Kendall Parrish

Period 2

Industrial Revolution DBQ

Society has been greatly influenced from the changes in technology throughout
history. Some inventions have had a major impact on a specific society and the world.
The printing press and steam-powered machinery were two inventions that
technologically impacted and influenced society.

The Gutenberg press, was the first printing invention and it has had some
influences throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Before the Gutenberg press was
invented, books were written on scrolls (document 1a). In copying rooms called
scriptoriums, monks would write with pen and ink. Having to write in order to copy a
book took months sometimes even years (document 1b). When Gutenberg created the
printing press it increased the spread of new ideas. Gutenberg's invention made copying
books easier and quicker. The more books being printed the more people reading and
learning. Now that people had more education and knowledge, they were developing new
ideas and they were being spread throughout Europe and the world. The telephone
invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, also spread Ideas easier and faster. Being
able to talk and listen at far distances was much more efficient than even the large
amount of printing. Both helping the industrial revolution by spreading ideas and
education quicker (outside information). Gutenberg's printing press sparked industrial
and political revolutions such as the Protestant movement (document 3). After Gutenberg
the printing press advanced, woodblocks were used, movable type was developed, and
eventually computerized typing and printing formed with lots of features (document 2).
Throughout history, the printing press has developed to become easier to use and more

Kendall Parrish

Period 2

efficient which led to the spread of ideas and more education, even in our current time.

Steam-powered machines had a large effect on the Industrial Revolution. The

steam engine was a machine placed in cotton mills. Power loom weaving is an example
of a steam-powered machine that was also placed in factories (document 5b). These
machines promoted the growth of factory systems because they were so efficient. In
Great Britain, there was an increase in industrial production from steam-powered
machines. Dramatic increases in the consumption of cotton, output of coal, and miles of
railroads throughout the 1800s, during a time when these machines started to become
popular proves the major impact steam-powered machines have had (document 6).
Throughout time these steam-powered machines have evolved, even during the
Industrial Revolution they were being technologically advanced. James Watt improved
the steam engine so it would use water rather than coal. It was used to pump water from
mines and forge iron at first, but then new water powered machines were placed in cotton
mills by the late 1780s (document 5a). The telegraph is another invention that evolved in
the industrial revolution and even has impacted everyone's lives today. The telegraph was
invented in the 1830s and 1840s by Samuel Morse and was a way of communicating
through Morse code, or dots and dashes. Eventually that evolved when Alexander graham
bell created the telephone that people directly talked and listened into, rather than send
messages in codes. Now we always have our cellular devices on us calling, texting,
searching the web, and much more because our smart phones are apart of our everyday
life (outside information). Steam-powered machines evolving and becoming more
efficient during the Industrial Revolution majorly influenced society, contributing greatly

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Period 2

to factory production and history.

Overall the Gutenberg press and steam-powered machines have had a huge impact
on society. The printing press spread new ideas all over Europe, along with the rest of the
world. The steam-powered machines helped the Industrial Revolution spark, especially in
societies and places such as Great Britain. Soon these machines were used all over the
world. These inventions have lasted throughout history and improved over the years,
becoming more efficient and more advanced. They are still being currently updated,
reflecting our modern technology in a positive way.