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  • April 2015 (Revised October 2019)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

The Great Divergence: Europe and Modern Economic Growth

By: Sophus A. Reinert
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:42
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Abstract

The continent of Europe seemed in the spring of 2015 to be in a weaker position relative to other world regions than it had in centuries. Though comparatively small, it had long played a disproportionate role in world history, to the extent that the modern world system of states itself in large parts had been created in the wake of European imperialism. This case examines the deep history of Europe’s so-called “Great Divergence,” the means by which it achieved “modern economic growth” and conquered large parts of the known world, and the consequences of this moment for the past, present, and future of capitalism.

Keywords

The Great Divergence; Modern Economic Growth; Empire; Disruption; Economic Growth; Values and Beliefs; History; Globalization; Europe

Citation

Reinert, Sophus A. "The Great Divergence: Europe and Modern Economic Growth." Harvard Business School Case 715-039, April 2015. (Revised October 2019.)
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About The Author

Sophus A. Reinert

Business, Government and the International Economy
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Related Work

    • March 2018
    • Faculty Research

    The Great Divergence: Europe and Modern Economic Growth

    By: Sophus A. Reinert
    • April 2015 (Revised October 2019)
    • Faculty Research

    The Great Divergence: Europe and Modern Economic Growth

    By: Sophus A. Reinert
Related Work
  • The Great Divergence: Europe and Modern Economic Growth By: Sophus A. Reinert
  • The Great Divergence: Europe and Modern Economic Growth By: Sophus A. Reinert
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