The invention of the steam engine in the 18th century revolutionized transportation by providing a more efficient and powerful means of moving goods and people. Steam engines enabled the development of railroads and steamships, significantly decreasing travel times and costs. Trains could transport bulky loads over land with unprecedented speed and reliability, which facilitated trade and opened up new markets. Additionally, steamships improved maritime travel, connecting continents and aiding in global commerce. This technological innovation was a key force behind the Industrial Revolution, spurring urbanization, economic growth, and changes in social structures as people sought new opportunities in industrialized societies.