History of the American Economy

by Gary M. Walton, Hugh Rockoff

Tying America's past to the economic policies of today and beyond, HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN ECONOMY 12e presents events chronologically for easy understanding. Get a firm foundation in the evolution of the American economy with this ever-popular classic. Few text packages have the staying power of HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN ECONOMY, 12E, the text that has helped generations of students understand how the American economy evolved. Completely updated, this classic text ties our past to the policies and debates of today and beyond. A variety of visual aids and provocative statistics encourage interest in the study of economic history. Available with InfoTrac Student Collections

Genres: History, Economics, Nonfiction

624 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2004

Reviews

[Zach Boyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good overview on the economic history of the US. The part on banking and transport, as well on the conflict of state's rights were interesting reads (hint: it is more in depth than what schools generally teach).

[Brandon Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read much of this text, and really enjoyed it. Lots to learn about the 1800s (the century I focused on).

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Updated review: I had to get on with my life, so I'm giving up on reading every word of this book. Luckily, it's excellent for skimming. I did also spend the evening reading the Great Depression chapter carefully, looking for clues and similarities to our current situation. I was trying to be more honest with myself too: was the New Deal really so great? As I had feared, the answer to that question is way more complex than I'll ever know. There's a reason there's no silver bullet for economies. Whoever figures that out will win the Nobel prize every year for life.

Initial review: Those of you who know me are probably wondering why in God's name I would pick this book up. Well, the current economic state of our country has something to do with it; the fact that I am woefully ignorant in these matters was also part of it. If you can believe it, it's pretty interesting. Did you know that several of the American colonies were originally founded as corporations? Did you know the Boston Tea Party-ers were dressed as Native Americans? I'm just now getting to the Revolution. I'll keep you posted on the wild and crazy things that helped form our economy.

[Sarah Trevisiol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers a lot of topics glossed over in many history classes, and glosses over topics over-explored in other classes. For example the American Civil War is largely ignored, apart from Lincoln's unification and use of the railroad infrastructure to transport goods and help the North gain the advantage.

A fascinating read on history through an economic lense.

[Moming]

a good textbook. but too much pre-World War II information. I am looking for a book detailing post-WWII U.S. economic history. any recommendation will be great appreciated.

[Hakija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Any student that is studying economics should read this book. Excellent preview of the American economy.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting text book covering the history of economic development in the United States.

[Jaxson Mahlstadt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putting my econ textbook on Goodreads cuz that sonofabitch quizzed us over every word in here

[Evan Escobar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prose and writing style of the author is not the best, but the content is excellent, and stays true to the title of the book - so I do recommend it.