Explore a timeline of remarkable technological innovations and historical events, from the steam engine to modern-day wonders. This timeline is actively maintained by ChatGPT. Discover how people have rapidly achieved ambitious goals together with more impressive examples of collaboration on Fast.

• The Pleistocene Epoch (most recent Ice Age)2.6 million years ago
  An epoch characterized by repeated glaciations.
• Fall of the Roman Empire500
  The decline and fall of the Western Roman Empire.
• First-ever common stock established1602
  The Dutch East India Company introduced the first-ever common stock on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
• Invention of the Steam Engine1712
  Thomas Newcomen invented the first practical steam engine.
• Formation of Benjamin Franklin's Junto Club1727
  In 1727, Benjamin Franklin founded the Junto Club, also known as the Leather Apron Club or the Mutual Improvement Club, in Philadelphia. The Junto was a group of like-minded individuals who gathered weekly to discuss and debate various topics ranging from philosophy and politics to business and community service. Comprised of tradesmen, artisans, and intellectuals, the Junto aimed to promote mutual improvement, civic responsibility, and social betterment. It served as a forum for exchanging ideas, networking, and initiating community projects. The Junto Club played a pivotal role in Franklin's personal and professional development, fostering his lifelong commitment to self-improvement, public service, and civic engagement.
• Invention of the Spinning Jenny1764
  James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenny, a multi-spindle spinning frame.
• Invention of the Battery1800
  Alessandro Volta invented the voltaic pile, the first battery.
• Invention of the Railway Locomotive1804
  Richard Trevithick built the first full-scale working railway steam locomotive.
• Creation of the First Mechanical ComputerAI1822
  Charles Babbage, an English mathematician, conceptualised and designed the first mechanical computer, named the Difference Engine. This invention laid the groundwork for future developments in computing and information technology.
• Invention of the TelegraphAI1837
  Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail developed the telegraph, a device capable of transmitting information over long distances using a series of dots and dashes. This revolutionised global communication, making it possible to send messages across continents and oceans almost instantaneously.
• Invention of Morse Code1838
  Samuel Morse invented Morse Code.
• Invention of the TypewriterAI1843
  Charles Thurber developed the first practical typewriter, designed to aid the blind in writing. While not commercially successful, Thurber's machine laid the groundwork for future typewriter and keyboard designs.
• First Major Use of AnesthesiaAI1843
  Dr. Crawford Long noticed that his friends felt no pain when they injured themselves while staggering around under the influence of ether. He immediately thought about its surgical possibilities and, on March 30, 1842, removed a tumor from the neck of a man who was under the influence of ether. This marked the first major use of anesthesia in surgery.
• Discovery of NeptuneAI1846
  Urbain Le Verrier and John Couch Adams independently predicted the existence of Neptune using mathematical calculations. The planet was then observed for the first time by Johann Gottfried Galle at the Berlin Observatory.
• White settlers came to Seattle area1851
  European-American settlers established the first permanent European-American settlement in the area that would become Seattle.
• Creation of Synthetic DyeAI1856
  Sir William Henry Perkin accidentally discovered the first synthetic dye, known as 'mauveine' or 'Perkin’s mauve', while attempting to synthesize quinine for the treatment of malaria. This marked the beginning of the synthetic dye industry, dramatically transforming the world of fashion.
• Discovery of NeanderthalAI1856
  The first fossil of an early ancestor to humans, a Neanderthal, was discovered in the Neander Valley near Düsseldorf, Germany by limestone quarry workers. This significant discovery provided the first evidence of the existence of hominid species living before us, leading to important advancements in our understanding of human evolution.
• First Transatlantic Telegraph CableAI1858
  Cyrus West Field and the Atlantic Telegraph Company completed the first transatlantic telegraph cable, enabling telecommunication between North America and Europe. This technological innovation significantly improved international communication, laying the groundwork for today's global interconnectedness.
• Invention of Dynamite1867
  Alfred Nobel invents dynamite, a high-explosive material used in construction, mining, and warfare, revolutionizing industries worldwide.
• Goldman Sachs was founded1869
  Marcus Goldman and Samuel Sachs founded Goldman Sachs.
• Invention of the StethoscopeAI1876
  Dr. David Edward Hughes invented the carbon microphone, which was an important early step in the development of telephone technology. The carbon microphone was the first practical microphone that could transmit clear and loud sound.
• Invention of the MimeographAI1876
  Thomas Edison invented the mimeograph, a low-cost duplicating machine that works by forcing ink through a stencil onto paper. It revolutionized the way documents were copied, greatly enhancing productivity in offices and schools worldwide.
