Inventions of the Industrial Revolution
Sewing Machine

The sewing machine was invented by Elias Howe in 1846. This machine could sew a piece of clothing faster than five seamstresses combined. Sewing machines became one of the most popular inventions in the North, after 1820. The cost of clothing dropped because of this invention and many tailors had to find new jobs or a new way of living.

Steel Plow

The steel plow was invented by John Deere in the 1800’s. The steel plow was lightweight and made of steel instead of heavy iron or wood. This lightweight plow helped farmers because horses could prepare fields for planting much faster. This machine allowed less farmers to work in the fields, while producing more grain.

Mechanical Reaper

The mechanical reaper was invented by Cyrus McCormick in 1847, who opened a factory in Chicago to manufacture these machines. This machine was horse-drawn and it mowed wheat and other grains. It also helped farmers produce more grain with fewer workers.

Telegraph

The telegraph was invented by Samuel F.B. Morse in 1844. The device sent electrical signals along a wire, which is why it was called the talking wire. The signals were based on a code of dots, dashes, and spaces and this code was later named the Morse Code. This way of communicating helped the Supreme Court send messages from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore. It also helped newspapers reporters by wiring their stories in. Furthermore, Businesses most importantly were helped by