One of the biggest advances during the Victorian era would have to be the Steam Engine, and along with it the expansion of the railroad. This progress made it possible for people to move more freely. It also made it possible to transport goods to remote areas more easily. Without the invention of the steam engine, we would not have the extensive transportation network that we have today. If we were to really take a look the majority of products and goods that we buy today are transported from one place to another, either by plane, train, or trucked across country at least. The steam engine made this all possible.