Final answer:
The steam engine was the key to the new, faster methods of transportation in the 1800s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key to the new, faster methods of transportation in the 1800s was the invention of the steam engine. The steam engine revolutionized transportation during the Industrial Revolution, enabling the development of steam-powered locomotives and steamships. It provided a more efficient and reliable source of power compared to previous methods, such as horses or human labor.
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