The Cambridge Economic History of the United States

Volume II surveys the economic history of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean during the nineteenth century. Five main themes frame the economic changes described in the volume: intercontinental movements of labor and capital; westward expansion; slavery and its aftermath; industrialization; and the social consequences of economic growth.
Volume II surveys the economic history of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean during the nineteenth century, a period of massive international and intercontinental movements of labor, capital, and commodities. The United States and Canada began the period as small but vigorous societies; the United States ended the period as the world's premier economic power. Five main themes frame the economic changes described in the volume: the migration of labor and capital from Europe, Asia, and Africa to the Americas; westward expansion; slavery and its aftermath; the process of industrialization; and the social consequences of economic growth that led to fundamental changes in the role of government. Other topics include: inequality, population, labor, agriculture, entrepreneurship, transportation, banking and finance, business law, and international trade.