Canals contributed to economic growth during the industrial revolution by:

a. reducing the amount of pollution factories added to city water supplies.
b. allowing companies to stop investing in expensive railroad lines.
c. shortening sea voyages between industrial centers and foreign markets.
d. encouraging workers to relocate from crowded cities to rural factory towns.

(C) shortening sea voyages between industrial centers and foreign markets.

Explanation:

The canals served as a shortcut, preventing ships from having to make longer contours across the ocean to the final destination of the goods. Consequently, the channels allowed industries to channel production between industrial centers and foreign markets in a shorter time and at a lower cost, increasing the competitiveness of industries and stimulating international trade.

b. the right to wage war and make peace