The Rise of Effective States in Europe. (27th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dincecco, Mark
• Is Part Of: Journal of economic history. Volume 75:Number 3(2015)
• Page Start: 901
• Page End: 918
• Publication Date: 2015-08-27
• Subjects: Economic history -- Periodicals; 330.9005
• DOI: 10.1017/S002205071500114X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0507

Abstract

Abstract : This review article examines the development of state capacity—the extractive and productive power of states— in European history. To explain the historical evolution of state capacity, I focus on the role of political innovations. I relate state capacity improvements to long-run economic growth and the establishment of twentieth-century welfare states. The article concludes with historical lessons for developing nations today."In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." James Madison (1788, p. 257)