Which of the following most directly explains the importance of improved agricultural productivity to the industrialization of economic production in Western Europe in the period 1750-1900?
a) Increased agricultural productivity led to surplus food production, providing a larger labor force for industrialization.
b) Agricultural improvements reduced the need for manual labor, encouraging workers to migrate to industrial centers.
c) Enhanced agricultural techniques spurred population growth, creating a larger consumer base for industrial goods.
d) Technological advancements in agriculture provided raw materials necessary for industrial processes.
