Economic Growth and Great Divergence Quiz

The idea that the world experienced significant economic divergence around 1800, with some regions experiencing rapid growth while others remained stagnant.

A period before 1800 characterized by relatively slow economic growth and limited technological advancements.

A measure that estimates the economic output of a country adjusted for differences in prices and inflation.

A theory explaining population growth dynamics in relation to resource availability and living standards.

A model that incorporates the concept of diminishing returns to land and labor, implying that increased population leads to lower per capita income.

Measures societies took to control population growth in the pre-modern era.

Adam Smith's idea that specialization and trade lead to increased productivity and economic growth.

The idea that technological advancements can offset the effects of diminishing returns and drive long-term economic growth.

The point where the birth rate and death rate lines intersect, representing a stable population where income per capita is sufficient to sustain the population.

The income per capita at the Malthusian equilibrium, ensuring a stable population.

The population size at the Malthusian Equilibrium, corresponding to the equilibrium income (y*).

When income per capita is above the equilibrium income (y*), the population increases due to higher birth rates and lower death rates.

When income per capita is below the equilibrium income (y*), the population decreases due to lower birth rates and higher death rates.

The process by which population and income naturally adjust back to the Malthusian Equilibrium when disturbed.

Sudden population decline due to events like earthquakes, pandemics, or wars, causing income per capita to rise.

Sudden population increase due to factors beyond the model's normal assumptions, causing income per capita to fall.

A practice where farmers alternate the types of crops they grow each year to improve soil fertility and reduce pest and disease pressure.

Using animals for fertilizer, improving soil fertility, and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

Using specially designed tools to plant seeds at a consistent depth and spacing, increasing the likelihood of each seed successfully sprouting into a plant.

Keeping livestock in barns instead of grazing outside, offering control over animal health, feeding, and manure collection.

Growing food crops like vegetables and fruits specifically to be sold in urban markets, like the cities of London and Amsterdam.

The movement of people from rural areas to urban centers, leading to larger cities and increasing demand for agricultural products and labor.

The connections between cities, towns, and rural areas, allowing for trade and exchange of goods and services.

The process of specializing in specific jobs or tasks, often driven by the growth of large cities and the evolving needs of the population.

A period of sustained growth and development, often characterized by slowdowns or periods of stagnation.

The period between 1280 and 1800 saw sustained growth in Britain, the Netherlands, and Japan, but stagnation or decline in other regions like Italy, Spain, Germany, and China.

The process of growth in population numbers, often associated with changes in economic, social, and technological factors.

A decline in economic output per person, often due to factors such as war, famine, or disease.

The impact of the Black Death (1348-1351) on Europe, which led to significant population decline, societal disruption, and economic changes.

The increase in population after the Black Death, reflecting the recovery of Europe from the pandemic.

The period between 1500 and 1800 saw significant population growth in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The theory by Thomas Malthus that population growth will outpace the growth of resources, leading to poverty, famine, and social unrest.

The relationship between population growth and income per capita, highlighting the potential impact of population changes on economic development.

A system where peasants were tied to the land and obligated to work for a lord in exchange for protection and a small plot of land.

The period after the fall of the Roman Empire saw a decline in population, leading to a shortage of labor which benefited landowners. This, combined with insecurity and weak central authority, created opportunity for lords to offer protection in exchange for servitude.

The serf's obligation to work on the lord's estate, often unpaid, as part of their rent payment.

Serfs were unable to leave their lord's land without permission and had limited freedom in terms of marriage and inheritance. This lack of mobility hindered economic growth and discouraged individual advancement.

Serfdom, although inefficient, persisted due to its ability to provide social control, security, and a form of labor management in an unstable and low-population environment.

The idea that economic growth in Europe was slow and that the standard of living did not improve significantly before 1800.

A model that emphasizes the role of population growth and resource constraints in understanding economic fluctuations and living standards.

A theory that argues that the European marriage pattern, characterized by late and selective marriage, played a role in economic growth by limiting population growth and promoting wealth accumulation.

A theory that emphasizes the role of specialization, trade, and the division of labor in driving economic growth.