The history begins with human-powered paddle craft rather than Victorian steamers. Turning a simple wheel could be learned more quickly than coordinated rowing. The mechanism also helped crews apply steady force when towing loads or working confined waterways. These examples establish the paddle as an old propulsion system that was later paired with a steam engine.
Chapter · 11:48-16:51
Why paddle wheels predated steam power
Hand-cranked paddle craft show why the propulsion method long predated the steam engine and offered reliable power without skilled oarsmen.