Trade and Industry in Tudor and Stuart England

This book examines whether England experienced two industrial revolutions in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, considering changes in key industries and the significance of these changes for the English economy. It also assesses the attitudes of historians and the evidence used in the debate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 196 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1977, this comprehensive book delves into the intriguing debate surrounding whether England experienced two distinct industrial revolutions. The author examines whether the economic transformations witnessed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in England qualify as a period marked by an economic "revolution nearly taking place, but ultimately aborted." The book takes a thorough look at the significant changes that occurred within the most important industries during that time, assessing their impact on the overall structure of the English economy. Additionally, it evaluates the perspectives of the various historians engaged in the ongoing debate and the quality of the evidence upon which their arguments are grounded. By combining a critical assessment in the introduction with the presentation of 34 original documents, the book aims to attract a broad readership, including students and teachers of economic history.

The author begins by providing a historical background, tracing the economic developments in England from the medieval period to the early modern era. They argue that the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries witnessed a series of technological advancements and innovations that laid the foundation for future economic growth. However, despite these promising signs, the author notes that the economic revolution ultimately failed to materialize.

One of the key factors contributing to the failure of the economic revolution was the lack of a unified economic policy. The author highlights the fragmented nature of the English economy, with various regions and industries operating independently, often at odds with each other. This lack of coordination and cooperation hindered the development of a strong and prosperous economy.

Another factor that played a role in the aborted economic revolution was the dominance of the landed elite. The author argues that the landed gentry held a significant amount of power and influence over the economy, which they used to their advantage. They monopolized resources, suppressed innovation, and hindered the growth of new industries.

The book also examines the role of government intervention in the economic development of England. The author argues that the government played a limited role in promoting economic growth, primarily due to the constraints of the political system. They note that the monarchs and their advisers were often more concerned with maintaining stability and preserving their power than with fostering economic innovation.

In addition to these historical factors, the book also considers the impact of external events on the economic development of England. The author discusses the influence of trade, foreign investment, and colonialism on the English economy, highlighting the positive and negative effects of these interactions.

Throughout the book, the author employs a critical and analytical approach, assessing the various arguments and evidence presented by different historians. They provide a comprehensive review of the literature on the subject, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of different interpretations.

The conclusion of the book offers a thoughtful analysis of the debate surrounding the two industrial revolutions in England. The author concludes that while the economic changes witnessed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were significant, they did not meet the criteria for a full-fledged industrial revolution. They argue that the economic development of England was characterized by a series of incremental changes rather than a sudden and transformative shift.

Overall, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of economic history. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the economic development of England in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, exploring the factors that contributed to the failure of the economic revolution and the incremental changes that ultimately shaped the English economy. The book will be of interest to students, scholars, and anyone with an interest in economic history and development.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032038292