Invention of Steam Power Engines

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Invention of Steam Power Engines Robert LaRusso October 12, 2012 DeVry University Professor Trishia Laukaitis A steam engine is defined as an engine that uses the expansion or rapid condensation of steam to generate power. For modern purposes, an advantage is the engines ability to convert raw heat into mechanical work. They are able to burn fuel efficiently and cleanly with basically no pollution. This is because the oxygen for combustion is unmetered. Steam engines were the foundation of the industrial revolution because they were able to power all early locomotives. The invention of the steam engine in 1698 improved the lives of many Americans. With the Industrial Revolution just around the corner, the steam engine was going to help with the everyday tasks of Americans. The steam engine allowed many American business owners to build their companies far away from water, it sped up the time it took to complete daily tasks, and it improved the transportation of materials and people. The first steam engine was patented in 1698 by Thomas Savery. It was invented in England, but it didn't have an impact in the United States until the 1800’s (Ellingson, E). When it was brought to the United States, it was mainly used in shipping. The United States have put the first steamship on the water in 1807 (Whipps, H). Later the steam engine was used in companies to lower the costs of production. Company owners used steam engines to speed up the tasks that took a long time to do. The steam engine allowed the business owners to reduce the amount of people working in the factories which reduced the amount of money leaving the company for wages (Ellingson, E). The steam engine allowed companies to be built almost anywhere because it replaced the water wheel. It also improved transportation. When the engine was put into a train, the railroads were built and
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