The provided bar chart compares the aggregate percentages of manufacturing output in Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world from 1840 to 2000.
Overall, Asia was the leading producer in the world at the beginning and end of the period despite seeing a significant fluctuation. Similarly, Europe manufacturing oscillated while the rest of the world generally experienced an upward trend.
In 1840, Asia contributed the largest percentage at half of total manufacturing while Europe followed with 40%. However, Europe overtook Asia in 1880 and reached the highest level at 50% after four decades, while Asia output declined to a fifth of total production.
By comparison, rest of the world grew gradually from a tenth of industrial production in 1840 to approximately 38% in 1960, showing the same rate as Europe. In the same year, Asia accounted for roughly a quarter of global output and rose to about 45% in 2000. Europe and rest of the world experienced a downward trend comprising nearly 30% each.
