Which technological advancement was NOT significant during the Industrial Revolution?

The correct answer is the internet, as it did not exist during the Industrial Revolution, which spanned from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. The period was characterized by significant advancements in manufacturing and transportation technologies that fundamentally changed the economy and society of the time.

The power loom, the steam engine, and the mechanized factory system are all key innovations from this era. The power loom automated the process of weaving cloth, greatly increasing the efficiency of textile production. The steam engine was pivotal in providing a new source of power for trains and factories, revolutionizing transportation and industrial operations. The mechanized factory system shifted production from homes and manual labor to centralized locations utilizing machinery, profoundly impacting labor practices and productivity levels.

In contrast, the internet emerged much later, in the late 20th century, and is associated with the digital revolution, fundamentally altering communication, information access, and commerce in ways that are distinct from the transformational changes initiated during the Industrial Revolution.