The Cambridge History of Capitalism: Volume 2

The second volume of The Cambridge History of Capitalism provides an authoritative reference on the spread and impact of capitalism across the world, and the varieties of responses to it. Employing a wide geographical coverage and strong comparative outlook, a team of leading scholars explore the global consequences that capitalism has had for industry, agriculture and trade, along with the reactions by governments, firms and markets. The authors consider how World War I halted the initial spread of capitalism, but global capitalism arose again by the close of the twentieth century. They explore how the responses of labor movements, compounded by the reactions by political regimes, whether defensive or proactive, led to diverse military and welfare consequences. Beneficial results eventually emerged, but the rise and spread of capitalism has not been easy or smooth. This definitive volume will have widespread appeal amongst historians, economists and political scientists. 'In many respects the history of capitalism is the history most relevant to our times. It's a huge story and is well told in this very important book.' Lawrence H. Summers, Charles W. Eliot University Professor, Harvard University The two editors of The Cambridge History of Capitalism have done an excellent job in assembling an all-star group of scholars in presenting first-rate essays dealing with the development and accomplishments of capitalism and the important impacts of national and international markets for labor, capital, and goods throughout the world. These studies range in time from ancient Babylonia to today. All essays are superbly researched and highly informative in detailing the contributions of markets and of capitalism to global political and economic development.' Stanley Engerman, University of Rochester, New York 'This is a book we have been waiting for: an authoritative analysis of the rise and development of global capitalism, inspired by the great classical economists and written by a team of excellent experts in the field. A fine update of our knowledge about one of the big questions in the social sciences.' Jan Luiten van Zanden, Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands '... an inestimable contribution.' Oxford Today1. Introduction: the spread of and resistance to global capitalism Kevin H. O'Rourke and Jeffrey G. Williamson; 2. The spread of manufacturing Robert C. Allen; 3. Growth, specialization and organization of world agriculture Giovanni Federico; 4. Technology and the spread of capitalism Kristine Bruland and David C. Mowery; 5. Spread of legal innovations defining private and public domains Ron Harris; 6. Firms and global capitalism Geoffrey Jones; 7. Enterprise models: freestanding firms versus family pyramids Randall Morck and Bernard Yeung; 8. Financial capitalism Ranald Michie; 9. International capital movements and the global order Harold James; 10. Capitalism and the colonies Gareth Austin; 11. Capitalism at war Mark Harrison; 12. Modern capitalism: enthusiasts, opponents, and reformers Jeffry Frieden and Ronald Rogowski; 13. Labor movements Michael Huberman; 14. 'Private welfare and the welfare state' Peter H. Lindert; 15. Capitalism and human welfare Leandro Prados de la Escosura; 16. The future of capitalism Larry Neal and Jeffrey G. Williamson; Index.