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Full-Text Articles in Economic History
Working Paper No. 104, An Gorta Mór: The ‘Great Hunger’ And Irish Immigrant Labor In 19th Century America, Amanda Bergeson
Working Paper No. 104, An Gorta Mór: The ‘Great Hunger’ And Irish Immigrant Labor In 19th Century America, Amanda Bergeson
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that portions of the population of Ireland -- responding to what has been referred to in their Celtic language as An Gorta Mór, or in the English language as the ‘Great Hunger -- took to emigrating en masse and therewith contributed bigly to the expansion of America’s labor supply. Bolsterd by Irish immigrants, this expanding mid-nineteenth century labor force provided for an abundance of workers needed for a broadly based industrialization, that would also lead to large-scale urbanization as well as a host of changes in this nation’s social fabric. Of note is that …
Working Paper No. 105, John Locke And The American Experiment, Riley Sharps
Working Paper No. 105, John Locke And The American Experiment, Riley Sharps
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that ideas advanced by the Englishman John Locke, regarding private property, natural rights, as well as a social contract for relations between authorities and governed, influenced the American experiment at its founding. Locke’s novel understanding regarding private property greatly influenced leaders railing against British dominance. His ideas were picked up by founding figures such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, as well as James Madison, and Thomas Paine. Through their leadership, in particular, Locke’s ideas were carried forward and served as the inspiration behind key concepts appearing in this new nation’s founding documents. First appearing in …
Working Paper No. 106, The Rise And Fall Of Whaling In Early America, Miranda Rehaume
Working Paper No. 106, The Rise And Fall Of Whaling In Early America, Miranda Rehaume
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that whaling activities -- and later a whaling industry -- would play important roles in the economic development of the colonies that would, with time, form into the United States of America. Drawing from historical accounts, this inquiry explores how whaling emerged as a cornerstone of the colonial, New England economy as well as the early American transatlantic trade. It shall be argued that the industry’s prosperity was driven by capital investments that included the development of specialized ships and equipment, driven by the colonists’ determination to make the whaling industry prosper. However, repeated disruptions …
Working Paper No. 100, Social Realism And Socialist Realism, Amanda F. Worman
Working Paper No. 100, Social Realism And Socialist Realism, Amanda F. Worman
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry sees to establish that as a genre, “social realism” reflected values of the American system of market capitalism out of which this art style emerged. During the same timeframe, what has been categorized as “socialist realism” reflected values of the Soviet system out of which this art style also arose. The “Great Depression” that dogged the American economy and society through the 1930s, as well as the “Iron Fist” rule characteristic of Joseph Stalin’s heavy industrialization drive for Soviet Russia, appears to have promoted and shaped these two distinct but similar art styles under consideration, as responses to …
Working Paper No. 95, Jeremy Bentham And English Common Law, Anastasia Klingler
Working Paper No. 95, Jeremy Bentham And English Common Law, Anastasia Klingler
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that in his book, The Theory of Legislation [1802], author Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) critiqued English Common Law while also posing solutions and alternatives. The first part of this inquiry considers Bentham’s critique of the degrees of vagueness and confusion that could be associated with what is noted as “Common Law” with its emphasis upon the “principle of expectation.” In addition, this inquiry introduces and considers Bentham’s warnings against uses associated with the English legal system and its emphasis upon the importance of “precedent,” as this emphasis is argued to open risks for abuse by courts …
Working Paper No. 97, Business Sabotage In Theory And Practice, Nathan Lewis-Lusso
Working Paper No. 97, Business Sabotage In Theory And Practice, Nathan Lewis-Lusso
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that theoretical advances offered earlier on by one Karl Marx and some decades later by one Thorstein Veblen offer insights into forms of business sabotage. Drawing upon their writings, this inquiry considers how in the writings of Marx, already in the mid-nineteenth century surplus value extraction and pecuniary sabotage serve as structural features found in a market-based economy. Marx’s consideration of surplus labor and artificial scarcity reveals how private investment seeks to constrain production in order to preserve and enhance profitability. Veblen’s theory of institutional sabotage complements Marx’s view by showing how firms could delay …
Working Paper No. 98, Selma Mushkin And The Emergence Of The Field Of Health Economics, Sadie Kautz
Working Paper No. 98, Selma Mushkin And The Emergence Of The Field Of Health Economics, Sadie Kautz
