Methods Of Travel- Steamship/Steamer

One of the main travel methods Phileas Fogg used in his journey around the world was the Steamship, also called a Steamer, this was more that just a boat. A Steamer can go at the rate about 12 miles an hour, or just about 10.5 knots an hour. Knots are the unit of measurement used for ocean or water distances. A Steamboat is a ship in which the primary method of propulsion is steam power, typically driving propellers or paddlewheels. The term steamboat is usually used to refer to smaller steam-powered boats working on lakes and rivers, particularly riverboats. The term steamship generally refers to larger steam-powered ships, usually ocean-going. Steam engines were developed and adapted in the late 18th century for use on ships, but did not become widely used until the early 19th century. Growth in their use was rapid on United States rivers, and seaworthy steamships gradually replaced sailing ships for commercial shipping throughout the latter 19th century. During that period even the largest of steamships had auxiliary sails to help it sail. Steamships in turn were overtaken by diesel-driven ships in the second half of the 20th century. Most warships used steam propulsion from the 1860s until the invention of the gas turbine in the early 20th century.

QUICK FACT: "In 1769, the Scotsman James Watt patented an improved version of the steam engine that ushered in the Industrial Revolution. The idea of using steam power to propel boats occurred to inventors soon after the potential of Watt's new engine became known."