How did the first efficient steam engines of the late 18th century affect the role of the British Empire as a dominant global power in the 19th century?

by SteinDinge

I've read quite a bit about how the Industrial Revolution facilitated the continued growth (economically, militarily and imperially) of the British Empire in the 19th century. Considering how significant steam power was for the Industrial Revolution I wanted to ask what specific aspects of the British Empire and its economy greatly benefitted from the design of these new steam engines?

davratta

England became deforested in the early industrial age as timber was cut down to make charcoal for smelting iron. England was rich in coal, and coal replaced wood and charcoal as the fuel for home heating and iron smelting. Demand for coal increased and the coal pits had to be dug deeper into the ground, but water seepage flooded to areas where the coal was being mined. Steam engines could power the pumps needed to drain the coal mines of ground water. Steam engines saved the English coal industry, and saved the English from freezing in the colder winter months. They did not have enough forests left to provide wood for home heating.
Steam engines also revolutionized transportation. Coal could be turned into coal-cake (coke) which fueled the railroad locomotives in England. Railroads were far more efficient than horse drawn wagons, for moving bulk commodities overland. Coal fired steam ships were more reliable than sailing ships in maintaining scheduled service on trade routes.