The invention of the steam engine in the 18th century brought about a significant transformation in industry and transportation, greatly impacting the Industrial Revolution. It provided a new, efficient source of power that enabled the mechanization of various industries, such as textiles and manufacturing, which increased productivity and economic growth. Furthermore, steam engines revolutionized transportation by powering locomotives and steamboats, drastically reducing travel time and costs. This innovation facilitated the movement of goods and people over long distances, contributing to urbanization and the expansion of trade networks, ultimately reshaping societies and economies worldwide.