Who developed the steam-driven elevator ? A. Jacob Riis B. Elisha Graves Otis C. Dennis Kearney D. Aaron Montgomery Ward

B. Elisha Graves Otis

Elisha Graves Otis was the inventor who developed the first safety brake for elevators, which made steam-powered elevators much safer. His most notable demonstration was at the 1854 World's Fair in New York, where he showcased his safety brake by having the only rope holding the platform he was on cut. The brake immediately engaged, and he was not hurt, demonstrating his safety device's effectiveness. This invention was key to enabling the construction of skyscrapers and elevators that could safely carry passengers to higher floors.

Extra: The development of the safe steam-driven elevator was a significant advancement in building technology. Before Elisha Graves Otis's invention, elevators were considered too dangerous for carrying passengers, as the ropes that held them could break, causing them to fall. After Otis introduced his safety brake, elevators became reliable enough to be used broadly, which transformed urban architecture by allowing buildings to rise far beyond the limits of what was once practical with just stairs. The ability to move vertically within buildings efficiently made the modern skyscraper possible, changing city landscapes around the world. Otis's name is still associated with the elevator industry today, as Otis Elevator Company is one of the world's leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, and service companies.