The major development in transportation that revolutionized trade in the 19th century was the introduction of the steam locomotive and railways. Steam-powered engines allowed for faster, more efficient movement of goods and people across vast distances, reducing travel times significantly compared to traditional horse-drawn transport. This innovation facilitated the growth of industries, urbanization, and trade networks, linking rural areas to urban centers and allowing for the mass distribution of products. Railroads became crucial for economic expansion, transforming societies and enabling the Industrial Revolution to flourish.