Final answer:
Eli Whitney's idea of interchangeable parts revolutionized the manufacturing process and led to the mass production of goods, with option D being the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eli Whitney's idea of interchangeable parts was a significant development that contributed to the mass production of goods. Before this innovation, each item was unique, and custom fitting was required for replacement parts, which was not only time-consuming but also expensive. The adoption of interchangeable parts meant that machines could be produced and repaired much more efficiently, as each part was standardized and easily replaceable. This principle led to the mass production of goods, significantly impacting the industrial landscape by making production faster and reducing the cost of goods. Whitney's interchangeable parts were particularly transformative in industries such as firearms, where they initially found application, but the impact was widespread, influencing other sectors as well.
The correct answer to which of the following ideas of Eli Whitney resulted in the mass production of goods is D the mass production of goods.