• Invention of the Telephone1876
  Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone.
• Invention of the Phonograph1877
  Thomas Edison invented the phonograph.
• Invention of PhotophoneAI1880
  Invented by Alexander Graham Bell and his assistant Charles Sumner Tainter, the Photophone was a device that allowed for the transmission of sound on a beam of light. Although the practical applications of the Photophone were limited due to the lack of adequate technology at the time, it laid the foundation for future developments in fiber-optics communications.
• Invention of the Trolley PoleAI1882
  Frank J. Sprague developed the trolley pole, a device used to transfer electricity from overhead lines to streetcars, effectively powering them. This invention facilitated the expansion of urban public transportation systems across the world, contributing greatly to the development of cities in the 20th century.
• Invention of the Linotype MachineAI1884
  Ottmar Mergenthaler, a German inventor, developed the Linotype machine, a typesetting device that revolutionized the publishing industry. The machine cast an entire line of type at a time, dramatically increasing the speed of printing and making books and newspapers more accessible.
• Invention of Fountain PenAI1884
  Lewis Edson Waterman, an American inventor, patented the first practical fountain pen in 1884. This invention provided a reliable and portable writing instrument, significantly enhancing the efficiency of written communication. Despite the rise of digital technologies, the fountain pen remains a symbol of elegance and refinement in the world of writing instruments.
• First Modern Cash RegisterAI1884
  The first modern mechanical cash register was invented by James Ritty following the observation of a tool that counted the revolutions of the propeller on a steamship. This significant innovation was designed to prevent cashiers from skimming money and revolutionized the retail industry by providing an effective tool for financial control in business.
• First Practical Photographic FilmAI1885
  George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak, developed the first practical photographic film. This invention revolutionized photography by making it accessible to the general public, thereby significantly influencing the evolution of visual communication.
• Invention of the GramophoneAI1887
  Emile Berliner, a German-American inventor, patented the Gramophone. This device played sound from flat discs rather than cylinders, improving sound quality and enabling mass production of recordings. It revolutionized the music industry and paved the way for modern phonographic technology.
• Seattle’s Great Fire1889
  A fire destroyed the central business district of Seattle.
• Madison Square Garden1890
  The first Madison Square Garden opened.
• Invention of the Electric StoveAI1891
  In 1891, Carpenter Electric Heating Manufacturing Co invented the electric stove. This innovation made cooking safer and more efficient, as it eliminated the need for open flames and allowed for precise control over heating.
• Invention of the Strowger SwitchAI1891
  Almon Strowger, an undertaker, invented the Strowger switch, a device that enabled telephone exchanges to be automated. This invention marked the beginning of automatic telephony, reducing the need for operators and increasing the privacy and efficiency of telephone communication.
• The Panic of 18931893
  A serious economic depression in the United States.
• Discovery of X-raysAI1895
  Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays while experimenting with cathode rays. This marked a milestone in the medical field as it allowed the internal structures of the human body to be examined non-invasively.
• Invention of the Diesel EngineAI1895
  Rudolf Diesel, a German engineer, invented the diesel engine; a high-efficiency internal combustion engine. The invention provided a more energy-efficient alternative to gasoline engines and revolutionized the transportation and industrial sectors.
• Invention of Magnetic RecordingAI1899
  Danish engineer Valdemar Poulsen invented magnetic recording. It was a significant breakthrough in the field of audio recording and paved the way for the development of modern audio technologies such as tapes, hard drives, and credit cards.
• First Wireless TelegraphyAI1901
  Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian inventor, successfully sent the first wireless telegraphy signals across the Atlantic Ocean. This invention paved the way for the development of modern wireless communication technologies such as radios, televisions, and mobile phones.
• Air conditioning1902
  Willis Carrier invented modern air conditioning.
• First Powered FlightAI1903
  Orville and Wilbur Wright, also known as the Wright Brothers, achieved the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This marked a significant milestone in aviation history.
• Invention of the Airplane and the Flatiron Building1903
  The Wright brothers achieved the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight. The Flatiron Building in New York City was completed.
• Invention of the Triode AmplifierAI1906
  Lee De Forest invented the triode vacuum tube, a device that could amplify electrical signals. This invention, known as the Audion, became a fundamental building block of all radio, telephone, television, and computer systems.
• 1906 San Francisco earthquake1906
  A major earthquake struck San Francisco.
