This book provides a comprehensive survey of Soviet economic development from 1917 to 1965 in the context of the prerevolutionary economy. In these years the Soviet Union was transformed from a predominantly agrarian country into a major industrial power. These developments resulted in great economic achievements at great human cost. Professor Davies discusses the inherent faults and strengths of the Soviet system, paying particular attention to the major controversies, and presents the results of recent Russian and Western research.

This book is the first attempt to focus on the long-term process of economic change in pre-Communist China. It examines the extent to which China had become a modern economy by 1950 and analyzes the origins of some of the "modern" features in the traditional economy. With maps, tables and bibliography to guide the student, this concise study will provide an invaluable introduction to crucial aspects of Chinese history.

This volume examines the growth and development of English towns in the critical period between 1650 and 1850. Christopher Chalklin surveys market and county towns, port and manufacturing centers, new dockyard towns, spas and seaside resorts. He discusses house and public building, education, work and leisure activities, public duties and politics, and contrasts the emerging middle classes with the artisan and laboring masses. This concise study draws especially on recent publications incorporating new knowledge and interpretations. It will be a valuable resource for students of economic,...

Italy was a poor, backward country compared with its neighbors to the north and west in 1861. Most of its people were farmers relying on traditional techniques and ancient forms of organization to survive. Few would have believed that within a century, the country would become one of the largest industrial powerhouses, and its people among the wealthiest in the world. This book provides a brief, up-to-date account of the literature that chronicles Italy's remarkable growth and structural change, emphasizing new views on old issues.

This volume examines the growth and development of English towns in the critical period between 1650 and 1850. Christopher Chalklin surveys market and county towns, port and manufacturing centers, new dockyard towns, spas and seaside resorts. He discusses house and public building, education, work and leisure activities, public duties and politics, and contrasts the emerging middle classes with the artisan and laboring masses. This concise study draws especially on recent publications incorporating new knowledge and interpretations. It will be a valuable resource for students of economic,...

Dr. Theo Balderston explores the relevance of the politics of the Weimar Republic to its economic history. Tracing the origins, political fragility and eventual destruction of the unstable government in terms of the economic realities of interwar Germany, this book provides a comprehensive survey of sources otherwise inaccessible to students. Covering the Peace Treaty and reparations payments, the spiralling inflation of the twenties and the slump which led to the collapse of the republic, this is an indispensable guide to an extremely significant period in European economic history.

Was the Nazi party a predominantly middle-class party or a people's party? The social background of the supporters of Nazism has been the subject of intense debate since the early 1930s. Detlef MUhlberger summarizes the answer to this question in his text. Based on extensive sociological and psephological evidence and supported by many tables, it reveals that Nazi support came from every social class level.

In reviewing major issues concerning the history of British trade unions in the last two-thirds of the twentieth century, this book discusses many controversial aspects of trade unions. It includes their economic impact (a cause of higher unemployment and lower productivity?) and their influence on government (unelected partners?). The book provides students with an accessible introduction to the recent history of British trade unionism.

This historical and comparative overview of family business examines the different relationships within family businesses and among family enterprises, as well as different political and institutional contexts. Andrea Colli compares the performance of family businesses with that of other economic organizations, and looks at how these enterprises have contributed to the evolution of contemporary industrial capitalism. He also analyzes the reasons for both the decline and persistence of family businesses.

This book presents a concise and accessible introduction to the various issues and debates surrounding women and their position in medieval society. Professor Mate examines the role women played in the economy, clarifies legal provisions for women and highlights the importance of class, as well as gender, in determining marriage and opportunities.