I WONDER - How Does A Water Wheel Work?

For 5000 years, humans have harnessed flowing water for power, initially to operate machinery like mills using water wheels. This method was prevalent in early civilizations. It wasn't until after 1880 that hydropower began to be used for generating electricity, marking a significant transition in the use of water power.

When did hydropower start being used to create electricity?

What impact did the power of water have on society before the advent of electricity?