The Great Divergence Overview

A set of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from The Great Divergence lecture notes.

The Great Divergence

The sharp rise of Western wealth and power relative to Asia, particularly China, during the 19th century.

Manchu Empire

The last imperial dynasty of China, which lasted from 1644 until 1912 and reached its cultural and economic high point during the 18th century.

Economic Decline

The period after 1800 when the Manchu Empire experienced a marked relative decline compared to the West.

Pomeranz's Thesis

Challenges the notion that 'culture' explains the Great Divergence, instead emphasizing ecological and structural factors.

Technological Innovation

The rapid advancement in technology that was more effectively promoted in Britain due to its political and economic systems.

Industrial Production

The significant increase in the production and consumption of goods, which rose dramatically in Britain relative to China.

Women's Earnings

In the 18th century, Chinese women earned more comparably relative to men than their European counterparts.

Rural-Urban Migration

The movement of people from rural areas to cities, which was slow in China due to cultural and institutional factors.

Land Constraints

The limitations in land availability in China due to increasing population and its subdivision, impacting production.

Coal and Colonies

Decisive factors in Europe's industrial development that alleviated land pressures and stimulated urban migration.

Malthusian Trap

A situation where population growth outpaces agricultural production, leading to famine and poverty; Pomeranz argues Europe escaped this trap.

19th Century Chinese Crises

The Opium Wars, Taiping Rebellion, Sino-Japanese War, and Boxer Rebellion that marked China's decline due to foreign intervention.