The First Stage of Industrialization: Coking and Canals (1712–1820)

Abstract

This chapter introduces the age of steam power and fossil fuels, when coal emerged from the ground (so to speak) and displaced charcoal to become the predominant source of energy, and power, for the industrial world. It began with coking, a way of removing unwanted contaminants, like sulfur, from dirty coal. This yielded a source of carbon clean enough to be used for making cast iron, which was increasingly demanded for cannons. The coking technology generated by-products (coke oven gas, tar) that later led to Canals were still by far the cheapest means of transportation, and many more canals were needed to transport coal from the new mines. Several other new materials also emerged (but not from the ground), notably the alkali industry, safety matches, and rubber.