Origins Of The European Economy

A comprehensive analysis of economic transition between the later Roman empire and Charlemagne's reigne.

Considering Europe as a whole rather than as a mosaic of individual states, François Crouzet presents here an accessible, engaging history of the European economy during the second millennium. Stressing the common economic institutions shared over time by the different regions of Europe and the networks of relations that have linked them, Crouzet examines pan-European changes and integration rather than merely the particular experiences of individual countries. A History of the European Economy, 1000-2000 goes beyond addressing the historical ramifications of trade in the European economy to encompass problems such as the diffusion of technology, the migration of capital and labor, diasporas and minorities, and national diversity. By stressing the historical origins of the drive toward European integration and its progress all the way to the birth of the euro, Crouzet delivers an original and comprehensive overview of European economic history.

An Economic History of Europe provides students with a comprehensive introduction to European economic history from the fifteenth century to the present day. Individual chapters offer brief references to previous historical periods and events, with special attention given to core themes concerning economic development, and an analysis of their change through time and space. Core themes examined in each period include: the increasing prominence of industry international trade demand and supply dynamics agriculture. The unique structure of this text enables students not only to gain a firm grounding in the long-term evolution of the European economy, but also provides an historical overview of the economic development of individual countries. Individual contributors analyze the shift from the modern to the contemporary period and offer a broad explanation of the historical roots of the problems that face today's economic development. This key text is indispensable reading for students in economics, economic history, development economics and history.

"For fifty years debate has raged about early European commerce during the period between antiquity and the middle ages. Was there trade? If so, in what - and with whom? New evidence and new ways of looking at old evidence are now breaking the stalemate. Analysis of communications - the movements of people, ideas and things - is transforming our vision of Europe and the Mediterranean in the age of Charlemagne and Harun al Rashid. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the economic transition during this period for over sixty years. Using new materials and new methodology, it will attract all social and economic historians of antiquity and the middle ages, and anyone concerned with the origins of Europe, the history of the slave trade, medicine and disease, cross-cultural contacts, and the Muslim and Byzantine worlds."--Publisher's description.

This bibliographical guide contains 10,000 references to the economic and social history of 30 European countries during the period 1700-1939. More than 3000 periodicals have been consulted to obtain references, as well as books, edited collections and conference proceedings. The information is listed in categories such as industry, agriculture, finance, migration, labour conditions, urban communities and organizations. Full publication details are included, so that references may be located easily.

The Chapters of European Economic History describe key moments in the economic development of the European continent and its offshoots. Starting with antiquity through the Middle Ages, it continues with the economic impact of the Age of Exploration and the Reformation. The Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions or Liberal Movements are analysed against the background of the ever increasing influence of European states on economic affairs around the globe. Europe was the continent to establish colonies in large areas of the world shaping their production, trade, and investment patterns. The author describes two waves of globalisation with the first one starting around 1830 and being centred clearly on Europe in its heyday. Everything ends for the Old Continent with the First World War. The book provides a description of the financial centre moving to the USA as Europe descended into economic misery and social radicalism. The economic base of both Nazi and Communist totalitarianism is compared briefly as well as the second wave of globalisation we are experiencing today with the first one of the 19th century. The book’s non-technical approach makes it appropriate for all those interested in the issue of economic history.

"The internationalization of the world economy and the economic and political development in Europe are factors that have fostered new interest in the common economic heritage of the European countries. Spanning 500 years, this tale of the economic history of Western Europe seeks to unearth the roots of present day problems."