What was one effect of the steam engine's development on transportation?

The development of the steam engine brought about significant advancements in transportation, particularly by enhancing the speed and efficiency of travel on both land and sea. Using steam power allowed for locomotives to pull trains at much faster speeds than horse-drawn carriages. This revolutionized land transport, making it possible to cover long distances in shorter timeframes and facilitating the movement of goods and people across great distances.

Moreover, steam engines transformed maritime transport, leading to the creation of steamships that could travel faster than traditional sailing vessels. The ability to harness steam power meant ships could maintain more consistent speeds regardless of wind conditions, significantly improving shipping routes and trade.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately reflect the impact of the steam engine's development. Reducing speed would be contrary to the steam engine's fundamental advancements, while making water transport obsolete neglects the ongoing use of steamships in trade and travel. Claiming that it had no significant effect also disregards the monumental changes that took place in transportation as a result of this innovation.