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that through her effective efforts, Selma Mushkin promoted and shaped the field of Health Economics. Perhaps most importantly, she redefined health as a form of human capital that needed to be considered as both essential and integral to economic growth. In her 1958 paper: “Toward a Definition of Health Economics,” she defined the scope of this emerging field through emphasizing how improved resource allocation could lead to efficiency gains. Appearing as her 1962 article in the Journal of Political Economy, with “Health as an Investment” Mushkin advanced the idea that--much like education--public spending on health …
Working Paper No. 102, Knowledge And Power: Towards Anintellectual Biography Of Michel Foucault, Amanda Bergeson
Working Paper No. 102, Knowledge And Power: Towards Anintellectual Biography Of Michel Foucault, Amanda Bergeson
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that in his efforts as an intellectual, scholar, and author of books that would include Discipline and Punish [1975], Michel Foucault emphasizes the importance of power and power relations, especially of an authority (such as a sovereign) over the common people. Drawing from Discipline and Punish [1975], this inquiry considers how Foucault’s understanding of genealogy got rooted and shaped by Friedrich Nietzsche’s critique of history; a view which altogether challenged the idea of historical progress, while also revealing the contingent nature of truth. The second section considers how sovereign power evolves into disciplinary mechanisms embedded …
Working Paper No. 103, Russia And The Myriad Of Challenges Associatedwith ‘Relative Backwardness’, Jacob Wood
Working Paper No. 103, Russia And The Myriad Of Challenges Associatedwith ‘Relative Backwardness’, Jacob Wood
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that over recent of centuries Russia exhibits signs of what is termed as ‘relative backwardness.’ Drawing from Alexander Gershenkron’s (1962, 62-70) understanding of ‘backwardness in historical perspective,’ as well as Karl Marx’s ([1845] 1977, 39-43) concept of ‘historical materialism,’ this inquiry examines how successive Russian regimes sought to close the developmental gap with western countries through state-led modernization efforts. What stands out is that when confronted with attempting deep structural challenges, each leader turned to centralized authority and coercive reforms—not by choice, but out of necessity. Our inquiry considers Nicolas II’s failure to modernize Russia’s …
Working Paper No. 99, Adam Smith And The American Experiment, Cole Soliz
Working Paper No. 99, Adam Smith And The American Experiment, Cole Soliz
Working Papers in Economics
As the noted author of a tome titled An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith [1776] is often cited as a proponent of Laissez-faire capitalism. However, the reality is that his writings offer a more nuanced vision that includes suggesting constraints on economics activity, while encouraging the importance of what he views as state or public institutions. In Smith's writings we find that he speculates that for a perfectly functioning market system to operate effectively depends upon the enforcement of contracts, the protection of property rights, and the maintenance of justice. These, along …
Working Paper No. 101, “Universal Welfare” In Marxist Thought, And Its Implementation During The Era Of The Soviet Union, Eunji Jang
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that although in his writings Karl Marx emphasized “Universal Welfare” as a central ideal, its appearance and realization in the Soviet Union was affected by tensions between ideology and the realities of centralized economic control. The first section explores Marx’s vision of universal welfare as a structural component of a post-capitalist society rooted in collective ownership and human emancipation. The second section examines how the Soviet Union institutionalized welfare across sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, and employment, while access to these services was often influenced by labor contribution and political loyalty. The final section …
Working Paper No. 87, The Double-Edged Sword Of American Philanthropy, Nathan Lewis-Lusso
Working Paper No. 87, The Double-Edged Sword Of American Philanthropy, Nathan Lewis-Lusso
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that American philanthropy, often hailed as a moral virtue, is in part a reflection of systemic policy failures that have forced private individuals to address public needs. While one blade of the philanthropic sword has historically provided essential support in areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, the other blade of the sword has also allowed for wealthy individuals to shape public priorities, often reinforcing existing inequalities. By analyzing the historical development of philanthropy, its role in addressing policy gaps, and its potential in undermining democratic governance, this inquiry highlights the complex and often …
Working Paper No. 86, The Evolution Of Japan's Economy, Kasandra Reyes Fernandez
Working Paper No. 86, The Evolution Of Japan's Economy, Kasandra Reyes Fernandez
