Great Divergence: China, Europe, and the Making of the Modern World Economy

The Great Divergence is a comparative history of Europe and China that examines why the Industrial Revolution emerged in the West. It shows that life expectancy, consumption, and product and factor markets were comparable in Europe and East Asia until 1750, and key regions in China and Japan were no worse off ecologically than those in Western Europe. The book reveals the two critical factors resulting in Europe's nineteenth-century divergence: the fortunate location of coal and access to trade with the New World.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 404 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The Great Divergence: A Comparative History of Europe and China

The Industrial Revolution, a pivotal period in human history, emerged in Northwest Europe, raising profound questions about its origins. In his groundbreaking work, historian Kenneth Pomeranz delves into the factors that led to this remarkable transformation.

Pomeranz reveals that as recently as 1750, Europe and East Asia exhibited comparable levels of life expectancy, consumption, and product and factor markets. Moreover, key regions in China and Japan were not significantly worse off ecologically than those in Western Europe, facing similar challenges related to land-intensive products.

Through a comparative lens, Pomeranz identifies two critical factors that contributed to Europe's nineteenth-century divergence from East Asia. The first factor is the fortunate location of coal, a vital resource for industrialization. Europe's possession of abundant coal reserves provided a significant advantage over East Asia, where coal was scarce and expensive. This resource abundance allowed Europe to develop a powerful industrial base and drive economic growth.

The second factor is access to trade with the New World. Europe's ability to establish trade networks with the Americas and Africa opened up new markets for goods and resources. This trade facilitated the exchange of technology, ideas, and capital, which further propelled industrialization and economic development in Europe.

In contrast, East Asia's economy stagnated during this period, largely due to a lack of access to these critical resources. While East Asia had abundant land and labor resources, it lacked the necessary coal and trade networks to sustain industrial growth. As a result, Europe narrowly escaped the same fate, largely thanks to favorable resource stocks from underground and overseas.

The Great Divergence offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the factors that shaped Europe's industrial revolution and its divergence from East Asia. Pomeranz's work sheds light on the complex interplay of geography, resources, and economic policies that contributed to this historical shift.

This Princeton Classics edition of The Great Divergence includes a preface by the author, providing valuable insights into his research and methodology. It makes this powerful historical work accessible to a broader audience, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the origins of the Industrial Revolution and its global impact.

In conclusion, The Great Divergence: A Comparative History of Europe and China is a seminal work that offers a fresh perspective on the origins of the Industrial Revolution. Through meticulous research and analysis, Pomeranz provides valuable insights into the factors that led to Europe's economic and technological superiority over East Asia. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, economics, and the development of modern societies.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 191 x 235 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691217185