What primary energy source powered the Industrial Revolution?

The Industrial Revolution was largely powered by coal, which became a crucial energy source during this transformative period. As industries expanded and urbanization increased, the demand for a reliable and efficient form of energy grew significantly. Coal was abundant and could produce a large amount of energy through combustion, which was essential for driving steam engines, heating buildings, and powering manufacturing processes.

The use of coal allowed for more efficient production methods and helped fuel innovations in transportation, such as steam-powered locomotives and ships, facilitating trade and the movement of goods and people. This reliance on coal not only supported industrial growth but also had lasting environmental and social impacts, reshaping societies and economies around the globe.

While other energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower provided alternative means of energy, they did not play a primary role in powering the industrial advancements of this era to the same extent as coal did.