Explain any six factors each which have favoured the development of any two of the following industries: (a) Iron and steel industry in the Ruhr region (b) Ship building in Japan (c) Chemical industry in eastern United States of America (d) Textile industries in Great Britain
Explanation
(a) Six factors which have favoured the development of Iron and Steel industry in the Ruhr region (i) Availability of coal which provides cheap source of coke for processing iron ore (ii) Availability of Iron ore (iii) Presence of Rhine which is one of the most navigable rivers in Europe, enables raw materials and goods to be moved between North Sea and Ruhr region (iv) Good network of excellent roads linking Rhine valley with the rest of West Germany (v) Abundance of soft, clear water (vi) By-products of Iron and steel industry leads to the development of chemical industries (b) Six factors which have favoured the development of Textile industries in Great Britain; (i) Availability of raw materials, e.g cotton, wool, silk and linen etc. (ii) Presence of coal which makes it possible for steam power to replace water power (iii) Abundance of soft water which is essential to removing the grease from wool before it is spun (iv) Abundance of skilled labour (v) Availability of large market (vi) Well developed centres and ports for the export of textile.