Who is often referred to as the "Father of American Industry"?

Samuel Slater is regarded as the "Father of American Industry" primarily due to his significant role in bringing British textile manufacturing technology to the United States in the late 18th century. In 1789, he memorized the designs and operation of textile mills in England and successfully replicated them in the U.S. By establishing the first successful mechanized cotton spinning mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Slater played a crucial part in the American Industrial Revolution.

Slater's innovations laid the foundation for the textile industry in the United States, which would grow rapidly and become a cornerstone of American manufacturing. His ability to adapt and manage these technologies helped set the stage for the subsequent industrial growth in the nation. This impact is why he is celebrated as a key figure in the development of American industry.

The other figures, while instrumental in their respective fields—like Carnegie in steel, Ford in automobile production, and Rockefeller in oil—do not specifically hold the title that directly connects them to the inception of industrial manufacturing practices in the U.S. as Slater does.