ECON 6680: American Economic History

American Economic History deals with development policy or its absence in a mercantilistic world during the colonial period. We also explore the role of slavery and abolition in the development of the South, as well as the role of cotton dependency upon the performance of the South and the rest of the nation. Development of the railroad and an examination of the "stages of economic development" are examined. Whether the Civil War, or any war, aided economic development is explored in the course. We explore the reasons why farmers, miners and workers felt they were crucified with "a cross of gold" during the gilded age after the Civil War. The development of banking and its role in economic development is examined, from the first U.S. Bank to the Federal Reserve system. A prelude to the Depression is presented, including why Keynes felt that the peace from the "Great War" was unsatisfactory. We also explore the international nature of the Great Depression, including the likelihood that the Depression began in Britain, not after the U.S. stock market crash. What can be learned about macroeconomic systems from examining the Great Depression? Also, did the New Deal cure or prolong the agony? What ended the Depression? In the postwar period, we examine why inflation became endemic rather than cyclical. The failure of the gold standard, once again, is examined, along with the postwar role of government. Students will study how the U.S. developed; what role financial, government and private technology played in the country's advancement; what methodologies can be used to analyze the importance of historical factors (such as the railroad or the fading of slavery); and what history teaches us about current economic systems. (3 credit hours)

(Cross-listed with Hist 6680)

Syllabi

See the AYSPS Course Syllabi List. Please remember that individual faculty vary their course plans over time. A previous syllabus is no guarantee of what an upcoming course will be like.

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