Final answer:
The steam engine revolutionized transportation by enabling the creation of steam-powered railroads and boats, which increased the speed and efficiency of moving people and goods, transforming trade and commerce.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steam engine played a crucial role in the revolution of transportation during the Industrial Revolution. One of the pivotal breakthroughs was made by James Watt, who improved the steam engine's efficiency in the 18th century. This invention expanded its use from pumping water out of mines to powering machines in mills and factories. But it was in transportation where the steam engine dramatically changed society.
Steam locomotives and railroads emerged as the most significant change in transport, with railroads enabling the expansive growth of commerce and industry. They could be built almost anywhere, unlike waterways dependent on geographical features. The steam engine's ability to independently power locomotives on these railroads facilitated the movement of raw materials and manufactured goods, radically transforming trade and mobility.
In addition to railroads, the steam engine was also critical in developing steam-powered boats, which made river travel more reliable and efficient. With steamboats, it was possible to travel and ship goods upstream as easily as downstream, changing the dynamics of trade and settlement along America's rivers. Furthermore, ocean-going steamships reduced travel times and allowed for regular scheduling, making international trade and passenger travel far more predictable.