What Advances Did British Imperial Use By Thomas Newcomen

The technological advances achieved by the British Empire, particularly compared to contemporary societies, were undoubtedly decisive in imperial expansion. Scientific inventions and their subsequent inclusion into the British cogs of military power and political administration were evident throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries, allowing for more efficient methods of exploration, travel, conquest, and even communication. The innovative spark that sustained the empire was staggering. It was also not solely due to England being home to the oldest and most comprehensive university system in the world at the time. Francis Ronalds, the father of the electrical telegraph, and Thomas Savery, a key forerunner in the development of steam engines, were

The ability of British forces and resources to travel quickly was key in imperial expansion. Ships and trains, both powered by the steam engine, provided this, as they could carry very heavy loads over long distances much faster and more reliably than their wind-reliant predecessors. These somewhat artificially powered vehicles made it much easier for Britain to conquer and industrialize larger areas of colonial interest such as India and Africa. While ships and trains may be given credit for their role in transportation throughout the British empire, the steam engine is what made them so efficient. The invention of the modern steam engine in 1812 by Thomas Newcomen was critical to the success and extent of colonial expedition, as it revolutionized physical energy production through the use of steam pressure. This new energy could then be used to power trains, ships, and even factories. Although it would later be improved to become more efficient, the steam engine was instrumental in the rapid expansion of the British Empire across the

This innovation, highlighted by Daniel Headrick as a key tool of imperialism, allowed for the abandonment of primitive guns, which behaved and worked similar to a small cannon (Headrick pgs. 231-63). See the This made guns a much more viable option in combat, as there was no longer a need for the antiquated and lengthy loading process of a musket or flintlock pistol. The introduction of rifled barrels also increased the efficiency and accuracy of firearms. By carving spiralling grooves throughout the barrel of a gun, the projectile could be spun, increasing its speed and giving it a straighter path. This technique has been adopted in nearly every modern firearm today, as it dramatically improves the accuracy and velocity of projectiles. The most obvious example of British technological superiority was in its navy. Innovations in maritime navigation were instrumental in facilitating long-distance voyages, which allowed access to faraway lands and opportunities. The development of the compass by the Chinese, which was later refined by the British, reduced the need for coastal navigation, and increased the accuracy of many