Always Has Been: Chapter 1: Impact of John Smeaton's Steam Engine on 18th Century Labor Systems

In 1744, John Smeaton, an English engineer, introduced a more efficient atmospheric steam engine that revolutionized productivity but also triggered significant societal unrest. This innovative technology accelerated industrial sectors like textiles and mining, replacing manual labor and threatening skilled workers' jobs. The widespread adoption of Smeaton's engine disrupted traditional labor practices, sparking resistance and highlighting the tension between technological advancement and workforce stability during the Industrial Revolution.