Question 237 of 350 · Federal state and industrialisation
Which invention fundamentally changed Swiss industry in the 18th century?
Welche Erfindung hat die Schweizer Industrie im 18. Jahrhundert grundlegend verändert?
Correct answer: B
Why
The steam engine could drive machines in factories. James Watt improved it in England in the 18th century. It made industrialisation possible, also in Switzerland.
Common mistakes
- A: the petrol engine (Otto engine)
- Nikolaus Otto only built the Otto engine in 1876, so in the 19th century. At first it ran on gas, only later on petrol.
- C: the electric motor
- Electric motors only became important in factories in the late 19th century.
Topic
From agrarian state to industrial state
Around 1800, most people in Switzerland lived from agriculture. In the 19th century, Switzerland changed from an agrarian state into an industrial state. Industrialisation means: goods are made with machines in factories instead of by hand. The basis was an invention from England: the steam engine. In the 18th century, James Watt improved it so that it could drive machines in factories. This started industrialisation in Europe in the 19th century.
History of Switzerland · Federal state and industrialisation
Sources
Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.