The horse gave Central Asia power over Mesopotamia; the stern rudder brought it back to Europe; the galley delivered victory over Bruges to Venice; the printing press was the foundation of Antwerp’s triumph; the caravel made possible the discovery of America; the steam engine was the key to London’s ascent. A new source of energy (petroleum), a new motor (internal combustion), and a new industrial artifact (the automobile) confer power to the East Coast of America and its then dominant port, Boston.
