The European nations faced many major challenges and opportunities during the mid to late 1800s. Some opportunities that they faced included industrialization, nationalism and imperial expansion. The industrial revolution had a big impact on the daily lives of people. Huge progress was made in developing new tools and machines, which helped to improve production and labor. It also helped the farming industry because of the new machines and tools that were produced. Transportation also evolved during this period. Steam engines powered railroad locomotives and led to steamboats. Nationalism was also on the rise during the 1800s. People started to believe that the common bonds they share together formed a nation which started a new community.