I'm reading a really good book on the history of steam power called "Fossil Capital"[0]. The thesis so far seems to be that access to — and need for — more portable energy like fossil fuels drove the ability to expand. This in turn induced more demand for energy as humans developed further and further away from places that traditionally provided energy in fixed places, like rivers that could power water wheels.
The book ties this into the roots of the idea of infinite growth, as well as the climate crisis. It's a little sad in that respect, but also genuinely fascinating if you like history.