18th Century To Modern Day Transportation

By: Damari Ferguson

Research paper on the changes that have been made to transportation from the 18th century to the
present day.

Introduction
The 18th century saw significant advancements in transportation, thanks to the Industrial Revolution.
One of the most notable changes was the development of steam power, which revolutionized both land
and sea travel. In the 1700s, transportation was characterized by primitive modes such as walking and
horse riding, limiting mobility and connectivity, however transportation over the years has undergone a
remarkable evolution from thoes primitive modes to the highly advanced systems of the present day.

Evolution of Transport Technology since the 18th Century

The 3 main types of transportation

1. Land transportation in the 18th century was dominated by horse-drawn vehicles, such as carriages,
wagons, and stagecoaches. These vehicles were slow and uncomfortable, and they could only travel
relatively short distances. However, the advent of steam locomotives in the early 1800s made it possible
to travel long distances at much faster speeds. By the mid-19th century, railroads had become the
primary mode of land transportation in many parts of the world.

Key land transportation developments in the 1800s

> The first car was made in 1862. They became popular rapidly in the western
countries. This was followed by the invention of the motorcycle in 1867.

> The first steam locomotive train was invented in 1801.

 Note: the modern day bicycle was invented in 1790.

2. Water transportation also underwent major changes in the 18th century. The development of steam-
powered ships made it possible to travel across oceans much faster and more reliably than before. This
led to a dramatic increase in global trade and commerce.

Note: the steam boat was invented in in 1787.

3. Air / Space transportation, with internal combustion engine (piston engine) allowed heavier planes
and the emergence of the first commercial services in the 1920s. Innovations in air propulsion led to jet
planes that could quickly transport a large number of passengers over long distances. Then, wide-body
jets (such as the B747) further improved the scale at which air transportation could carry passengers and
freight and with organisations like NASA and SpaceX there is transportation via spacecraft..

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, new modes of transportation began to emerge, including
automobiles and airplanes. Automobiles were initially a luxury item for the wealthy, but they quickly
became more affordable and accessible to the general public. Airplanes were even more expensive and
exclusive at first, but they also became more common as technology improved and prices dropped.

Key Air / Space transportation developments in the 1900s

> The Wright brother invented and flew the 1st irplane in 1903. This was
followed by the invention of the helicopter in 1940, although it was slower
than airplanes it had the advantage of better control.

> The first manned space mission to the moon (Apollo 11), landed on the moon
on july 20, 1969.

Note: the hot air balloon was invented in 1783.

The different types of transportation over the years to choose from, includes:
1. Land transportation: horses, automobiles, buses, trains, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles

2. Water transportation: boats, ships, ferries, submarines

3. Air / Space transportation: airplanes, helicopters, Jets, hot air balloons, drones, rockets, spacecraft

Apendix 1

Timeline of Transportation