Steamships are large vessels powered by steam engines, which use steam generated from boiling water to drive their propellers or paddle wheels. They revolutionized transportation in the 19th century, allowing for faster and more reliable travel across oceans and rivers compared to sailing ships. These ships played a crucial role in trade and exploration, connecting distant regions and facilitating the movement of goods and people. Notable examples include the SS Great Britain, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, which was one of the first iron steamships to cross the Atlantic Ocean successfully.