In the context of AP European History, water refers to its role in powering machinery during the Industrial Revolution, particularly in textile production. It was a primary source of energy before steam power.
Think of water as the battery that powered your smartphone before you upgraded to a phone with wireless charging (steam power). Just like how your old phone couldn't function without its battery, many early industrial machines couldn't operate without water.
Hydropower: The use of flowing or falling water to generate mechanical energy or electricity. This was an essential part of early industrialization.
Waterwheel: A device that uses the flow of water to turn a wheel and provide power for machinery. It's like an old-fashioned version of a hydroelectric dam.
Canals: Man-made waterways used for transportation and irrigation. They were crucial for moving goods during the Industrial Revolution, similar to highways today.
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