Paul Bairoch Libros

Paul Bairoch sets the record straight on twenty commonly held myths about economic history. Among these are that free trade and population growth have historically led to periods of economic growth; that a move away from free trade caused the Great Depression; and that colonial powers in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries became rich through the exploitation of the Third World. Bairoch argues that these beliefs are based on insufficient knowledge and misguided interpretations of the economic history of the United States, Europe, and the Third World. "A challenging and readable introduction to some major controversial themes in modern international economic history."—Peter J. Cain, International History Review "Paul Bairoch sheds fascinating light on many of the accepted truths of modern economic history: an intriguing account, well executed."—Alfred L. Malabre, Jr., Economics Editor, Wall Street Journal

Fruit de plus de vingt ans de recherche et d'enseignement à l'Université de Genève, cette histoire économique et sociale restitue, dans la diversité du temps et de l'espace, l'internationalisation du monde. Le tome premier, après un prologue consacré à l'entre-deux Révolutions (de la révolution néolithique de l'agriculture et de la ville aux prémices de la révolution industrielle), traite des sociétés industrielles occidentales et de la révolution industrielle (1500-1850). Le tome deuxième est consacré aux pays développés au XIXᵉ siècle (1815-1914) et aux Tiers-Mondes face aux pays industrialisés (1492-1913). Le tome troisième traite du XXᵉ siècle chez les nantis et dans le Tiers-Monde. Un index général et plus d'une centaine de tableaux et graphiques font de cet ouvrage inédit tant un panorama du monde contemporain sans équivalent qu'un véritable instrument de travail et de réflexion.

The book explores the relationship between foreign trade and economic development in Europe, structured into two main parts. The first part provides a comprehensive analysis of the 19th century, examining Europe's role in the development process. It discusses various factors such as demographics, technology, transportation, and precious metals, alongside a historical overview of customs from 1815 to 1914. The evolution of European foreign trade, production factor movements, investments abroad, and international migrations are also analyzed, culminating in a discussion on industrialization and economic growth. The second part shifts focus to the debate between free trade and protectionism, analyzing specific cases. It introduces key players around 1860 and presents the anticipated outcomes of free trade advocates. The economic development linked to trade in the UK, France, and other major continental European countries is scrutinized. Additionally, it addresses the economic dynamics in smaller European nations and the impact of free trade on leveling development disparities. The book concludes with general insights and implications for broader analysis, supplemented by methodological and statistical appendices, a bibliography, and lists of tables and graphs.