Which one of the following statements about the Industrial Revolution is correct?

The correct answer is James Watt's invention converted the steam engine from being a mere pump into one which would provide energy to power machines in factories.

Key Points

• James Watt's improvements in the steam engine were fundamental to the changes brought by the Industrial Revolution.
• Watt's invention in 1765 made the steam engine efficient enough to be used in a wide range of industrial applications.
• The modified steam engine could now provide continuous rotary motion, which was crucial for powering machinery in factories.
• This innovation significantly increased productivity and efficiency in industries such as textiles and mining.
• James Watt's partnership with Matthew Boulton in 1775 led to the widespread adoption of the improved steam engine.

Additional Information

• Industrial Revolution:
  • A period of major industrialization that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century.
  • Marked by the transition from manual production methods to machine-based manufacturing.
  • Led to significant social, economic, and technological changes worldwide.
• Steam Engine:
  • A heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid.
  • The Newcomen engine, invented in 1712, was the first practical steam engine used primarily for pumping water out of mines.
• Key Figures:
  • Thomas Newcomen: Inventor of the first practical steam engine.
  • Matthew Boulton: Business partner of James Watt, who helped in commercializing the steam engine.
• Impact on Society:
  • Led to urbanization as people moved to cities for factory jobs.
  • Resulted in significant advancements in transportation, including railways and steamships.
  • Contributed to the growth of a capitalist economy and the expansion of the British Empire.