Agricultural development in Qing China
Subtitle: a quantitative study, 1661-1911
By: by Shi Zhihong
Series: Global economic history series -- volume 14; Quantitative economic history of China -- volume 3; Global economic history series -- v. 14; Global economic history series -- v. 3
Publisher: Brill
Published: 2017
Place of publication: Leiden; Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 488
ISBN-13: 9789004354920
Copyright date: 2018
Subjects: Agriculture; Economic aspects; History; Agricultural productivity; Economic conditions; Economic history; Qing Dynasty (China)
Description: In 'Agricultural development in Qing China: A quantitative study, 1661-1911' SHI Zhihong offers for the first time an overview of agricultural development in Qing China in the English language. Being by far the largest sector in one of the largest economies in the world, understanding its development is crucial not only for agricultural studies, but also to advance economic debates such as on the Great Divergence. Combining the recent quantitative paradigm with the more traditional scholarly approach, this book uses a great number of primary sources to arrive at new and revised estimates of crucial indicators such as land acreage, crop yield, pasture, and total output. Its main conclusion is that a serious economic and social problem occurred since the mid-Qing, where agriculture was increasingly less able to feed a growing population, which was a major factor contributing to the growing crisis in the rule of the dynasty.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 435-488) and index.