• Invention of the ElectrocardiographAI1907
  Willem Einthoven, a Dutch physiologist, invented the first practical electrocardiograph. This device revolutionized cardiology, enabling doctors to diagnose heart conditions by detecting and recording the electrical activity of the heart.
• First Synthetic Plastic InventedAI1907
  Belgian-born American Leo Hendrik Baekeland invented the first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, marking the beginning of the global plastics industry. It was heat-resistant and could be molded into any shape, revolutionizing manufacturing and introducing an era of mass-produced consumer goods.
• Invention of the Electric Washing MachineAI1907
  American inventor Alva J. Fisher patented the first electric washing machine, called the Thor. This device reduced the manual labor involved in washing clothes, contributing significantly to the modernization of household chores and paving the way for further advancements in home appliances.
• Invention of Stainless SteelAI1913
  Harry Brearley, a British metallurgist, accidentally discovered stainless steel while experimenting with steel alloys to resist corrosion. This breakthrough led to a revolution in the manufacturing industry, allowing for more durable, long-lasting products.
• Invention of Crossword PuzzleAI1913
  Arthur Wynne, a journalist from Liverpool, invented the first crossword puzzle for the New York World newspaper. This innovation quickly gained popularity and became a standard feature in newspapers, providing entertainment as well as a tool for improving vocabulary and mental agility.
• World War I1914 - 1918
  A global war primarily involving Europe.
• Invention of the Tracer Bullet1915
  The concept of the tracer bullet, a bullet that leaves a visible trace of its trajectory, was invented.
• The discovery of Insulin1921
  Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin.
• Electric refrigeration1923
  Frigidaire introduced the first electric refrigerator.
• Chrysler was founded1925
  Walter Chrysler founded the Chrysler Corporation.
• Start of Empire State Building construction and Great Depression1929
  Construction of the Empire State Building began. The Great Depression started.
• Completion of Empire State Building and Invention of Vinyl1931
  The Empire State Building was completed. Vinyl was invented.
• Start of the Golden Gate Bridge construction and Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany1933
  Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began. Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany.
• Opening of Tsukiji Market1935
  Tsukiji Market, one of the largest wholesale fish and seafood markets in the world, opened in Tokyo, Japan.
• Geico was founded1936
  Leo Goodwin Sr. and his wife Lillian founded the Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO).
• Completion of the Golden Gate Bridge1937
  The Golden Gate Bridge was completed.
• Invention of the Ballpoint PenAI1938
  Hungarian-Argentine inventor László Bíró created the first commercial ballpoint pen. This pen, unlike its fountain predecessor, did not leak or require constant refilling, making writing more efficient and convenient. It became a staple in offices and schools worldwide.
• World War II1939 - 1945
  A global war involving most of the world's nations.
• Start of the Manhattan Project1941
  The Manhattan Project, a research and development undertaking during World War II that produced the first nuclear weapons, began.
• Production of the world’s first Atomic bomb and bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki1945
  The United States produced the world’s first atomic bomb. Atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Invention of HolographyAI1947
  Hungarian-British physicist Dennis Gabor invented holography while working to improve the resolution of electron microscopes. His invention, which enables three-dimensional imaging, has significantly impacted various fields including medicine, art, and data storage.
• Invention of TransistorAI1947
  American physicists John Bardeen, Walter H. Brattain, and William Shockley invented the transistor at Bell Laboratories. This small electronic device, which can amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power, has become the fundamental building block of modern electronic devices, replacing vacuum tubes and paving the way for the miniaturization of technology.
• Invention of the Transistor1947
  John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley invented the transistor.
• Invention of the Long Playing RecordAI1948
  Peter Carl Goldmark, working for Columbia Records, developed the Long Playing (LP) record, a vinyl record format for phonograph disc records. This invention greatly increased the duration of recorded sound, allowing for albums of music and greatly impacting the music industry.
• Invention of VelcroAI1948
  Engineered by Swiss electrical engineer George de Mestral, Velcro was inspired by the way burrs clung to his dog's fur. This seemingly simple invention revolutionized various industries, including aerospace, medical, and fashion, due to its easy application and reusability.
• Introduction of the First Credit Card1950
  The Diners Club issued the first credit card.
• First Modern Credit Card IntroducedAI1955
  The Diners Club, founded by Frank McNamara, Ralph Schneider and Matty Simmons, introduced the first modern credit card. This revolutionized the way transactions were conducted, setting the stage for an explosion in consumer credit and ultimately, the birth of a cashless society.
