Here are a few key reasons why:
1. Transportation: The Great Lakes provided an efficient and cost-effective means of transporting raw materials, such as iron ore, coal, and limestone, to the major automobile manufacturing centers in the Midwest. These raw materials were essential for the production of steel, which was the primary material used in automobile manufacturing at the time.
2. Industrialization: The Great Lakes region was already a major industrial hub, with a well-developed infrastructure and a large workforce. Many of the skills and technologies used in shipbuilding and other industries could be easily transferred to automobile production.
3. Proximity to Markets: The Great Lakes region was home to a large and growing population, which provided a ready market for automobiles. As the industry developed, it became increasingly important to be located near major markets in order to reduce transportation costs and meet customer demand.
4. Access to Capital: The Great Lakes region had a strong financial sector, which provided access to capital for new businesses and expanding companies. This was especially important for the automobile industry, which required significant investments in research and development, as well as manufacturing facilities.
5. Competition: The Great Lakes region was home to several competing automobile manufacturers, which fostered a spirit of innovation and competition. This drove companies to continuously improve their products and processes, leading to the rapid advancement of the automobile industry.
Overall, the Great Lakes provided a unique combination of transportation, industrial infrastructure, market access, capital, and competition that made it an ideal location for the development of the automobile industry.
