Mon Prof Augmenté
Factories, Steam, and Railways
Age 13 · History
In the 19th century, machines in large factories began to run on steam power made from coal. Railways carried goods and people faster, and many workers moved to cities, so towns grew quickly.
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Age 13: open this week
Browse Age 13
In the picture
- Coal pile: fuel burned to heat the boiler and make steam
- Steam engine flywheel: converts steam pressure into turning power for machinery
- Spinning machines: mechanized textile tools that turn cotton into thread
- Steam locomotive: railway engine that pulls wagons and moves goods
- Brick terrace houses: crowded workers' homes built near the factories
Examples
- A kettle over a fire makes steam that can push a lid.
- A train carrying coal or cloth from one town to another.
Key takeaways
- Steam power let factories run machines without relying on wind, water, or muscle.
- Railways and factory jobs drew people to cities, causing rapid urban growth.
Quiz: Factories, Steam, and Railways (Age 13)
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What did steam power allow factories to do?
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Why did towns grow quickly during the Industrial Revolution?
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What was the coal pile used for?
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