The Great and Little Divergence: Where Lies the True Onset of Modern Economic Growth?

Abstract

The Great and Little Divergence are examined in light of recent data on GDP/capita in the pre-industrial world. The Little Divergence is shown to be a myth, based on pasting together distinct and limited episodes of growth that peter out; and on close examination of diverse data on health, farm output, and gdp China and Europe are shown to be on similar tracks up through 1800. Even England and Holland show no evidence of a marked divergence from the rest of the world in economic output per capita until after 1780.

Keywords: Economic Growth, California School, Great Divergence, Little Divergence

JEL Classification: N10, N30, N35, O10, O57