During the Industrial Revolution, the major advance in transportation was the development of the steam locomotive and railways. This innovation revolutionized the way goods and people were moved, allowing for faster and more efficient transportation over land. Railways facilitated the expansion of trade and industry, connecting rural areas to urban centers and fostering economic growth. The steam locomotive significantly reduced travel times and opened up new areas for exploration and settlement. This transportation revolution also had profound social impacts, altering patterns of migration, urbanization, and the overall structure of societies in the 19th century.