USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Water was a good source of power, but factories had to be located near a river. Both water and wind power could be unreliable as sometimes rivers could dry up during a drought or freeze during the winter and wind didn’t always blow. Steam power allowed for factories to be located anywhere.

Detailed explanation-2: -Large steam engines were used in factories and mills to power machines of all types. Smaller steam engines were used in transportation including trains and steamboats.

Detailed explanation-3: -Before the development of the first commercial steam engine, factories relied on horses, water, and wind as their primary source of power. Most factories were either situated near riversides or around areas with high wind intensity.

Detailed explanation-4: -The First Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century through the use of steam power and mechanisation of production.