An economic history as dramatic as that "of any region on earth"
12/4/2000
"Economists are no better than weather forecasters at predicting the future," writes MIT economist Temin in the introduction to this history of the New England economy. But understanding how leaders responded to economic problems and opportunities in the beginning of New England's history, he adds, can help shape decisions and preparedness on the part of future leaders. This collection of essays traces the economic landscape of New England from the late eighteenth century to the present day and looks toward the future as well. The essays, by such leading economists and historians as Paul Krugman and Bernard Bailyn, review defining events and major themes of change and growth in a region that has been an important player in the U.S. as well as the global economy. These include: New England's entry into the Atlantic economy; the invention of American capitalism; rapid industrialization; slavery and population growth in colonial New England; the region's reinvention of itself in the power-World War II economy. Mostly, it's a story of change: "The economic history of New England," writes Temin, "is as dramatic as the transformation of any region on earth."