How They Made Things Work: In the Age of Industry

How They Made Things Work: Age of Industry, by Richard Platt, explores technology in Victorian times, suitable for Key Stages 2-3, and shows how people advanced societies by pushing boundaries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2018
Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

Written by award-winning author Richard Platt, How They Made Things Work: Age of Industry examines aspects of technology in Victorian times, including ship-building, weapons, motion pictures, photography, railways, and telegraphy. Suitable for Key Stages 2-3, How They Made Things Work looks at how people in history advanced their societies by pushing the boundaries of technology.

In the late 19th century, the Victorian era was a time of immense technological progress and innovation. The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain, transformed the way people lived and worked, and led to the development of new technologies that would shape the world for generations to come.

One of the most significant technologies of the Victorian era was the steam engine. This powerful machine was used to power trains, ships, and factories, and revolutionized transportation and manufacturing. The steam engine also led to the development of the steam-powered locomotive, which was used to transport goods and people over long distances at high speeds.

Another important technology of the Victorian era was the telegraph. This communication system allowed people to send messages over long distances in a matter of seconds, and revolutionized communication and commerce. The telegraph also led to the development of the telephone, which allowed people to communicate over voice in real-time.

In addition to these technological advancements, the Victorian era saw the development of new industries and technologies, such as ship-building, weapons, and photography. Ship-building, in particular, saw significant progress, with the development of the steamship and the ironclad warship. These ships were faster, stronger, and more efficient than their wooden predecessors, and allowed for the expansion of trade and exploration.

Weapons technology also saw significant progress during the Victorian era. The development of the machine gun, the cannon, and the rifle revolutionized warfare, and led to the development of new military strategies and tactics. Photography, meanwhile, saw the development of the daguerreotype, the first commercially successful photographic process, which allowed for the capture of images in a matter of seconds.

The Victorian era was also a time of great social and cultural change. The rise of the middle class, for example, led to the development of new consumer goods and services, such as the department store and the cinema. The Victorian era was also a time of great scientific discovery, with the development of new theories and technologies, such as the theory of evolution and the discovery of electricity.

In conclusion, the Victorian era was a time of immense technological progress and innovation. The development of the steam engine, the telegraph, and other technologies led to the transformation of transportation, manufacturing, communication, and commerce. The Victorian era was also a time of great social and cultural change, with the rise the rise of the middle class and the development of new consumer goods and services. The Victorian era was a time of great scientific discovery, with the development of new theories and technologies, such as the theory of evolution and the discovery of electricity.

Weight: 146g
Dimension: 253 x 210 x 3 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445164311