policy
Paris Agreement Officially Enters Into Force
Year: 2016
Category: Politics
November 4: The Paris Agreement, signed by 195 nations to fight global warming, formally goes into effect.
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, International Relations, Environmentalism, Global Governance, United Nations, Treaty, Sustainability, Environmental Policy, Diplomacy
Adoption of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Year: 2016
Category: Politics
Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Related Links:
- 2016 Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Tags: Climate Change, Environmentalism, International Relations, United Nations, Sustainability, Global Governance
Devastating Hurricane Season: Harvey, Irma, and Maria Cause Widespread Destruction
Year: 2017
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
This year's Atlantic Hurricane season features Hurricane Harvey, which kills 107 and becomes the costliest hurricane in US history, as well as Hurricane Irma, killing 134, and Hurricane Maria, killing 3,059.
Related Links:
Tags: Hurricanes, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Extreme Weather, Disaster Relief, Environmental Impact
Brazil and Australia Experience Severe Wildfires
Year: 2019
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
Wildfires spike in Brazil, while Australia endures the most widespread bush fires in its history.
Related Links:
Tags: Wildfires, Environmental Disaster, Climate Change, Ecosystems, Extreme Weather
Winter Storm Uri Causes Texas Power Crisis
Year: 2021
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
February 13 – 17: Winter Storm Uri becomes the costliest winter storm in North American history, costing $200 billion and 237 lives, and triggering the 2021 Texas power crisis.
Related Links:
Tags: Natural Disaster, Texas, Energy Crisis, Climate Change, Infrastructure
IPCC Releases First Part of Sixth Assessment Report on Climate Change
Year: 2021
Category: Science
August 9: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change releases the first part of its Sixth Assessment Report, which concludes that the effects of human-caused climate change are now "widespread, rapid, and intensifying".
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, Environmental Science, Global Warming, Environmentalism, Sustainability
Leaded Petrol Phased Out Globally
Year: 2021
Category: Science
August 30: The UN Environment Programme announces that leaded petrol in road vehicles has been phased out globally, a hundred years after its introduction.
Related Links:
Tags: Environment, Pollution, Public Health, United Nations, Automotive Industry, Fossil Fuels, Regulation
El Salvador Adopts Bitcoin as Legal Tender
Year: 2021
Category: Economy & Trade
September 7: El Salvador becomes the first country in the world to accept Bitcoin as an official currency.
Related Links:
Tags: Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Digital Currency, Economy, El Salvador, Globalization
Typhoon Rai Devastates Visayas and Mindanao, Philippines
Year: 2021
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
December 16 – 18: Typhoon Rai lashes into Visayas and Mindanao, killing 409 people.
Related Links:
Tags: Typhoon, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Extreme Weather, Disaster Relief
Glasgow Climate Pact Signed, Shell Mandated to Comply with Paris Agreement
Year: 2021
Category: Politics
197 nations sign the Glasgow Climate Pact, agreeing to limit the use of coal, and the Netherlands legally mandates Royal Dutch Shell to comply with the Paris Agreement.
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, Environmentalism, Fossil Fuels, United Nations, Global Cooperation
Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai Volcanic Eruption and Tsunami
Year: 2022
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
January 15: The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption and tsunami is the largest and most powerful volcanic eruption in decades, and the largest explosion ever recorded by modern instruments.
Related Links:
- January 15
- Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption and tsunami
Tags: Volcano, Eruption, Tsunami, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Extreme Weather, Disaster Relief
European Heat Waves Cause Tens of Thousands of Deaths
Year: 2022
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
June 12 – September 12: Heat waves in Europe kill tens of thousands.
Related Links:
Tags: Climate Change, Extreme Weather, Mortality, Environmental Disaster, Public Health, Global Warming
Severe Flooding in Pakistan Triggers Economic Crisis
Year: 2022
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
August 28: Floods in Pakistan trigger an economic crisis.
Related Links:
Tags: Flooding, Natural Disaster, Economic Crisis, Climate Change, Disaster Response
Hurricane Ian Devastates Cuba and the United States
Year: 2022
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
September 27 – 30: Hurricane Ian impacts Cuba and the US, causing catastrophic damage to both nations, killing at least 157 people, 16 missing, and leaving millions without power, including the entirety of Cuba.
Related Links:
Tags: Hurricane, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Extreme Weather, Infrastructure Damage, Florida, Emergency Response, Disaster Relief
National Ignition Facility Achieves Fusion Ignition
Year: 2022
Category: Science
National Ignition Facility achieves first fusion ignition.
Related Links:
- National Ignition Facility
- fusion ignition
Tags: Nuclear Physics, Energy, Scientific Breakthrough, Research and Development, Climate Change, Renewable Energy
Cyclone Freddy Kills 1,400 in Malawi and Mozambique
Year: 2023
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
February 21: Cyclone Freddy kills 1,400 in Malawi and Mozambique.
Related Links:
Tags: Cyclone, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Flooding, Casualties, Environmental Disaster, Extreme Weather
Storm Daniel Causes Over 4,000 Deaths in Libya
Year: 2023
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
September 10: Storm Daniel becomes the deadliest Mediterranean storm in history, with over 4000 deaths in Libya.
Related Links:
Tags: Natural Disaster, Flooding, Climate Change, Humanitarian Crisis, Extreme Weather
COP28 Concludes with Fossil Fuel Transition Pledge
Year: 2023
Category: Politics
December 12: COP28 ends with world leaders pledging transition away from fossil fuels.
Related Links:
- December 12
- COP28
Tags: Climate Change, Environmentalism, United Nations, Fossil Fuels, International Cooperation, Sustainable Development, Global Warming
Devastating Wildfires in Canada and Hawaii
Year: 2023
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
2023 Canadian and Hawaiian wildfires.
Related Links:
- 2023 Canadian
- Hawaiian wildfires
Tags: Climate Change, Environmental Disaster, Natural Disaster, Hawaii, Ecosystems, Disaster Relief
Devastating Floods in North India
Year: 2023
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
2023 North India floods.
Related Links:
- 2023 North India floods
Tags: Floods, Natural Disaster, Climate Change, Disaster Relief, Environment
Hottest Year on Record
Year: 2023
Category: Science
2023 is the hottest year on record.
Tags: Climate Change, Global Warming, Environment, Extreme Weather, Temperature, Meteorology, Earth Science
Chile Experiences Devastating Wildfires
Year: 2024
Category: Disasters and Atrocities
February 1 - February 5: Chile wildfires
Related Links:
Tags: Wildfires, Natural Disaster, Environmental Disaster, Climate Change, Emergency Response, Ecosystems

