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Water

Definition

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.

Analogy

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.

Related terms

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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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.