What significant impact did the Industrial Revolution have on transportation?

The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed transportation, particularly through advancements in steam engines and the development of railroads. These innovations allowed for faster and more efficient movement of goods and people over long distances, creating a more interconnected economy. The steam engine facilitated the creation of locomotives and steamships, which revolutionized travel and trade.

With railroads, cities and regions became more accessible, enabling the transportation of raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets efficiently. This not only stimulated economic growth but also led to urbanization as people moved to cities for work, further impacting societal structures. The impact of these transportation innovations was profound, shaping the modern transport systems we rely on today.

In contrast, other options reflect developments that were either not as significant or were consequences of the broader changes rather than the primary innovations driven by the Industrial Revolution. For instance, while there was a decline in horse-drawn carriages due to mechanization, this change was more of a byproduct rather than a direct innovation in transport like the railroads.