Britain is considered to have been the foremost industrial country during that time, primarily due to its pioneering role in the industrial revolution and its rapid industrial growth. Britain led the way in mechanization, technological advancements, and the exploitation of its abundant natural resources, mainly coal and iron, which fueled its industrial progress.
While France did experience considerable industrialization in the 19th century, its pace and extent lagged behind Britain and some other European nations like Germany and Belgium. France's focus on agriculture and its traditional sectors, such as textiles and luxury goods, meant that its industrialization occurred at a slower pace.