The Industrial Revolution was profoundly significant for technology as it marked a period of unprecedented innovation and mechanization. Beginning in the late 18th century, this era saw the invention and improvement of numerous machines, including the steam engine, textile machinery, and iron production techniques. The introduction of factory systems revolutionized production methods, enabling mass manufacturing and greater efficiency. Additionally, developments in transportation, such as the steam locomotive and steamship, transformed trade and mobility. This technological shift not only altered economic landscapes but also reshaped daily life, leading to urbanization, changes in labor patterns, and ultimately setting the stage for modern industrial society.