Prior to the steam engine, factories relied on water power, which tethered them to specific geographical locations near rivers or streams. The steam engine freed factories from this constraint, enabling them to be established in areas with abundant coal and water resources, necessary for its efficient operation.
Urbanization and growth of industrial cities:
The concentration of factories in areas with coal and water supplies led to the rapid growth of industrial cities. Workers flocked to these urban centers in search of employment opportunities, resulting in a significant increase in urban populations. This urbanization transformed the social and economic landscape, giving rise to densely populated industrial hubs.
Emergence of industrial regions:
The steam engine played a pivotal role in the development of specialized industrial regions. As factories clustered near coalfields, regions with rich coal reserves emerged as prominent industrial centers. These regions became renowned for specific industries, such as the textile industry in Lancashire, England, or the steel industry in the Ruhr Valley in Germany.
Decentralization of production:
While the steam engine initially encouraged the concentration of factories in specific locations, it also paved the way for the decentralization of production. As technology advanced, factories no longer had to be situated solely near coal and water sources. Improved transportation networks and the development of alternative power sources, such as electricity, allowed factories to be established in diverse locations, dispersing industrial activities across broader geographical areas.
