Dating the Great Divergence

Abstract New data on Dutch and British GDP/capita show that at no time prior to 1750, perhaps not before 1800, did the leading countries of northwestern Europe enjoy sustained strong growth in GDP/capita. Such income per head as occur was highly episodic, concentrated a few decades then followed by long periods stagnation head. Moreover, 1800 economies reach levels capita much different from peak achieved hundreds years earlier most developed regions Italy China. When Industrial Revolution began Britain, it preceded patterns pre-modern were any way remarkable, neither real incomes nor exceptional The Great Divergence, seen onset increases despite population growth, achievement beyond peaks, late occurrence, arising only 1800.