The invention of the steam engine had a transformative impact on the 19th-century industrial landscape. It allowed for the mechanization of various industries, particularly textiles and manufacturing, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. Steam power enabled the development of factories, which centralized production and fostered urbanization as workers moved to cities for jobs. Additionally, steam engines revolutionized transportation by powering locomotives and steamships, drastically reducing travel time and costs for goods and people. This innovation not only boosted economic growth but also initiated a global trade network, facilitating the exchange of products and ideas on an unprecedented scale.