Final answer:
James Watt and George Stephenson contributed to the rise of the railroad industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is option c) "James Watt and George Stephenson."
During the rise of the railroad industry, James Watt and George Stephenson made significant contributions to its growth.
James Watt was a Scottish inventor known for his improvements to the steam engine. In the late 18th century, he developed an efficient steam engine that played a crucial role in powering locomotives. This invention revolutionized transportation and was instrumental in the growth of the railroad industry.
George Stephenson was an English engineer who is often referred to as the "Father of Railways." He designed and built the first practical steam locomotive, called the "Rocket," which was used on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. Stephenson's groundbreaking locomotive design set the standard for future steam locomotives and laid the foundation for the expansion of rail networks around the world.