Final answer:
The lack of coal was a significant early obstacle to industrialization in South America, as it was essential for operating steam engines and producing steel, and the region did not have the necessary infrastructure to fully utilize its coal reserves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early obstacle to industrialization in South America was the lack of coal. During the initial phases of the Industrial Revolution, Europe had access to its own coal deposits, which were vital for powering the steam engines and for transforming iron into steel. However, in Latin America, despite attempts to industrialize, such as Chile opening coal mines and other countries building rail lines, they faced numerous hurdles and remained primarily exporters of cash crops.
Without sufficient coal reserves or the infrastructure to efficiently mine and transport it, South American nations struggled to support the heavy industries that were the hallmark of industrialization. As a result, the region did not experience the same levels of urban growth and industrial development observed in Europe and North America during the nineteenth century. The lack of an integrated rail network also limited the internal distribution of goods and resources, which hindered widespread industrialization.
In sum, coal was an indispensable resource during the early industrial era, and its scarcity in South America was a significant barrier to the region's industrial advancement.