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that already from its feudal era characterized by fiefdoms and kingdoms to its development as a modern nation- state, Japan’s economic history reveals discernible variants of capitalism. Highlighting these variants assist us in defining distinct eras that also offer the observer a sense of the evolution of Japan’s economy. In advancing this thesis, the first part considers differences between variants of capitalism found in the Tokugawa Era and, after 1868, what is designated as the Meiji Era. The focus shall be on the economic foundations of the Tokugawa shogunate versus the nascent industrialization during the …
Working Paper No. 96, Swedish Social Democracy And The ‘Meidner’ Plan, Aden Quenemoen
Working Paper No. 96, Swedish Social Democracy And The ‘Meidner’ Plan, Aden Quenemoen
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that what became known as the “Meidner Plan” should be understood as an attempt to resolve contradictions within Swedish Social Democracy through promoting collective ownership. This thesis is demonstrated through a three-part structure. To elucidate the contradictions that gave rise to this policy proposal, part one situates Swedish Social Democracy within the broader social democratic tradition before analyzing its historical development as an economic model. Part two investigates the development of the Meidner Plan as an effort to address these contradictions, analyzing its theory, design, and transformative implications. Finally, part three examines the opposition that …
Working Paper No. 81, A Critique Of Ideas Advanced By Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen, Chloe Kneedler
Working Paper No. 81, A Critique Of Ideas Advanced By Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen, Chloe Kneedler
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that ideas advanced by economist Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen fall short and are deserving of a critique. Certainly, Georgescu-Roegen provided a foundation for the area of inquiry known as Ecological Economics. As suggested with the title, The Entropy Law and the Economic Process (1971), in this book Professor Georgescu-Roegen relates the Law of Entropy drawn from Physics to the economic process, in an effort to raise his concern over the finiteness of resources. In the modern, industrial economic system that he considers, he regards that goods with low entropy are consumed, and that their entropy increases until …
Working Paper No. 63, On Karl Polanyi And His Conception Of Fascism, Serene Mistkawi
Working Paper No. 63, On Karl Polanyi And His Conception Of Fascism, Serene Mistkawi
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the writings of author Karl Polanyi offered insights into key variables and historical conditions that gave rise to the system we know of as “fascism.” Integral to his insights, Polanyi describes economic conditions attendant for fascism to emerge, with one condition noted as widespread and persistent unemployment. Polanyi stresses that fascism needs to be understood as reactionary, a responding to features integral to classical liberalism. Considering a broad historical context Polanyi teaches us of the political conditions necessary for fascism to emerge and take form as political movements wielding power. He considers conflicts in …
Working Paper No. 73, “Placing-Out”: Dealing With Vagrant Children In 19th Century America, Josephine Cannistra
Working Paper No. 73, “Placing-Out”: Dealing With Vagrant Children In 19th Century America, Josephine Cannistra
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to convince the reader that motivations of 19th century aid societies were not necessarily rooted in the welfare of vagrant children, but rather in the goals of bolstering American agriculture and creating a new generation of farmers out of children that likely would have otherwise proved a direct social and economic burden. While apprenticeships have a long history in the United States, the joining of apprenticeships and indentured labor formed a 19th century system of placing children out into rural homes as contracted workers. This system, as social movement from above, offered economic benefits to farmers and …
Working Paper No. 67, Insights Into Project Cybersyn, Leah Herrera
Working Paper No. 67, Insights Into Project Cybersyn, Leah Herrera
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that back in the 1970s Chile’s “Project Cybersyn” offered novel approaches and specific technologies that appeared to have benefitted capitalism as a system. The Spanish name, SYNCO served as an acronym for Sistema de Información y Control. President Salvador Allende expected that the attributes associated with Project Cybersyn could assist his efforts in implementing his variant of socialism. Cybersyn consisted of a network (Cybernet), software (Cyberstride), computers, a economic simulator known as CHECO, and a control room (Opsroom.) Cybersyn reached an advanced prototype stage; however, its fate was also tied to the interests of the …
Working Paper No. 69, Towards An Evolutionary History Of Gleaning, Stella Burlingame
Working Paper No. 69, Towards An Evolutionary History Of Gleaning, Stella Burlingame
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the act of gleaning can be understood through an evolutionary approach. Because gleaning has been practiced in some form in almost every agricultural system, this inquiry shall consider several different regions and time periods, taking into account the distinct economic and social structures. The segments of history to be explored here range from antiquity, as documented in Scripture, through early modernity, and into the post-modern era.
