Answer:
The steam engine was crucial to the Industrial Revolution for several reasons:
1.Energy source: The steam engine provided a new, more efficient source of power that could be used to drive machines and replace human and animal labor.
2.Transportation: The steam engine made transportation faster and more reliable, which facilitated the movement of goods, people, and ideas. This allowed for the growth of trade, commerce, and industry.
3.Manufacturing: The steam engine was used to power machines in factories, which increased productivity and reduced the cost of production. This made it possible to mass-produce goods, which led to increased consumption and economic growth.
4.Innovation: The development of the steam engine sparked a wave of innovation and technological progress, as inventors sought to improve and refine the engine. This led to the creation of new machines and technologies that further transformed industry and commerce.
Step-by-step explanation:
In short, the steam engine was a key factor in the Industrial Revolution because it provided a new source of power, facilitated transportation and manufacturing, and spurred innovation and technological progress.