🔵 Blue events are more important

-1300 to 2025 Timeline: technology, economy, science, politics, society, disasters

Timeline Events

Hekla 3 Eruption Causes Climatic Cooling

Climate Shift Triggers Bronze Age Migrations in Europe

Coinage Introduced in Phoenicia and Lydia

Lydian Coinage Development: Single-Sided Coins

Piraeus Founded as Port for Athens

Construction Begins on the Grand Canal

Augustus Addresses Food Shortage in Rome

Roman Tax Reforms to Address Financial Strain

Tiberius Establishes a Credit Bank in Rome

Financial Crisis in Rome

Roman Coinage in Circulation: 249 Million Sestertii

Storm Destroys 200 Ships at Portus

Lucius Caecilius Iucundus' Banking Activities During Vesuvius' Eruption

Bread Shortage in Rome Due to Grain Supply Disruptions

Denarius Silver Content Increased by Domitian

Denarius Silver Content Increased Under Trajan

Sale of a Slave Girl Recorded in Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 581

Romans Begin Silkworm Cultivation

Possible Volcanic Eruption and Resulting Climate Anomaly

First Issuance of Chinese Paper Money

Rise of Wet-Field Rice Cultivation and Trade Networks

Al-Mahdi's Death and Al-Hadi's Accession; Tang Dynasty Maritime Expansion

Onset of the Medieval Warm Period

Chinese Discovery of Coal for Iron Production

First Paper Money in Sichuan, China

Shen Kuo's Scientific and Technological Advancements

Song Dynasty Develops Precursor to Bessemer Process

Quanzhou Establishes Maritime Trade Tax Office

Founding of the Venice Arsenal

Severe Drought Begins in American Southwest

First Documented Use of Windmills

⛓️ African Slavery Begins in Americas

Portuguese Founding of Recife

Habsburg Spain Declares Bankruptcy

William Lee's Invention of the Stocking Frame

Tulip Mania's Market Crash

Thomas Savery Invents Steam-Powered Water Pump

Thomas Savery Demonstrates Steam Engine to Royal Society

Newcomen's Steam Engine Development

Thomas Newcomen Builds the First Commercial Steam Engine

John Kay Invents the Flying Shuttle

Lewis Paul and John Wyatt Invent Mechanized Cotton Spinning Machine

First Water-Powered Cotton Mill Opens

John Roebuck Develops the Lead Chamber Process for Sulfuric Acid Production

Height of the Little Ice Age's Impact

Vaucanson's Perfection of the Precision Lathe

James Hargreaves Invents the Spinning Jenny

Watt's Steam Engine Enhancement and Steel Technology Advancement

James Watt Develops Improved Steam Engine

French Capture Clove Plants, Challenging Dutch Spice Monopoly

Cugnot's Invention of the First Steam-Powered Automobile

Richard Salter Designs the First Weighing Scale

Arkwright's Water-Powered Mill at Cromford Established

John Wilkinson's Boring Machine Invention

Jesse Ramsden Invents the Modern Screw-Cutting Lathe

Adam Smith Publishes The Wealth of Nations

James Watt Installs Improved Steam Engines

John Wilkinson Invents Mechanical Air Compressor

Samuel Miller Invents the Circular Saw

Robert Barron Invents the Lever Tumbler Lock

Icelandic Famine Following Laki Volcano Eruption

Argand Lamp Invention

Edmund Cartwright Invents the Power Loom

Oliver Evans Invents the Automatic Flour Mill

Andrew Meikle Invents the Threshing Machine

Thomas Saint Patents the Sewing Machine

Eli Whitney's Cotton Gin Invention

Joseph Bramah Invents the Hydraulic Press

Samuel Bentham Invents Plywood

Lithographic Printing Process Invented

George Medhurst Invents the First Motorized Air Compressor

Louis-Nicolas Robert Invents the First Paper Machine

Alessandro Volta Invents the First Electric Battery

Humphry Davy Develops the Arc Lamp

William Symington's Charlotte Dundas: First Practical Steamboat Demonstration

World Population Reaches One Billion

First Operational Steam Locomotive

Jacquard Loom Automates Weaving Process