Working Paper No. 70, Industrialization, Retail Activities, And The Rise Of American Consumerism, Joseph French
Working Paper No. 70, Industrialization, Retail Activities, And The Rise Of American Consumerism, Joseph French
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the department store can be viewed as a novel institution that emerged to facilitate an economic relationship between a burgeoning American industrial sector and a new generation of working-class consumers with rising incomes and changing needs. The development of retail in America lagged behind Europe for many decades, until the rapid pace of American industrialization acted as a catalyst for retail to evolve into a modern institution. Alongside the creation of the department store, American cities were taking to the skies, and those who inhabited them would establish a new socio-economic class that was …
Working Paper No. 71, Max Weber: On Religion And Economic Outcomes, Celeste Aiu Taber
Working Paper No. 71, Max Weber: On Religion And Economic Outcomes, Celeste Aiu Taber
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that early sociologist Max Weber advances a view that religious faith could indeed affect economic outcomes. In his analysis of Reformed faiths, Weber determines that “the calling” inspired by Martin Luther transformed the work ethic of believers, instilling in them a spirit suitable for the advancement of modern capitalism. The Reformed work ethic observed by Weber served as a basis for individual Protestants to accumulate wealth. Weber also considers the developments of religious asceticism among the faiths of Calvinism, Pietism, Methodism, and the Baptist movements. The ascetic character of these religious communities assisted in generating …
Working Paper No. 72, The 1849 Gold Rush And The Roots Of California’S Economic Development, Matthew Phan
Working Paper No. 72, The 1849 Gold Rush And The Roots Of California’S Economic Development, Matthew Phan
Working Papers in Economics
The Californian Gold Rush, commonly referred to as the “1849 Gold Rush” proved to be a major event which brought significant change to California. This inquiry seeks to establish that this 1849 Gold Rush provided a foundation for a broadly shared prosperity through contributing to the advancement of California’s industry. The first part in this inquiry goes into some detail regarding how the gold rush got initiated, would become a major event for the world. The second part explores what changes the gold rush had brought for California’s industry, economic development, and broadly shared prosperity. The third part explains more …
Working Paper No. 68, Variables Precipitating The Extermination Of The American Bison, Cameron Winterer
Working Paper No. 68, Variables Precipitating The Extermination Of The American Bison, Cameron Winterer
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that innovations in tanning technology advanced by Europeans in the late 19th century accelerated the destruction of the bison, and subsequently the downfall of bison-reliant indigenous groups of the Great Plains, especially. The North American bison is considered as a crucial natural resource in the plains region of North America. What this inquiry seeks to emphasize is that advancements in technology, coupled with a growing demand for bison hides, contributed to the demise of bison populations. Lastly, this inquiry seeks to examine the near extinction of the plains bison and some of the effects their …
Working Paper No. 74, Some Influential Effects Of The Typewriter On The American Economy, Bander Qadan
Working Paper No. 74, Some Influential Effects Of The Typewriter On The American Economy, Bander Qadan
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the introduction of the typewriter generated effects upon the American economy by promoting productivity increases, enhancing communications, and improving management. In addition, this inquiry seeks to illustrate how the typewriter affected American businesses by providing efficiency in time management and documents’ production. Furthermore, this inquiry shall showcase how the typewriter affected women’s work in the American economy, especially with respect to inclusivity within the workplace as well as the enhancement of communications. Additionally, this inquiry shall analyze how the development of the QWERTY keyboard and its related “lock-in” generated effects on the American economy.
