CNN Millennium — Season 1, Episode 9: The Nineteenth Century: Century of the Machine

Episode synopsis

The steam engine transformed travel and transport as railways and steamships encircled the earth. Thomas Cook invented mass tourism. Darwin's Theory of Evolution and book The Origin of Species challenged religious certainties. Transatlantic steamers and railroads enabled unprecedented immigration and expansion westwards into and across America. China was unable to withstand the technology and weapons of the West and was humiliated by the Opium Wars. Industrialization in Europe, USA and Japan had huge social consequences. The pace of work changed, damp and filth led to disease and workers struggled for political representation.

About CNN Millennium

A documentary series covering the last 1,000 years. Each of the 10 episodes focuses on a single century, brought to life by five vignettes from five different locations worldwide. Inspired by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's book, "Millennium," and filmed in 28 countries, the series is as geographically far-ranging as the world it covers.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Eleventh Century: Century of the Sword
• E2The Twelfth Century: Century of the Axe
• E3The Thirteenth Century: Century of the Stirrup
• E4The Fourteenth Century: Century of the Scythe
• E5The Fifteenth Century: Century of the Sail
• E6The Sixteenth Century: Century of the Compass
• E7The Seventeenth Century: Century of the Telescope
• E8The Eighteenth Century: Century of the Furnace
• E10The Twentieth Century: Century of the Globe