How did the Industrial Revolution alter import and export dynamics for nations?

The Industrial Revolution fundamentally transformed the production capabilities of nations, allowing for mass production of goods. This increase in production capability meant that countries could manufacture more products than before, which often exceeded domestic demand. As a result, these nations sought new markets to sell their surplus goods, leading to a significant increase in exports.

Additionally, technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution, such as the steam engine and mechanized production, enabled faster and more efficient transportation of goods. This not only facilitated the movement of products within a country but also made international trade more viable. As nations could produce more and transport it effectively, they became more active players in global markets, exporting their manufactured goods to various parts of the world.

The other choices don't capture this key aspect. While some nations did become less dependent on particular imports or attempted to avoid trade conflicts, the primary change was the explosive growth in their production capabilities leading to increased exports on a global scale.