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The Process of Extracting Helium from natural gas
In 1915, Sir John Cunningham McLennan joined a British organization called The Royal Navy’s Board of Invention and Research in order to find a non-flammable alternative to hydrogen. The alternative they found would then be put into airships and observation balloons, with a smaller risk of flammability than hydrogen. Sir John was asked to survey helium, and he quickly realized that it wells in southwestern Ontario and sent samples to Toronto to be overlooked by several top end universities. -
Cause and Consequence - The Process of Extracting Helium from natural gas
The discovery of helium extraction in 1915 demonstrates cause and consequence. Cause: The need for a non-flammable hydrogen alternative to fuel war airships led to Sir John Cunningham McLennan finding helium wells in Canada and resulting in the development of extraction plants. Consequence: Beyond warfare, helium became essential for scientific research, MRI machines, and space exploration. This innovation, driven by war and military necessity, had lasting effects on modern industry and science. -
The Sonar
A sonar is an underwater tool used to help detect and identify objects in the water through a system of sound pulses. The use of sonars became important after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. When WW1 came around, French physicist Paul Langevin worked with Russian engineer Constantin Chilowski to create a more suitable and advanced sonar that would work for war ships. Although the sonar was initially invented for military purposes, it is used today to map the seafloor and measure water depth. -
Lewis Light Machine Gun
The Lewis Light Machine Gun was one of the most used arm weapons during World War 1. It was designed by Isaac Newton Lewis, who saw great success with this project as by the end of the first world war, it was being issued in large numbers. Somewhere around 100,000 Lewis light guns were used by soldiers from the allied countries; this weapon was highly valued due to its simple use and light weight. -
Ontario Hydros Queenston-Chippawa Hydroelectricity Power Generator
The Queenston-Chippawa Hydro-Electric Development in Queenston, Ontario, was an ongoing project from 1917 to 1925. It was the world’s first hydroelectric megaproject. It featured a massive power canal and generating station that met growing electricity demands. It played a pivotal role in industrial expansion as it was designated a national historic site in 1990. Even today it serves as a great example of 20th-century war time advancements and remains an important part of Ontario’s history. -
Variable Pitch Propeller
In 1922, Wallace Turnbull made his first variable propeller. It was better than fixed-pitch propellers because the blades could be adjusted in flight. Other engineers had similar ideas to Turnbull, however they wanted to fuel it with oil. Turnbull was able to achieve an electrical motor to make the mechanism work. This project got the government’s attention. Tests proved that Turnbull’s design was reliable, eventually leading to 15 manufacturing companies receiving orders. -
Radio running off of the household electricity current rather than battery
Radios powered by household electricity were introduced and proved to be a major success on the market of the time. This was efficient and attractive to buyers as it got rid of the need for large batteries. Edward S. Rogers Sr. played a very big part in designing and testing it. This was an extremely crucial invention as it enhanced convenience and reliability of radios but also to the widespread market, making it a milestone in the evolution of home entertainment. -
Snowblower
The snowblower is a device used to clear snow by blowing it away. It was invented by Arthur Sicard in 1925. He was a Canadian inventor who was affected by the challenges that farmers faced by the snow, which made transportation and farm activities difficult. His design consisted of an auger system that broke down compacted snow and blew it through a chute. This invention became popular, especially in areas of heavy snowfall. The snowblower made snow removal much faster and less labor-intensive. -
Continuity and Change-Radio running off of the household electricity current rather than battery
The introduction of household electricity-powered radios in 1925 demonstrates continuity and change. Change: Before 1925, radios relied on large, high-maintenance batteries, but the alternating current rectifier tube allowed them to use household electricity, making them more practical and affordable for customers. Continuity: Despite evolving power sources, radios remain a key means for news, music, and entertainment. This transition marked a major step in the evolution of home electronics. -
Expansion of the Hudson Bay railway
The Hudson Bay Railway expansion was a major development in Canada’s transportation infrastructure. It was expanded in order to create a direct route to the Arctic coast, allowing for access to remote regions and facilitating trade. This expansion played an important role in boosting economic development and activity by providing a faster way to transport goods. Weather conditions made building it difficult, but the Hudson Bay Railway’s extension is still a key milestone in Canada’s history.