How did the Industrial Revolution contribute to global trade?

The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed global trade through increased production capacity, which led to the creation of surplus goods. Before this period, production methods were primarily manual and limited in scale, resulting in slower production rates and less availability of products. With advancements in technology, such as the steam engine and mechanized production processes, factories could produce goods more efficiently and in larger quantities than ever before.

This surge in production not only met local demand but also enabled manufacturers to export surplus goods to international markets, effectively integrating global commerce. The ability to produce and ship large quantities of products, like textiles, iron, and later, machinery, fostered international trade relationships and expanded markets beyond local regions. Consequently, countries began to rely on each other's goods, leading to increased global interdependence and economic interactions that shaped the modern global economy.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the realities of that era. The Industrial Revolution certainly impacted global trade, expanding it rather than limiting it. The idea that markets were confined to local regions is inaccurate, as the revolution facilitated international trade routes and practices. Furthermore, rather than reducing the variety of goods available, it enhanced consumer choices by making diverse products more accessible across different regions.