Wealth and Poverty: An Economic History of the Twentieth Century

The world in which an empire could be gained or lost on a battlefield has long since passed into one where power means production and where empires grow out of industry and commerce. From the collapse of once-mighty Britain, with its closed factories and lost colonies, to the rise of Japan out of the destruction of war, it is economic developments, to an unprecedented extent, that have shaped the history of our century.
With over 300 photographs and 50 pieces of full-color artwork and maps, Wealth and Poverty offers a lively, accessible survey of the economic history of the twentieth century. From the Russian Revolution to the roaring twenties and the Great Depression, to war and the Marshall Plan, to the rise of the Far East and the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, the authors bring the rapid changes of the past nine decades to life, vividly demonstrating the central role of economics in shaping our times. Edited by Sidney Pollard--joined by consultant editors Carlo Cipolla and David Landes--this volume interweaves political and economic developments, probing the rise of new technology, the impact of war and revolution, the challenge of socialism, and the emergence of multinationals. Special features debate issues of particular importance, such as urban unemployment, the destruction of rain forests, and Japanese management techniques. And throughout, scores of informatively captioned photographs and detailed capsule biographies bring the images and personalities of the century to life.
Many people are intimidated by economics. They don't understand its terminology, its principles, or its impact on world affairs. Wealth and Poverty, with its expansive scope and accessible format, brings this difficult subject into perspective, vividly portraying the drama of a century in which the almighty dollar--or yen--has guided the fate of nations.