Which of the following explains how the steam engine and locomotive contributed to the Industrial Revolution? (1 point)

Answer 1

The steam engine and locomotive revolutionized transportation and manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. They allowed for the efficient movement of goods and people across long distances, and provided a source of mechanical power that could be applied to various industries.

Before the invention of the steam engine, transportation was primarily reliant on horses and waterways. The steam engine powered locomotives could travel much faster and carry heavier loads than horses, enabling the growth of the railway system. This made it easier and more cost-effective to transport raw materials and finished products between factories, ports, and markets, thereby stimulating trade and economic growth.

In addition to transportation, steam engines played a crucial role in industries such as mining and manufacturing. They powered machinery that could dig deeper and extract more minerals from mines, leading to an increase in production and expansion of mining operations. In manufacturing, steam engines were used to power machines in textile mills, ironworks, and other industries, increasing production efficiency and output.

Overall, the steam engine and locomotive were instrumental in driving the rapid industrialization of the 18th and 19th centuries. They revolutionized transportation, enabled the expansion of trade, and provided a reliable source of mechanical power for industrial processes.