With the increase in invention; more machinery and the need for more power the industrial revolution brought a new method of power; Water & steam.
Before 1700, industry was run predominantly by human and animal power, Farmers in the field and animals assisting them with the daily rigours of work. There was also that from nature in the shape of wind and water. As this demand increases water became one of most important powers and thus the driving force behind the industrial revolution.
The inventions at the beginning of the industrial revolution most notably the Spinning Jenny, the Water frame & the Spinning mule all required some level of power to function. This led to the discover of water power and of course steam power which later followed with the invention of the steam engine.
Generally speaking, a civilization whose impact can be felt on history for a very long time can be called a "lasting civilization", since the things they put into effect have "lasted" throughout the years.
