There are a number of key dates that a history student recognizes immediately without any other context: 1066, the Battle of Hastings; 1215, signing of the Magna Charta; 1492, Columbus discovers the New World; 1776, the Declaration of Independence; 1908, Cubs win World Series. Other years may have been just as significant, but are not as recognizable. I am thinking specifically of 1769, the year James Watt patented his steam engine design. It was initially used to pump water from coal mines. Its use meant an increase in the number of workable mines and an increase in the availability of coal and, thus, energy.
展开▼
