Final answer:
The crucial materials that drove the extensive growth of the nation include steel, oil, and effective transportation systems. The advancement of industrial processes and technological innovations also played pivotal roles. However, this progress was intertwined with socio-economic costs, including the displacement of Native Americans and challenging labor conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The extensive growth of the nation, more specifically the United States, was greatly attributed to a number of factors that became crucial materials and industries. Foremost among these was steel, having become an emblem of the Second Industrial Revolution due to its strength, durability, and ease of production during that period. The development of processes such as the Bessemer and open-hearth methods revolutionized steel production, driving the price down and allowing for mass construction and the expansion of industries.
Another crucial material fueling this growth was oil, which served as a major energy source contributing to industrial expansion and the automotive boom. Good transportation systems, including railroads and steamboats, allowed for efficient movement of raw materials and finished goods. Lastly, the technological advancements like the telegraph and the sewing machine, as well as the natural resources from mining and agriculture, played significant roles in driving innovation and production in the United States.
However, it is important to acknowledge that this progress also came at a cost, including the negative impact on Native American territories and the harsh conditions within factories that led to the rise of labor unions and changes in the workforce.