What profound historical moment did the success of the Montgolfier balloon effectively mark?
Answer
The birth of aviation
The widespread frenzy and immediate reaction across France and Europe following the successful demonstration of the Montgolfier balloon signified more than just a scientific novelty; it represented a profound turning point in human history. The achievement is credited with effectively marking the birth of aviation. By proving that humans could ascend into the atmosphere using a controlled, lighter-than-air vehicle, the Montgolfiers provided the indispensable first step, demonstrating the very possibility of controlled aerial ascent, regardless of the subsequent need for inventors to refine the lifting mechanism using gases like hydrogen.
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