Historical Perspectives on the American Economy

A student reader of the key topics in American economic history. The readings are organised chronologically and thematically, covering such topics as: the colonial and early national economy, slavery and indentured servitude, the South since the Civil War, the origins of American industrial success, the causes of farm protest in the late nineteenth century, the role of women in the economy, and the Great Depression. Introductions add context, provide critical questions about the arguments and evidence, note important subsequent works, and suggest additional readings. Also included are a glossary and an appendix that provides a clear, simple introduction to regression analysis, needed to read the increasingly technical ‘cliometric’ articles in the field.