Energy Overview

Energy crisis's have been an issue since the 1800's. The industrial revolution saw one of the first energy crisis's when wood became scarce. Wood was quickly replaced with other resources, such as coal. During the 1900's, the world experienced it's first oil shock in 1973. Although these past crisis's were resolved, they seem to be reappearing today. Alternative resources, such as wind power, are being developed to possibly replace the world's finite resources (natural gas, oil and coal). Many wonder if these alternative resources will be able to successfully and effectively replace natural gas, oil and coal - resources that have been around for years and are used in nearly every industry worldwide.

"Alternative Energy": an introduction

Despite the current hype about “alternative energy” being modern and very new, these sources are not as contemporary as most people think and have quite a long history. Until up to the Industrial Revolution, wind mills were a vital source of power which made life easier by grinding spices and gain (although, it would be some time later before they’re used to produce actual energy). In 1868, the Cragside House in Britain was the first home run entirely by hydroelectricity, a very important milestone in alternative electricity.

After the Industrial Revolution, they were still used in less modern areas of the globe but were fairly nonexistent in industrialized areas having been replaced by coal and steam power. Other energies were introduced, but the only real source to make a real difference was oil. It was not until the current energy crisis challenging our world did alternative energy make a come back and is attempting to be reintroduced as a replacement to non-renewable energy.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windmill

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_revolution

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cragsidehousegardenandestate/w-cragsidehousegardenandestate-refurbishment.htm

Welcome

This is a first test to the World History Energy Blog.