Localized or generalized growth? Structural breaks and the two views of the industrial revolution

Abstract

'This paper uses an endogenous structural breaks procedure that provides additional evidence on two alternative views of the British Industrial Revolution. The tests are carried out for two periods: 1750-1800 and 1800-1850. The empirical results show that structural breaks occurred in most British industries throughout the period, suggesting that growth was pervasive and not localized in the iron and cotton industries. Growth accelerated in most industries throughout the period, which indicates an increasing dynamism of the British economy.' (author's abstract)