Working Paper No. 54, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen And Ecological Economics, Miriam Silverman
Working Paper No. 54, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen And Ecological Economics, Miriam Silverman
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that in his book The Entropy Law and the Economic Process [1971] (2013), author Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen provides a foundation for Ecological Economics. The Entropy Law implies that the economic process is limited because it is reliant on finite natural resources, e.g., fossil fuels and minerals, as the economic process involves relying upon low-entropy natural resources in the production of consumer goods, and then results in the discarding of high-entropy waste, e.g., heat in the form of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses, into the environment, eventually resulting in noticeable degradation. Notably, these ideas from Georgescu-Roegen’s …
Working Paper No. 55, An Inquiry Into The Assumptions And Tenets Of Neoclassical Economics That Lead Towards Income Inequality, Katharine Nester
Working Paper No. 55, An Inquiry Into The Assumptions And Tenets Of Neoclassical Economics That Lead Towards Income Inequality, Katharine Nester
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that key assumptions foundational to Neoclassical Economics contribute towards income inequality. A consideration of the Neoclassical interpretation and assumptions of the laissez-faire approach to market economies opens the inquiry. I examine the economic outcomes that result when the assumptions underpinning the Neoclassical application of laissez-faire are false, as they often are in the real world. The inquiry then turns to the theories and natural “laws” as advanced by Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) and John Bates (J. B.) Clark (1847-1938), which were built upon the Neoclassical adaptation of laissez-faire and became canon in the Neoclassical school. Finally, …
Working Paper No. 59, Cultural Imperialism And Hegemony, Maria Zavala
Working Paper No. 59, Cultural Imperialism And Hegemony, Maria Zavala
Working Papers in Economics
While the traditional colonial imperialism of France and Great Britain ended after World War Two, it can be argued that a new form of imperialism replaced it. What is known as “cultural imperialism” includes the art of inserting a covert idea into person's mind by use of popular culture. Herein, Antonio Gramsci’s ideas of cultural imperialism are contemplated. This paper explores the topic by focusing upon some of the effects that popular American music has had on Latin music and the changes in culturally acceptable trends that have followed. Then, American beauty standards and the Eurocentric beauty standards of Latin …
Working Paper No. 64, Ecological Economics Versus Environmental Economics, Audrey Demeaux
Working Paper No. 64, Ecological Economics Versus Environmental Economics, Audrey Demeaux
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the field within the Discipline of Economic Science known as Ecological Economics is based upon assumptions and methodological foundations that differ from the field of Environmental Economics. It shall be argued that Environmental Economics did not emerge as the result of a new shift in economic thinking, but rather formed around a reorientation of standard neoclassical assumptions. This was undertaken in an effort to address environmental issues emerging several decades back. In contrast, it shall be argued that the field of Ecological Economics has brought to the Economics Discipline an appreciation for novel assumptions …
Working Paper No. 66, Sir John Bowring, Trade Policies And Economic Development In Siam, Jackrit Kamudhamas
Working Paper No. 66, Sir John Bowring, Trade Policies And Economic Development In Siam, Jackrit Kamudhamas
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that during the mid-19th century Sir John Bowring emerged as a proponent who formulated distinct trade policies that served to promote the economic development of Siam (Thailand). This thesis is supported with three parts. The first part investigates the trade policies of the Burney Treaty as the first step towards the initiation of a new form of foreign trade policies between Siam and the British Empire and other western countries. The second part explores further Sir Bowing’s thoughts and his mission in achieving the adjusting agreements of the Bowring Treaty. And lastly, the third part …
Working Paper No. 65, On Debt, Enclosure And Witchcraft, Anonymous
Working Paper No. 65, On Debt, Enclosure And Witchcraft, Anonymous
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the process of commons-enclosure taking place in 14th-16th century Europe also required an “enclosure” of the female body, which was carried out by introducing radically novel conceptions of debt. The dual processes of bodily dispossession and debt imposition acted as a single force which is paradoxically the origin and effect of capitalist accumulation. This process began in Europe during the period of “transition” between feudalism and capitalism but has remained an essential component of capitalist accumulation through to globalization in contemporary times. To support this thesis, this inquiry considers the evolution of debt; the …