Final answer:
The statement that materials have always been vital to industrial growth is true. Steel and cotton are prime examples of materials that have been fundamental to industrialization historically and remain critical today.
Step-by-step explanation:
Materials have always been vital in the history of industrial growth. This is a true statement as materials such as coal, steel, and cotton have played crucial roles in different periods of industrialization. For example, during the Industrial Revolution, steel was essential for constructing buildings, railroads, and ships. Similarly, the market revolution in the United States led to significant social and economic changes, riding on the backs of various materials that were mass-produced, like textiles. In addition, cotton was a strong economic foundation for the South during the Reconstruction era. It's not just historical periods that highlight the importance of materials; even today, resources like oil, heavy machinery, and steel remain critical to the economy, signifying a continued reliance on physical materials for industrial prosperity.