Final answer:
The steel industry changed to the East Coast and NE U.S. due to access to raw materials, proximity to labor reserves, and the existence of a market for manufactured products. The industry later moved away from the region due to factors such as weaker labor unions and the desire for cheaper labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steel industry changed to the East Coast and Northeastern U.S. for several reasons. Firstly, the area had access to raw materials such as iron ore and coal, which were necessary for steel production. The Great Lakes provided a transportation route for iron ore from Minnesota, while coal was mined in Pennsylvania and other parts of Appalachia.
Additionally, the densely populated Northeast region provided a market for manufactured products, making it a convenient location for steel factories. The proximity to labor reserves also played a role in the industry's shift to the East Coast.
The shift away from the Northeast and the Rust Belt region was driven by factors such as the decline of labor unions, the desire for cheaper labor in areas with weaker unions, and the establishment of factories in other countries with lower wages and less stringent regulations.