What impact did the internal combustion engine have on the industrial revolution?

The internal combustion engine significantly accelerated the Industrial Revolution by transforming transportation and manufacturing. It enabled the development of automobiles and airplanes, which facilitated faster movement of goods and people, thereby expanding markets and trade. Additionally, the engine allowed for more efficient power generation in factories, leading to increased productivity and the rise of new industries. Overall, it contributed to urbanization and reshaped economic and social structures in profound ways.