GREAT WALL OF CHINA History of the Great Wall of China: The Great Wall of China is the national military defense project in the cold weapon war era with the longest time and the largest amount of construction in the world. It condenses the sweat and wisdom of our ancestors and is the symbol and pride of the Chinese nation. According to historical records, since the Warring States period, more than 20 vassals and feudal dynasties have built the Great Wall. The earliest was the Chu Kingdom. To defend the nomadic or enemy countries in the north, they began to build the Great Wall. Subsequently, Qi, Yan, Wei, Zhao, Qin, and other countries also began to build their own Great Wall for the same purpose. After Qin unified the six countries, the famous emperor Qin Shihuang sent Meng Tian northward to the Xiongnu, connecting the Great Walls of various countries. From Linyao in the west to Liaodong in the east, it stretched for more than 10,...
WHO INVENTED THE BICYCLE?
In June 1817 a two-wheeled velocipede was born that would change the world of transport forever (and not only). But what is the bi-centennial history of the bicycle? Find out with Focus Junior
In 2017, the bicycle blew out its first two hundred candles and thus celebrates a fascinating story that changed the very concept of road travel. From the day it was invented, the bike has slowly introduced itself into our everyday life, becoming an object of common use in all countries of the world.
But how did it all start? Let's find out!
The origins
The very first representation of a vehicle that resembled the modern bike can be traced back, as always when inventions are involved, to the great Leonardo Da Vinci.
In a drawing of 1490 contained in the Codex Atlanticus, there is a "machine" with two wheels, a wooden axle that holds them together, a handlebar, and a kind of chain that connects the pedals to the rear wheel.
In a drawing of 1490 contained in the Codex Atlanticus, there is a "machine" with two wheels, a wooden axle that holds them together, a handlebar, and a kind of chain that connects the pedals to the rear wheel.
As usual, Leonardo had seen us right, but the invention of a bicycle capable of being used will arrive only in June 1817 thanks to the German Baron Karl von Drais.
He is the father of the modern bike!
The baron's invention was called Laufmachine (literally: "race car"). In France, this primitive bicycle was called, in honor of its inventor, " Parisienne ". In Italy, however, the new vehicle made its appearance in Milan in 1819 with the name of draisine.
The draisine obviously had two wheels, rudimentary steering done with a lever instead of a handlebar (see photo) and a curious belly-rest to increase the driver's trust. In fact, the pedals did not exist: to move you had to push ... walking while sitting.
This bicycle had side effects that gave it the nickname "boneshaker" or "shake" because the impact of the wooden wheels on the rough road produced annoying vibrations to the driver!
This bicycle had side effects that gave it the nickname "boneshaker" or "shake" because the impact of the wooden wheels on the rough road produced annoying vibrations to the driver!
From the shaker to the velocipede
A velocipede. Do you think it was comfortable to pedal from up there, sitting on top of that huge wheel? |
This type of bike remained more or less the same, with few improvements, until about 1870, when it turned into velocipede: the front wheel became very high, the saddle was placed just above that wheel and the pedals were added.
So years later, around 1885, the first modern bicycle appeared.
So years later, around 1885, the first modern bicycle appeared.
Today the success of the bike is always great and there are many types, specialized according to the use that you want to do with it. The sizes of the bicycles are also different and must be chosen according to the owner's height. In the collective imagination, the bicycle has carved out a very important space, becoming a "green" icon of elegance and style, especially for those who want to move around the city without polluting.
The bike in the world
In Holland, cycling is really one of the symbols of the country, since there are more cyclists than motorists. Furthermore, in the poorest areas of the globe, the bicycle is the most widespread means of transport, since it is easy to maneuver and cheap enough to be purchased.
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