Which of the following was a primary source of power during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, which spanned from the late 18th century to the early 19th century, coal and steam emerged as a primary source of power that drove significant technological advancements and industrial processes. The introduction of the steam engine, particularly as improved by figures like James Watt, allowed for a more efficient and powerful means of harnessing energy compared to previous methods. Coal served as the fuel that heated water to create steam, which then powered factories, trains, and ships, thereby revolutionizing transportation and manufacturing.

This reliance on coal and steam enabled mass production and facilitated urbanization as factories could be built in locations far from water sources, the earlier mainstay for energy in industries reliant on waterwheels. Consequently, the vast reserves of coal found in regions like Britain became instrumental in fueling the economic growth during this period. The combination of coal and steam played a pivotal role in the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized societies, making it the correct answer in the context of primary power sources during the Industrial Revolution.