Who invented the first process for manufacturing steel inexpensively?

The first process for manufacturing steel inexpensively was developed by Henry Bessemer. This groundbreaking technique, known as the Bessemer process, was introduced in the 1850s and allowed for the mass production of steel by removing impurities from iron through oxidation. It involved blowing air through molten iron to convert it into steel, significantly lowering production costs and making steel more accessible and widely used in various industries.

Bessemer's innovation was crucial for the industrial revolution, as it laid the foundation for the development of infrastructure, machinery, and transportation systems that relied on steel as a robust material. His contributions markedly changed manufacturing practices and helped propel the steel industry forward, making it a key element in economic development during that period.