California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Water was a crucial resource for powering machinery during the Industrial Revolution primarily through the development of water wheels and later, steam engines that utilized water as a key component. Rivers and streams provided the mechanical energy needed to run factories, particularly in the early phases of industrialization. Water power allowed for higher production rates and drove the machinery that was essential for textile manufacturing and other industries that flourished during this period.

The reliance on water as a source of power enabled factories to be built near water sources, which facilitated transportation and trade. As technology advanced, steam engines emerged and further utilized water in the form of steam, enhancing productivity and leading to significant societal changes.

In contrast, while natural gas, wind, and solar energy have potential as energy sources, they did not play a significant role in the early phases of the Industrial Revolution. Natural gas became more widely used in the late 19th and 20th centuries, while wind and solar energy have only gained prominence in more recent decades, long after the pivotal developments of the Industrial Revolution had already taken place. Thus, water stands out as the key resource for powering the machinery that transformed industries and economies during this era.