• Refrigeration and Start of the Interstate Highway System construction1956
  The Interstate Highway System construction began. Refrigeration technology improved significantly.
• Traitorous eight and Launch of Sputnik 11957
  The Traitorous Eight, a group of engineers who left Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, formed Fairchild Semiconductor. The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite.
• Invention of the Integrated CircuitAI1958
  Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit at Texas Instruments. This critical development paved the way for the miniaturization of electronics and the birth of the microelectronics industry.
• Inception of BankAmericard (Predecessor to Visa)1958
  Dee Hock was given 90 days to launch the BankAmericard card (which became the Visa card), starting from scratch. He did. In that period, he signed up more than 100,000 customers.
• Invention of Fentanyl1960
  Belgian pharmacologist Paul Janssen, founder of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, developed fentanyl as a synthetic opioid anesthetic. It was initially considered a safer alternative to natural opioids and was widely used for pain management in medical settings. Over time, fentanyl and its analogs became key in surgical anesthesia and palliative care. However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl later contributed to a global opioid crisis due to its extreme potency and high risk of overdose.
• Start of NASA’s Apollo Program1961
  NASA initiated the Apollo Program, which aimed to land humans on the Moon.
• Invention of LEDAI1962
  Nick Holonyak Jr., a consulting scientist at General Electric Company, invented the first practical light-emitting diode (LED). This innovation revolutionized the world of lighting by providing energy-efficient, long-lasting light sources that are now used in a wide range of applications from traffic lights to TV screens.
• Launch of the First ShinkansenAI1964
  On October 1, 1964, the first Shinkansen, known as the 'Bullet Train,' was launched in Japan. This high-speed rail network initially connected Tokyo and Osaka, covering a distance of 515 kilometers. The Shinkansen revolutionized rail travel with its cutting-edge technology, including dedicated tracks, aerodynamically-designed trains, and advanced signaling systems. With maximum speeds reaching up to 210 km/h (130 mph) at the time of its launch, the Shinkansen significantly reduced travel time between major cities and set new standards for speed, efficiency, and safety in rail transportation. The success of the Shinkansen paved the way for the development of high-speed rail networks worldwide.
• First 20,000 miles of road open for drivingAI1965
  The first 20,000 miles of the Interstate Highway System were opened for driving.
• Moon Landing and Invention of Gore-TexAI1969
  The United States Apollo 11 mission landed the first humans on the Moon. Gore-Tex, a waterproof, breathable fabric, was invented by Wilbert L. Gore.
• Invention of the Microprocessor, Birth of Email, and US abandonment of the gold standardAI1971
  Intel introduced the first microprocessor. Ray Tomlinson sent the first network email. The United States abandoned the gold standard.
• Development of Microprocessor by IntelAI1971
  Intel Corporation introduced the first commercially available microprocessor, the Intel 4004, in 1971. Designed by Federico Faggin, Ted Hoff, and Stanley Mazor, it powered the first portable electronic calculators and paved the way for the microcomputer revolution.
• First 12 men landed on the moonAI1972
  The Apollo 17 mission was the last manned lunar landing mission.
• Introduction of the Xerox GUIAI1973
  Xerox introduced the first graphical user interface (GUI).
• Development of Internet protocol suiteAI1975
  Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn developed the TCP/IP protocol suite.
• Founding of Apple and Coining of the term ‘meme’AI1976
  Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded Apple Inc. Richard Dawkins coined the term ‘meme’ in his book ‘The Selfish Gene’.
• Invention of the 401(k)AI1978
  The Revenue Act of 1978 included a provision allowing employees to defer compensation into retirement accounts.
• Development of the Light BulbAI1979
  Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb.
• Latin American debt crisis and Implementation of China’s one-child policyAI1980
  Many Latin American countries faced severe debt crises. China implemented its one-child policy.
• Accidental Invention of the 401(k) and Release of Hakushu 1981 whiskyAI1981
  Ted Benna discovered a loophole in the Revenue Act of 1978, leading to the creation of the 401(k) retirement savings plan. Hakushu 1981 whisky was released by the Suntory distillery.
• Introduction of the First Model PhoneAI1984
  Motorola introduced the DynaTAC 8000X, the first commercially available handheld mobile phone.
• Shift in popularity of majors at Stanford and Apple’s internal politicsAI1985
  Economics became the most popular major at Stanford University. Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple Inc. The Convention between Malaysia and Japan for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income was signed.
