what was the steamboat used for during the industrial revolution
Steamboats. In 1807, Robert Fulton launched the world's first steamboat. It could move a boat against the current in a river by a large paddle wheel that turned in the water. The paddle wheel attached to the back of the boat was powered by a steam engine aboard the boat.teamboats. In 1807, Robert Fulton launched the world's first steamboat. It could move a boat against the current in a river by a large paddle wheel that turned in the water. The paddle wheel attached to the back of the boat was powered by a steam engine aboard the boat.