Divergent Paths: How Culture & Institutions Have Shaped North American Growth

by Marc Egnal

Why are some countries without an apparent abundance of natural resources, such as Japan, economic success stories, while other languish in the doldrums of slow growth? In this comprehensive look at N. American economic history, Egnal argues that culture & institutions play an integral role in determining economic outcome. He focuses his examination on the eight colonies of the North, five colonies of the South (which together made up the original 13 states) & French Canada. Using census data, diaries, travelers' accounts & current scholarship, he systematically explores how institutions (such as slavery in the South & the seigneurial system in French Canada) & cultural arenas (such as religion, literacy, entrepreneurial spirit & intellectual activity) influenced development. He seeks to answer why three societies with similar standards of living in 1750 became so dissimilar in development. By the mid-19th century, the northern states had surged ahead in growth. This gap continued to widen into the 20th century. Egnal argues that culture & institutions allowed this growth in the North, not resources or government policies. Both the South & French Canada stressed hierarchy & social order more than the drive for wealth. Rarely have such parallels been drawn between these two societies. Complete numerous helpful appendices, figures, tables & maps, Divergent Paths is a rich source of unique perspectives on economic development with strong implications for emerging societies.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996