Techno had originated in Detroit in the mid-'80s. At that time techno was strictly electronic music, while house still had tight connection to disco. DJs Kevin Saunderson, Juan Atkins, and Derrick May pioneered techno music emphasizing the electronic, synthesized beats of electro-funk artists like Afrika Bambaataa and Kraftwerk. In the US, techno was strictly an underground phenomenon, but in the UK, it broke into the mainstream in the late '80s. In the early '90s techno began to fragment into a number of subgenres, including hardcore, ambient, and jungle.
In hardcore techno, the beats-per-minute on each record were sped up to undanceable levels. It was designed to alienate a broad audience.
Ambient went in the opposite direction, slowing the beats down and relying on watery electronic textures. It was used as come-down music, when ravers and club-goers needed a break from acid house and hardcore techno.
Jungle was as aggressive as hardcore, combining driving techno beats with breakbeats and dancehall reggae.
Acid Techno was born after the squelch of mid-'80s acid house music was given time to sink into the minds of impressionable youths and they became quite influenced by the sound. Many who began to make music in the early '90s applied the sound to harder techno instead of the warm sounds of classic Chicago house. Acid Techno includes the earlier recordings of Aphex Twin, Plastikman, and Dave Clarke, among others.
Progressive Techno is just a little different from Acid Techno. Usually it markedly develops in time, by gradual addition of instruments. That's why it's called progressive. Acid Techno will keep you longer on the floor, while Progressive will offer you more intense experience for a shorter period of time. Very common is a mixture of those two styles that gives you both LONG and INTENSE experiences.
Since the electronic music got born, it has evolved into a cultural movement worldwide bringing together variety of music styles and millions of followers.