Why was it important? The steam engine helped to power the Industrial Revolution. Before steam power, most factories and mills were powered by water, wind, horse, or man. ... It also provided reliable power and could be used to power large machines.

What would happen if the steam engine was never invented?

If the steam train was never invented, the western side of the United States would not have been easy to travel to. People would have waited until the car was invented. At that time the wagons were almost as fasts as the first cars so it would not make a difference. This would have delayed the gold rush.

Was the steam engine good or bad?

The steam locomotive provided quicker transportation and more jobs, which in turn brought people into cities and drastically changed the job outlook. By 1861, only 2.4% of London's population were employed in agriculture, while 49.4% were in the manufacturing or transportation business.