In this course, we will study 20th century world economic history. We will examine (1) the origins of modern economic growth in the 19th century and the forces that increased growth in the 20th century; (2) the tremendous economic disruption of the Great Depression; (3) the growth success of the 1950s and 1960s; and (4) the cyclical and structural economic problems faced by the U.S. and many other countries since 1973. The focus of this course will be on the economics of these events and the responses of economic policymakers. But we will also look to history and political science for alternative perspectives.