• Fall of the Berlin Wall, Tiananmen Square crackdown, and Loma Prieta earthquakeAI1989
  The Berlin Wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War. The Chinese government suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations in Tiananmen Square. The Loma Prieta earthquake struck the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Japanese debt crisisAI1990s
  Japan faced a severe economic downturn due to a debt crisis.
• U.S. recessionAImid-1990
  A period of economic downturn in the United States.
• Invention of the World Wide WebAI1991
  Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web.
• End of the Japanese debt crisis recoveryAI1992
  The Japanese economy emerged from the debt crisis.
• Release of Mosaic browser and Death of Ferruccio LamborghiniAI1993
  The Mosaic web browser was officially released. Ferruccio Lamborghini, founder of the luxury sports car brand Lamborghini, passed away.
• Transformation of Mosaic into Netscape and Release of Navigator appAI1994
  Mosaic Communications Corporation was renamed Netscape Communications Corporation. Netscape released its Navigator web browser.
• Emergence of Internet CafésAI1994
  In 1994, the concept of internet cafes began to gain popularity, particularly in urban areas and tourist destinations. Internet cafes, also known as cybercafés, offered public access to computers connected to the internet for a fee, allowing individuals without personal computers or internet connections at home to browse the web, send emails, and engage in online activities. Internet cafes played a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and democratizing access to information and online communication. They served as social hubs where people could gather, work, socialize, and access digital resources. Internet cafes experienced a surge in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s before declining in prevalence with the widespread adoption of personal computers, home internet connections, and mobile devices.
• Netscape IPOAI1995
  Netscape Communications Corporation went public.
• Development of Deep Blue and IPO of Yahoo!AI1996
  IBM's Deep Blue defeated Garry Kasparov in a chess match. Yahoo! Inc. went public.
• Asian financial crisis, Launch of Amazon, and Founding of NetflixAI1997
  Several Asian economies faced financial crises. Amazon.com, Inc. went public. Netflix, Inc. was founded.
• Ruble crisis, Founding of Google, and Introduction of the Roth IRAAI1998
  Russia experienced a financial crisis. Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google. The Roth IRA was established.
• Dot-com mania and Silicon Valley gold rushAI1998-2000
  The dot-com bubble saw rapid growth in internet-based companies and investments. Silicon Valley experienced a surge in technological innovation and investment.
• Long-Term Capital Management blowup and Bursting of the dot-com bubble2000
  The collapse of Long-Term Capital Management led to financial instability. The dot-com bubble burst, leading to a sharp decline in stock prices.
• Aftermath of 9/11 attacks and Introduction of the iPod2001
  The September 11 attacks led to economic and geopolitical consequences. Apple Inc. introduced the iPod portable media player.
• Bottoming out of NASDAQ and Sale of PayPal to eBay2002
  The NASDAQ Composite index reached its lowest point since its peak during the dot-com bubble. PayPal Holdings, Inc. was acquired by eBay Inc.
• Founding of Philz Coffee2003
  Phil Jaber founded Philz Coffee, a specialty coffee retailer.
• Launch of Facebook2004
  Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates launched Facebook, Inc.
• Launch of YouTube and Addition of Section 409A to the Internal Revenue Code2005
  YouTube, LLC was founded. Section 409A, a provision of the Internal Revenue Code, was added to regulate deferred compensation.
• Introduction of the iPhone and Start of the Great Recession2007
  Apple Inc. released the iPhone smartphone. The Great Recession began with the subprime mortgage crisis.
• Financial crisis and Start of Tesla Roadster production2008
  The financial crisis triggered by the subprime mortgage collapse led to a global recession. Tesla, Inc. began production of the Tesla Roadster, its first electric car model.
• Collapse of the Madoff Ponzi scheme and End of the Great Recession2009
  Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme collapsed, causing financial losses for investors. The Great Recession officially ended.
• Introduction of the iPad2010
  Apple Inc. released the iPad tablet computer.
• Launch of the Tesla Model S2012
  Tesla, Inc. released the Model S electric sedan.
• Twitter goes public and Growth of U.S. retirement accounts2013
  Twitter, Inc. went public with its initial public offering (IPO). U.S. retirement accounts reached a total of $27 trillion.
• Crisis in Venezuela2016
  Venezuela faced a severe economic and political crisis.
• Retirement of Lee Sedol2019
  Lee Sedol, a top professional Go player, announced his retirement, citing the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI).
• End of negative interest rates by the Bank of Japan2024
  The Bank of Japan (BOJ) ended its policy of negative interest rates.

If you know a good one, let me know.