France's slower urbanization compared to Britain was influenced by agricultural productivity and hindered economic catch-up.
France's unique history and educational system are key factors in understanding its economic development.
The myth of free-trade Britain is challenged by historical evidence showing France's lower tariffs in the late 19th century.
Deep dives
France's Economic History from 17th to 19th Centuries
France's per capita income was about 70% that of Great Britain due to factors like being more agricultural, slower urbanization, and lower agricultural productivity, leading to a delay in catching up economically.
Transition from French Agriculture to Industry
France's slow agricultural-to-industrial transition, affected by land taxes and regulations favoring agriculture, hindered urbanization and industrial growth, posing a significant challenge in understanding French economic history.
France's Catching Up to Britain in Per Capita Income
France caught up to Britain in per capita income around the early 20th century, with the influence of an old imperial tradition and the development of a modern education system shaping France's quality bureaucracy and civil service.
French Economic Thought on Free Trade
In the 19th century, France's economic thought on free trade was initially behind Britain, but gradually equalized, reflecting notable contributions in mathematical economics by French economists like Cournot and Diwapoli.
Myth of Free Trade Britain vs. Protectionist France
The myth of free trade Britain overlooks France having lower average tariffs than Britain from the 1850s to the late 19th century, challenging conventional beliefs and the intellectual origins linked to tariff policies and bilateral trade agreements.
Is John Nye the finest polymath in the George Mason economics department?
Raised in the Philippines and taught to be a well-rounded Catholic gentleman, John Nye learned the importance of a rigorous education from a young age. Indeed, according to Tyler he may very well be the best educated among his colleagues, having studied physics and literature as an undergraduate before earning a master’s and PhD in economics. And his education continues, as he’s now hard at work mastering his fourth language.
On this episode of Conversations with Tyler, Nye explains why it took longer for the French to urbanize than the British, the origins of the myth of free-trade Britain, why Vertigo is one of the greatest movies of all time, why John Stuart Mill is overrated, raising kids in a bilingual household, and much more.