Why isn’t the whole world developed? Economic history and imperial interventions
Why isn’t the whole world developed? Economic history and imperial interventions
Thursday 17 Oct 2024CAGE has partnered with Discover EconomicsLink opens in a new window, a Royal Economic Society initiative, to produce a set of videos which looks at political history from a new angle and inspire young people into a career in economics.
It is part of a national campaign to help schools to broaden the appeal of economics to potential students; change their perceptions of economics and economists; and attract more students from under-represented groups.
The resource draws on CAGE’s expertise in economic history and its global academic network. It brings together internationally renowned experts to explore the long-term impacts of colonisation and imperial interventions on the economy and society of Africa and India.
Why is Africa so poor?
Why is Africa considered the world’s poorest continent on earth? Is it caused by colonialism or something more unique that prevented economic development? Nathan Nunn, Economic Historian explores the long-term effects of Africa’s slave trades and the impact it still has on its economic poverty today. Watch the video
Link opens in a new windowWhy are some nations still paying the price of colonialism today?
Why does it seem that countries with inclusive institutions are richer and more economically developed? Could the mortality of settlers play a part? Economist James Johnson demonstrates his research into the role of institutions and their impact on the economic growth of a country. Watch the video
Link opens in a new windowAre Africa’s colonial borders holding it back?
During the 19th century European colonisers partitioned Africa, separating existing ethnic groups across multiple nations. Economist Stelios Michalopoulos discusses the far-reaching impact of these colonial borders and their contribution to higher levels of instability which has slowed the path to development for many African nations. Watch the video
Is colonialism responsible for medical mistrust in Africa
Why are African communities suspicious of western medicine? During colonial rule, some African communities were forced to receive medical treatments that were painful, debilitating and sometimes fatal. Economist Sara Lowes explains how the experience has affected trust in modern medicine – a medical mistrust which still exists today. Watch the video
Why India stayed poor until Independence
In 1947 when India became independent from the British Empire it was one of the poorest countries in the world. But it wasn’t always this way. CAGE Impact Director, Bishnupriya Gupta discusses the influence of European trade and lack of agricultural investment on India’s decline - and how independence was a turning point in the country’s growth. Watch the video
Did colonialism really cause poverty?
One hundred years ago Britain had an empire which spanned the globe throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Today the British Empire is a distant memory - but what are the long terms consequences of colonial rule? And did colonialism really cause poverty? Lakshmi Iyer Economic Historian explores why some former colonies grew wealthy while others faced decades of poverty and deprivation. Watch the video
Did the slave trade make Britain rich?
Average incomes grew in Britain rapidly in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, transforming the country. But where did Britain’s wealth come from? Economists explore the increase in growth and the impact of the slave trade on the Industrial Revolution. Watch the videoLink opens in a new window
