D. 1. James Watt's invention of the steam engine was a source of power and reolutionized transportation and mandacturing Which statement best identifies the contribution the steam engine had during the industrial revolution? The steam engine slowed the process of production and Do profits in most textile industries The steam engine worked faster and more efficiently Do increasing production at a lower cost. The steam engine enabled manufacturers to employ more Do people from rural areas. The steam engine revolutionized the way in which people Do traveled across the Atlantic Ocean.

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the most significant contribution of the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution. The steam engine, invented by James Watt, was a significant invention that revolutionized transportation and manufacturing.<br /><br />## Step<br />The steam engine was a significant invention because it allowed for faster and more efficient production at a lower cost. This is because the steam engine could be used to power machinery in factories, which increased the speed and efficiency of production.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The other options, such as the steam engine slowing down the process of production, enabling manufacturers to employ more people from rural areas, or revolutionizing the way people traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, are not the primary contributions of the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution.