The Twentieth Century

Transport

The internal combustion engine which powers cars was invented as early as 1860, but it was not until Nikolaus Otto, a German engineer, developed the four stroke engine that a car became a possibility. Carl Benz made the first working car in 1885.

After the First World War the horse as a mode of transport belonged to the past. Stables and blacksmiths gave way to garages and petrol stations.

Which is the more environmentally friendly way to travel - by car or by horse?

Click the picture for an answer.

The idea of flying had been around since ancient times. From Georgian times onwards balloons had proved the most successful way to get into the air, until the first mechanised flight in 1903.

The two world wars spurred on the development of aircraft. By October 1947 an aeroplane was able to fly faster than the speed of sound!

The 1950's '60's and 70's saw a massive increase in civil aircraft - the world was opened up to vast numbers of people for business or pleasure. A joint project between England and France led to the first supersonic passenger service began in 1976.

What is this type of aircraft called?