What were the primary materials used in manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, the primary materials used in manufacturing were cotton, iron, and coal. Cotton was essential for the textile industry, which experienced significant growth during this period due to innovations like the spinning jenny and the power loom. This increased demand for cotton led to a booming cotton industry, particularly in places like Britain and the American South.

Iron was another crucial material, becoming vital for building machinery, tools, and structures such as railways and factories. Advances in iron production techniques, such as those introduced by Henry Bessemer later in the period, allowed for more efficient and cheaper production of high-quality iron and, eventually, steel.

Coal fueled the steam engines that powered factories, locomotives, and ships, making it a key energy source. The availability and extraction of coal spurred the growth of mining industries as well as the expansion of transportation networks necessary to distribute these materials.

In contrast, the other options presented do not accurately reflect the principal materials utilized in manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. For instance, aluminum and plastic were not widely used or produced until much later in history. Wood, while used, was gradually supplanted by iron and steel for structural and manufacturing needs. Rubber was emerging but was not a mainstay compared to the