Which technological advancement significantly changed manufacturing processes during the Industrial Revolution?

The steam engine was a pivotal technological advancement that dramatically transformed manufacturing processes during the Industrial Revolution. Its introduction allowed for the mechanization of production, which enhanced efficiency and scale in various industries, especially textiles and transportation. Unlike previous methods that relied on human or animal power, the steam engine utilized coal, greatly increasing the amount of power available for manufacturing processes. This enabled factories to be built in locations away from water sources, as steam power did not depend on them. Moreover, the steam engine facilitated the development of new machinery that could produce goods more quickly and at a lower cost.

Although the cotton gin, the spinning jenny, and the assembly line also played important roles in the revolution, the steam engine's impact was more comprehensive. It served as a driving force behind many subsequent innovations and industries, reshaping the economy and society as a whole. The steam engine not only powered machines but also revolutionized transport systems, including railways and steamships, further integrating different aspects of the economy and marking the shift towards modern industrial society.