Which of the Following Was NOT a Key Factor in the Rise

Which of the following was NOT a key factor in the rise of the American manufacturing core in the early 20^th century?

A) its proximity to natural resources (ex. coal, iron ore)
B) its location in a warm climate with year-round fair weather for production
C) its location in an existing population center in order to draw on an existing labor supply
D) its increased connectivity to a growing network of roads and canals
E) its location near to the Great Lakes to allow for transport of cargo