Mining in Europe (02:15)

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Imagine if France was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Key moments in the European coal industry include Denis Papin developing the steam engine, the quest for coal, and a mine explosion in 1906.

Steam Engine (02:59)

Papin does not develop his prototype; Thomas Savery creates a system of draining water. Thomas Newcomen combines the two inventions to immediate success. Great Britain flourishes during the Industrial Revolution.

Memory of Humanity (03:47)

Worried that the machine will replace their jobs, workers destroy flying shuttles. Innovation causes jobs to be created and destroyed. James Watt adds a condenser to Newcomen's invention, increasing the output; western countries enter the Steam Age.

Demand for Coal (04:58)

The Industrial Revolution in Great Britain is enhanced by the stable political situation, agricultural surplus, and economic prosperity; France is not as fortunate. Miners extract the fossil fuel from the earth's crust, which provides energy for heating, transportation, and commercial boilers. Daily accidents occur.

Class Struggle Emerges (04:26)

Society experiences radical changes during the 19th century such as capitalism and socialism; the proletariat hopes for improved working conditions. Miners experience unsanitary housing, alcoholism, violence, abuse, illiteracy, and hunger. Unions strike in France.

Waldeck-Rousseau Law (02:45)

Miner associations ask the workers to be calm and moderate; conditions improve. More than 1000 people die in the Courrieres mine disaster. Progress should be on behalf of all mankind; there are always costs.

Technological Advances (03:59)

The last mineshaft closes in France during 2004. New environmental pollutants include nuclear waste and oil spills. The Internet revolutionizes global communication.

Credits: The Industrial Revolution and the Battle for Coal (00:47)

Credits: The Industrial Revolution and the Battle for Coal