Answer: Because of the transport of people and goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
Britain's distance from North America in the early decades of colonization was a problem. The trip lasted in certain situations for longer than two months. Often a large number of people were killed on those trips. Such a situation lasted until the middle of the XIX century, i.e., until the Industrial Revolution. Putting the steamer into use was much easier, and the travel time was significantly shortened.