We have woven together three strands of U.S. economic history in Economics 113: economic growth, development of infrastructure, and inequities in economic treatment.

We have woven together three strands of U.S. economic history in Economics 113: economic growth, development of infrastructure, and inequities in economic treatment. Sometimes these three strands came together in one tale. For example, we discussed the removal of Native Americans from the land, the financial and governmental institutions that enabled increases in land ownership, and the role of increased land and land productivity in contributing to economic growth. We also discussed inequities in the context of slavery, discrimination, and distribution of income and wealth. Economic historians — and hopefully now you, too — believe that studying history can provide new perspectives on recent economic patterns and on the potential for further economic growth and development in the 21st century.

In this essay, you will:
• First, set the stage. Present and explain the aggregate production function that can be used to discuss issues of growth in contemporary and historical contexts. Show the relationship between output per capita (Y/P) and its determining factors. Highlight the theoretical sources of growth. Discuss the role for development of infrastructure.

• Next, illustrate the three strands of economic history (growth, infrastructure, inequities). Choose three examples — one illustrating growth, one illustrating development, one illustrating inequity — with one example from each of three time periods: pre-1860, 1860-1940, and 1940-2000.

For each example, describe the historical event/episode. How does it illustrate economic growth, development, or inequities in economic history? What happened? Why? How? What was the impact? The determinants? Provide any relevant economic analysis.

The more specific and complete your examples, the more coherent your writing, and the more appropriate your examples to a discussion of American economic history, the better your grade.

• Conclude your essay by pointing to the future. As we enter the 21st century, what is the potential for further economic growth? What are the likely sources of and impact of further infrastructure development? What is the potential for future inequities?