a) Industry decline

The term “Rust Belt” refers to a region in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States that experienced a profound economic transition due to industry decline, particularly in steel production and manufacturing. Once the heartland of U.S. industrial output, these areas faced severe economic challenges from the 1970s onwards, as industries either closed down or moved to other regions or countries. Factors contributing to this decline included increased global competition, technological changes, and shifts in economic policy. The Rust Belt’s struggles reflected broader changes in the American economy, moving from a manufacturing-based to a service-oriented economy, and raised important questions about economic policy, labor markets, and community resilience.