Final answer:
The average world income began to increase rapidly during the Industrial Revolution. This period marked a significant transition from agriculture to manufacturing, substantially growing the global economy and increasing inequality among nations. Therefore, the correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Average world income began to increase rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, a period when many economies transitioned from an agricultural focus to an emphasis on manufacturing. This shift modernized the world, expanding resources and advancing societies. From 1800 to 2000, global population saw a sixfold increase, while per capita income experienced a tenfold surge, demonstrating the significant impact of the Industrial Revolution on economic growth.
Moreover, the Industrial Revolution brought about a process of long-run economic growth where leading economies, particularly in Western Europe and North America, expanded their GDP per capita at about 2% per year. Additionally, countries like Japan, South Korea, and China demonstrated the potential to catch up during the last half-century. This era significantly increased worker productivity and trade, laying the foundation for modern economic growth.
However, it also led to increasing inequality among nations. While some economies flourished, others stayed closer to subsistence levels. By 1960, the developed economies had, on average, 4.2 times the GDP per capita compared to the poorest economies, up from 2.4 times in 1870.