The Steam Engine
The Steam Engine
By
What are they?
Steam engines are the first kind of engines to see a widespread
use. They were used in the early locomotives, steam boats and
factories. In fact they are still used to help run nuclear
powerplants.
When and by who were they
invented and improved?
The very first steam engine was built by Thomas Savery in 1698.
However, it didn't turn any wheels, instead it pumped water out of
coal mines.
In 1712 Thomas Newcomen introduced an improved version of
Savery's engine.
James Watt improved it even further and later came up with an
idea on how to use a steam engine to power something with
wheels.
Alright, but why are they
important?
Steam engines are veryveryvery important because it was the
dominant source of power well into the 20th century.
They actually were the moving force behind the Industrial
Revolution. So no steam engines = no Industrial Revolution =
Middle Ages that last approxima...
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