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Table of Contents
Points of Divergence : Steam Engine
The steam engine helped launch, or (depending on who you ask) was a result of, the Industrial Revolution. Its earlier invention is seen by some as the key to a much faster technical development. However, be warned that this kind of POD often tends to overlook the economic conditions and metallurgy advances that would be needed to make it useful however.
Here are some points of divergence concerning the invention and development of the steam engine. All POD entries are sorted as chronologically as possible.
Antiquity PODs
The most common PODs center around Hero(n) of Alexandra.
Plausibility check: Can you make a bronze steam engine ?
Aeolipile: A Roman steam engine ?
Heron invents the steam engine
Plausibility check: Heron's steam engine triggers Greek industrial revolution ?
Know of any PODs or POD discussions ? Feel free to add them.
Medieval and early modern PODs
Know of any PODs or POD discussions ? Feel free to add them.
Vehicle PODs (18th-20th century)
WI: Steam cars in the 18th century
Let's discuss the effects of steam driven tanks if they're invented in the late 1800s
Tanks with American Civil War era technology (1)
Tanks with American Civil War era technology (2)
Know of any PODs or POD discussions ? Feel free to add them.
Related PODs
WI: Internal combustion engine never invented, but electric and steam engines still exist
Challenge: Renewables-fueled Industrial Revolution
Know of any PODs or POD discussions ? Feel free to add them.
See Also
Points of Divergence : Engines
Points of Divergence : Transport and Vehicles
Points of Divergence : Industrial Revolution
Points of Divergence : Electricity