Part 4/8:
The automotive revolution sparked truly with Karl Benz's invention of the internal combustion engine in 1885. His innovative design utilized ligroin as a fuel source, demonstrating improved efficiency over steam technology. Despite initial skepticism about the viability of his automobile, it was Benz's wife, Bertha, who took the bold step to prove its reliability by embarking on a long road trip, thus laying the groundwork for the modern automotive industry and the petrochemical economy.