Use the graph to answer the question.
The vertical axis is labeled millions and ranges from 0 to 900 in increments of 100. The horizontal axis is labeled year and lists dates from 1700 to 2000 in 100-year increments. The line for population starts at 90 million for 1700 and with a slow growth rate reaches to 120 million by 1900. The line then rises with a high growth rate and reaches beyond 600 million by 2000. The line for steel consumption starts from 0 in 1860 and reaches 20 million by 1900. The line then rises with a high growth rate to reach beyond 800 million by 2000. The values used in the description are approximate.
What led to the increase in steel consumption seen on the graph?
The increase in steel consumption was likely due to industrialization and the growth of manufacturing, transportation, and construction industries, which rely heavily on steel as a building material.
The increase in steel consumption seen on the graph can be attributed to several factors. One major factor is the Industrial Revolution, which began in the 18th century. This period saw significant advancements in technology, manufacturing, and transportation, all of which required large quantities of steel. Steel became widely used in industries such as construction, machinery, and railways.
Additionally, the introduction of new manufacturing processes such as the Bessemer process in the mid-19th century allowed for the mass production of steel at a lower cost. This made steel more accessible and affordable, leading to increased consumption.
Furthermore, the expansion of infrastructure, particularly the construction of railways and bridges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributed to the increased demand for steel. Steel's strength, durability, and versatility made it an ideal material for these large-scale projects.
Overall, the combination of technological advancements, increased industrialization, and the need for stronger and more efficient materials all played a role in the significant increase in steel consumption seen on the graph.