AP World History · Sourcing and situation
A historian argues that by 1830 British industrialization had already made the United Kingdom the dominant manufacturing economy among the…
Estimated shares of world manufacturing output
| Region | 1750 | 1830 | 1900 |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 32.8% | 29.8% | 6.2% |
| India and present-day Pakistan | 24.5% | 17.6% | 1.7% |
| United Kingdom | 1.9% | 9.5% | 18.5% |
Values are estimated percentage shares of total world manufacturing output.
Data adapted from Paul Bairoch, “International Industrialization Levels from 1750 to 1980,” <em>Journal of European Economic History</em> 11 (1982).
A historian argues that by 1830 British industrialization had already made the United Kingdom the dominant manufacturing economy among the three regions shown. Which evidence in the table most directly complicates that argument?
Answer and explanation
Answer: C: In 1830 China's share was still more than three times the United Kingdom's share
The historian claims British dominance by 1830. The table shows China at 29.8 percent that year, more than three times the United Kingdom's 9.5 percent, which directly complicates the argument, so C is correct. Choice A is tempting because it shows British industrialization, but it concerns 1900, not the date in the claim. Choice B notes South Asia's decline, which does not show Britain had passed China. Choice D shows rapid British growth from 1.9 to 9.5 percent, yet growth alone does not establish dominance.
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