Final answer:
Other industrialists likely refused Salt's new boiler due to mistrust of the technology and the prevailing desire for profit. The debate over industrialization often revolved around concerns related to the displacement of skilled labor and harsh working conditions versus the efficiency and economic benefits of mass production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reluctance of other industrialists to install Salt's new boiler can be primarily attributed to mistrust of the technology. Historically, industrialists would often be cautious about adopting new technologies that had not been proven effective or cost-efficient on a large scale. This skepticism is grounded in concerns about unanticipated costs, potential interruptions in production, and the need for new staff training. Moreover, during the period of industrialization, there was a significant desire for more profit, which could lead them to continue using existing methods that were already profitable rather than risking investment in an unfamiliar technology. Also, there was an underlying fear of the social and economic implications of adopting technologies that could lead to changes in labor practices or decreased employment, which could catalyze further resistance to technological change.
The adversarial stance towards industrialization by groups like the Luddites commonly stemmed from concerns over job security, working conditions, and the degradation of skilled labor. On the other hand, the advantages of industrial production included increased production efficiency, lower costs, and the ability to produce goods on a scale that was previously unattainable. This era was defined by a complex interplay of social, economic, and technological factors, which caused dramatic shifts in society.