jan 1, 1769 - The Steam Engine

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This year saw the creation of the first practical steam engine, the Watt steam engine, built by James Watt. While other steam apparatuses were used before this, this was the model that became favored by many who used machines to make labor easier. He based his engine off of Thomas Newcomen's original steam pump, making adjustments and improvements to it so that it could be used for far more than just removing groundwater from mine shafts. This steam engine, as it was continually improved upon, became instrumental in the construction of many machines during this time period, including one discussed later in this timeline.

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