JEL code N

Economic history

Why did growth start when and where it did?

Emerged 1926

Historians and economists founded the Economic History Society, which publishes the Economic History Review, to promote the study of economic and social history.

SourceEconomic History Society: About (opens in a new tab)

An example

Joel Mokyr (Nobel 2025) argues a culture of useful knowledge in Europe made sustained growth possible.

Big questions it works on

iii · Growth: Why do some economies grow rich while others stay poor?
vi · Rules: What rules and limits shape the economy?