Economic History vs Political History

Economic history focuses on how economies have developed over time, examining the factors that influenced their growth and change.

Economic history analyzes large groups of people, like industrial workers and farmers, and explores how technology, businesses, and institutions shaped their lives.

Economic history often uses quantitative data, such as tonnes of steel produced, to understand and measure economic activity.

Unlike political history, economic history is more heavily influenced by economic theory, making it a part of the social sciences.

Economic history uses real-world data and events to test and apply economic theories, providing insights into the complexities of economic behavior.

Unlike economics, which often relies on abstract assumptions, economic history analyzes real events and acknowledges that human behavior and external factors are constantly changing.

Economic history cannot predict the future, as historical events rarely repeat themselves, but it helps us understand the forces that shape economies and make informed decisions for the future.

Economic history, unlike regular history, focuses on quantifiable aspects of economies, such as GDP and productivity, to analyze the economic impact of historical events.

A situation where individuals prefer to hold money rather than invest it due to low interest rates or high perceived risk.

The cost of choosing one option over another, considering what you give up by not pursuing the alternative.

Benefits or costs that affect third parties not directly involved in a transaction.

Policies or practices that limit trade beyond tariffs, such as technical standards or restrictions on qualifications.

A situation where businesses are hesitant to invest because of uncertainty about future economic conditions or risks.

A situation where businesses are hesitant to invest because of low interest rates, which makes borrowing less attractive.

Government spending, often financed by borrowing, used as a tool to stimulate economic activity.

The tendency for individuals to save their money rather than spend it, often due to uncertainty or a desire to hold liquid assets.

Focus on the overall trends and patterns in economic development, rather than specific details.

Understanding how economic growth rates have changed over time, like the high growth period of post-war Europe and Japan.

Understanding that economic growth rates can vary significantly among different countries like the Chinese growth during the 1980s and 1990s.

An array of articles and book chapters that are essential for understanding the course material.

A process where a nation or a group of nations achieves similar levels of economic development to a previous economic leader.

Reading outside of the assigned materials, such as papers, articles, and online resources.

The ability to apply the principles you have learned to real-world situations.

The period between 1870 and 1914, when a fixed-rate exchange system allowed for easier global trade.

The severe economic crisis of 1929-1933, impacting the world economy.

Taking a proactive approach to learning by reading widely and reflecting on how the information relates to the real world.

Wars where technology and industrial production play crucial roles in victory.

The process of examining how specific economic principles and ideas affect the real world.

Inequality in the workforce, where women may face disadvantages in pay and opportunities.

The influence of technological advancements on the roles and opportunities for women in the economy.

The ability of a country to apply technology to its specific resources and needs.

The ability of a country to transform its economic structure, typically moving from agriculture to industry or services.

The shift from hunting and gathering to a more settled lifestyle based on agriculture and domestication of plants and animals. It marked a fundamental change in human history, impacting societies, economies, and the environment.

The period of rapid technological advancements and industrialization in the mid-to-late 18th century, starting in Britain and spreading across the globe. It brought significant changes in production methods, employment patterns, and societal structures.

The increasing gap in economic development and wealth between different regions of the world, particularly between Europe and China. It started in the early modern era and continued into the 19th century.

A key concept in economic history, this process refers to the historical trend of increasing living standards and per capita wealth over time, despite occasional setbacks.

The study of how economies have developed and changed over time, examining the factors that influenced their growth and decline. This discipline focuses on the interaction between economic forces, technological advancements, social structures, and political institutions.

The study of pre-industrial economies, focusing on how societies developed and adapted to technological innovations, economic changes, and societal shifts before the Industrial Revolution.

The exploration of the reasons behind the uneven distribution of economic growth across the globe. Economic historians examine the causes of wealth disparities between different regions and explain why some countries experienced rapid economic growth while others lagged behind.

The study of historical events and trends to understand the factors that influence modern economies. Examining the past experiences of different countries provides insights into economic development, technological progress, and social change.

Hunter-gatherers had a higher average height than early agriculturalists. This suggests higher levels of nutrition and health in societies before the adoption of agriculture.

Early agriculturalists show evidence of more malnutrition and disease compared to hunter-gatherers. This indicates a decline in overall health and dietary quality associated with the transition to farming.

While farming may have led to a more stable food supply, it resulted in a lower average per capita income compared to hunting and gathering. This suggests a trade-off between stability and wealth.

Sedentary farming, unlike foraging, requires specific physical abilities, such as upper body strength for tasks like plowing. This led to a division of labor based on gender, with men typically having greater upper body strength.

The shift from foraging to farming, despite initially lower average income, ultimately paved the way for population growth and increased wealth. This is because farming provided more predictable food sources and allowed for greater surplus.

Agricultural societies often exhibited a decline in dental health due to a higher carbohydrate intake, leading to increased cavities and tooth loss.

The shift to agriculture caused a narrowing of the dietary range, reducing the consumption of animal protein and leading to a decline in nutritional quality.

Agricultural societies have shown evidence of increased social inequality compared to hunter-gatherer societies. This suggests a correlation between sedentary lifestyles and resource control.