History and Developement
A Zeppelin was a type of rigid airship named after the German Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. The reasoning for this was because he was one who pioneered the development of the rigid airship at the beginning of the 20th century. The idea for the Zeppelin was first thought through in 1874 but developed in detail in 1893. The Ferdinand designed Zeppelin was patented in Germany in 1895 and in the United States in 1899. After the overwhelming success of the design of the Zeppelin, all airships soon came to be known as a "Zeppelin".
How it's Made
The interior of a zeppelin was structured by large ring of metal girders and was filled to the brim with hydrogen in most of Europe while America favored more helium reliant power. These gases both being lighter than air made the ship fly. They were propelled by several engines, mounted on gondolas or engine cars which were attached to the outside of the structural framework. Some of these engines could provide reverse thrust for maneuvering while docking.