Coal
...ly, coal proved to be a more efficient source of fuel than wood. Despite the smoke and soot that coal emits, it provided a greater temperature intensity, which resulted in the immense productions of iron. As mining of coal and iron production skyrocketed it initiated a wave of new inventions. For instance, Thomas Newcomen new innovation, the steam engine, revolutionized the industrial world. The steam engine pumped water out of coal mines, which otherwise posed a serious threat of flooding. As a result, the mining of coal almost tripled. Newcastle and Manchester became the central mining centers in England. Newcomen’s steam engine was later improved by James Watt, which possessed a much greater capacity and as a result was introduced on a broader industrial level. With the steam engine in full effect, England became the leading superpower in iron manufacturing. With such abundances of iron, England was able to expand its railroad system, navy, factories as well as other projects. The coal powered the machinery, which in turn build the industries of the modern world. Coal not only transformed the industrial world, but assisted in the winning of wars and shaping new nations as well. Since coal and iron were the focal factors in the industrialization of nations, it also contributed to the development of the navy, military as well as army arsenal. With new and innovative military arsenal, the United States, for instance, was able to achieve its independence from England. In addition, due to the superior industrialization of the Northern states, the Yankees, through the victory in the Civil War, were able to maintain the union between the Northern and Southern states. Furthermore, other European nations such as Germany, Italy, or Belgium, through heavy industrialization were able dream about their futures as sovereign powers. As nations advanced in their industrialization stages so did progresses in medicine, technology, science, economy as well as other fields. Even though the positive progresses that transpired as a result of coal and industrialization by far overshadow its negative effects, nevertheless, the negative consequences cannot be deemed into oblivion. Fortunately, the society was able to recognize the problems associated with coal as well as industrialization, and thus continue to further improve upon them. The conditions in the mines were horrendous. Adults as well as children toiled in coal mines for long hours under inhuman conditions, and the monetary results of their toil were diminutive. The mines were often traps waiting to collapse due to their unsafe construction and maintenance. As a result, coal miners, as well as workers of other industries, began to organize into unions. The United Mine Workers was one such union, led by John Mitchell, which fought vigorously for improved conditions in the coal mines. Coal also posed significant environmental concerns. As a result of the legacy of burning coal, the levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide have rose to dangerous levels in the atmosphere. The emissions of these substances cause global warming a...