Matthew's Blog: The Development of Stop Motion Animation

Claymation
Wallace and Gromit
Producer: Aardman Animations
Year made:25 December 1989

Old
Camberwick Green
Producer:Gordon Murray
Year made:January 3, 1966

For Children
Postman Pat
Producer:Chris Rose
Year made:September 17, 1981

Using real people/props
Bagpuss
Producer: Unknown
Year made:February 12, 1974

How did it start? http://www.stopmotioncentral.com/articles-5.html
Originally stop motion involved animating objects which included the animated movement of any "non-drawn" objects such as toys, blocks or any rigid inanimate object you care to mention. This was quickly followed by cel animaiton. And then animators experimented with clay animation and puppet animation which is what you may be familiar with in Wallace and Gromit and so forth.

What did they have to do to make it? http://www.techopedia.com/definition/109/stop-motion-animation
Stop Motion Animation is a technique used in animation to bring static objects to life on screen. This is done by moving the object in increments while filming a frame per increment. When all the frames are played in sequence it shows movement. Clay figures, puppets and miniatures are often used in stop motion animation as they can be handled and repositioned easily.

What technology is available nowadays?
http://petapixel.com/2013/03/07/new-research-allows-you-to-create-stop-motion-animation-using-only-your-hands/

Live Action stop motion