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they were still used in less modern areas of the globe but were fairly nonexistent in industrialized areas having been replaced by coal and steam power.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
2 comments:
Good Start! I can't wait to read more!
You make an interesting point: I guess people did kind of forget alternative sources of energy until oil and fossil fuel started running low and becoming expensive. I'd like to hear more about alternative energy and as a side note, I think windmills are cool. Great start and I'm excited for your presentation.
Post a Comment