Final answer:
The industry caught planners' and policy makers' eyes primarily due to its role in driving economic growth. The correct option is (b).
Step-by-step explanation:
The industry attracted the attention of planners and policy makers because it was a major driver of economic growth, which is depicted as option b). Industries, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, had a profound impact on both the economy and society at large.
During the Industrial Revolution, technological advancements like the steam engine altered the environment, enabling changes that supported population growth. This revolution saw a significant movement of populations from rural to urban areas as advancements in farming equipment such as the McCormick reaper and the Cyrus plow reduced the need for farm labor. Such migration supported urban industrialization but also led to dire living and working conditions, low wages, and long hours for factory workers, creating a need for government intervention.
Economic growth was largely propelled by various industries such as construction, automobile, steel, oil and gasoline refining, rubber, and lumber. When government investments were made into defense and research, the economy experienced a boom, leading to increased employment and higher wages. However, this growth also intensified political and economic debates and led to the creation of various government agencies and regulatory laws like the Interstate Commerce Act and the Sherman Anti-Trust Act to manage the negative externalities of rapid industrial growth and ensure fair competition and treatment of workers.
To address the challenging conditions and exploitation, both rural and urban workers sought to combat unfair practices through formations of early farming organizations, strikes, and labor disputes. These adversities drew government attention and regulation to provide some level of stability and peace between labor and management.
Last but not least, industries had significant environmental impacts as they often generated pollution and altered natural landscapes, leading to larger, long-term concerns about the sustainability of growth and human health.
In summary, it was the combined economic significance, the need for fair labor practices, and environmental concerns that made industry a focal point for planners and policy makers.