Preliminary Programme

This paper comparatively analyses the evolution of Japanese and Indian textile trade, ca. 1890-1940. It does so by investigating trade related institutions that mediated the extension of textile markets, with a specific focus on the role of the State in their formation. Textile industries in India and Japan commenced in a highly globalized world economy that prevailed in the latter half of the nineteenth century. During this time period, globalisation was characterised by countries who were at markedly different levels of economic development and political statuses, competing and cooperating in interconnected markets for raw materials and finished goods. This conditioned the overarching framework of national policies for industrial development. This paper argues that differences in State intervention in managing external trade was an important reason for their eventual divergence. The role of these differences in trade institutions and their relationship with the development of the textile industries of India and Japan has however not been studied in a comparative perspective. Doing so provides us with a newer insights into role of the State in the divergence debate. (Show less)

Economic nationalism has been a crucial aspect of the European economy during late 19th- mid 20th century, especially after the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian war in 1871, and the formation of the German Empire. This current paper is a fraction of the first Chapter of my PhD thesis, which analyses both Germany and France. The thesis in general focuses causes and impact of the Treaty of Paris, and the foundation of the ECSC.

The study of the German state in this period will be analyzed from a structuralist point of view, meaning that we will examine mainly the forces and links behind the industrial, political, and foreign affairs sectors, which are key elements of the state.

In this paper the coal and steel industries will be examined. As industry, we perceive the output of coal, steel, coke, iron, chemical products, etc., basic elements of the 2nd Industrial Revolution, whose production levels determined the production output, economic growth, and war-waging capabilities of each state. The military-industrial complex was heavily intertwined with the national economy and foreign affairs during the late 19th- early 20th century, in such a way that coal and steel production could be an alternative to economic forecast.

As political/ Macroeconomic Factors we perceive the states investment into education, infrastructure, national health service etc. The interconnections and balance between industry, economy, and foreign affairs, is key to our analysis. All of the above (as well as Industry) are directly derived from original sources such as the German Statistical Yearbook.

As mentioned above, 1871 is a crucial year for Europe since the German Empire was formed, and more importantly, Alsace-Lorraine was annexed by the Germans following the Franco-Prussian War. The annexation of this heavily industrialised province would trigger the animosity between the aforementioned great powers, and unavoidably link the industrial output of coal and steel with the war industry, and foreign policy. This specific timeframe (1871-1914) is crucial not only for European history, but for Global history too, since its practically the prelude of the First World War.

The raison d’etre of this paper is to show light into the components of the German economy & state up to WWI and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the socioeconomic structure, which in large, shaped Europe and the World.

References

Archives
• Statistical Yearbook for the German Reich
• Swiss Statistical Yearbook
• French Statistical Yearbook (Show less)