What technology is often associated with mass production in the 19th century?

The steam engine is a pivotal technology associated with mass production in the 19th century due to its transformative impact on various industries. It played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution by providing a reliable and efficient source of power that could be used in factories, mines, and transportation, thereby significantly increasing productivity.

The steam engine facilitated the mechanization of many processes, allowing for the production of goods at a scale previously unattainable. Factories could now operate machines continuously without being dependent on water sources or human or animal labor for power. This shift not only lowered production costs but also revolutionized the working environment by enabling the centralization of manufacturing.

In contrast, the internal combustion engine, while important, gained prominence later in the 19th century, mainly influencing transportation rather than the initial phase of mass production. The electric motor and computers also became significant innovations, but they emerged in the late 19th and 20th centuries, respectively, making them less relevant in the context of 19th-century mass production.