Research Papers / (the history of a technology or aspect of engineering) - ideas for my research essay [3]

I need help with getting some ideas together for my essay.. Here are some of the instructions:

You will have to submit a 7 page research paper (that means 7 pages of text). The paper is a research paper on the history of a technology or specific aspect of engineering. Your paper ought to define the technology/engineering and also give its rich historical significance placing it into a broader context. To do this well you are required to consult no fewer than four sources outside the assigned class materials.