Jacquard Loom Invented

In 1801, Joseph Marie Jacquard demonstrated his revolutionary loom at an industrial exhibition in Paris. The Jacquard loom used interchangeable punched cards to control the weaving process, automating the creation of complex patterns in textiles. This innovation dramatically improved textile production efficiency and is considered a forerunner to early computing technology. Initially opposed by silk weavers who feared unemployment, by 1812 there were over 11,000 Jacquard looms in use throughout France.