Question

Who invented the “ Flying Shuttle”?
A)Marconi
B)James Hargreaves
C)James Watt
D)John Kay

Answer 1

Hint: The Industrial Revolution is an imperative part of world history, in the 1700's it began in Britain and soon expanded in Europe. The Revolution led to many technological innovations.

Complete answer:
Option A:Marconi, known for his work on long distance radio transmission, a radio telegraph system. He was an electrical engineer and an Italian inventor. This option is invalid.
Option B:James Hargreaves, was the English inventor of Spinning Jenny,which helped in increasing productivity among the weavers. This option is incorrect.
Option C: James watt’s steam engine contributed to the Industrial revolution. He was a Scottish mechanical engineer. This option is incorrect.
Option D: A significant innovation of the Industrial Revolution was the “Flying shuttle”, invented by John Kay in 1733, it was a crucial step towards automatic weaving. In 1733, he developed a wheel shuttle, which was later known as a flying shuttle, that helped improve the weaving efficiency and reduced labor needs as it could be operated with only one operator. Before 1700’s, throughout the world the cloth and most fabrics were handwoven where the weaver had to pass the roll of yarn from hand to another in a way to complete the cycle of weaving process. John Kay's shuttle consisted of a box that could be knocked back and forth from one side of the loom to another saving time and energy of weavers. Textile industry benefited the most by this invention. Kay sold his patent to French manufacturers and allowed the French mechanization in textile production.

So, the correct option is D.

Note: The Flying Shuttle was used and developed during the late 1700’s, throughout both England and France. Over the next few years, many inventions were made that changed the face of automated weaving like Spinning Jenny, the Cotton Gin and many others.