What was one of the key technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution?

The steam engine was one of the key technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution because it fundamentally transformed industries and transportation, leading to unprecedented changes in society. Developed and improved during the late 18th century, particularly by figures like James Watt, the steam engine harnessed the power of steam to perform mechanical work. This innovation facilitated the mass production of goods in factories and enabled the development of steam-powered vehicles, including locomotives and ships.

The steam engine not only increased efficiency and productivity in manufacturing processes but also revolutionized transportation, allowing for faster movement of goods and people. It played a critical role in the expansion of railways, which connected distant markets and spurred economic growth. This innovation was crucial in shaping the modern industrial landscape, marking the shift from agrarian economies to industrialized societies.

The other options, while significant in their own right, emerged either before the Industrial Revolution (like the printing press) or were developed long afterward (such as the telephone and the electronic computer). Thus, the steam engine stands out as a defining technological advancement of that transformative period.