Which invention during the Industrial Revolution forever changed naval warfare?

A. the cannon

B. the musket

C. steam engines

D. gunpowder

The answer is letter C.

The invention of steam engines that powered ships was the number one technological advances that the Industrial Revolution brought to naval warfare. This was the time where artillery was improved highly and the need to transport these materials on water was critical. The rise of steam engine technology paved the way for advanced naval warfare during the Industrial Revolution.