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The panopticon of Germany’s foreign trade, 1880–1913: New facts on the first globalization
[Economics and the modern economic historian]

Author

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  • Wolf-Fabiann Hungerland
  • Nikolaus Wolf

Abstract

We present and analyze the panopticon of Germany’s foreign trade, with new data on all products, all trade partners, quantities, and values, at annual frequency, 1880–1913. Historical product categories are reclassified according to the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) to ensure comparability over time and across countries. Germany became increasingly specialized in manufacturing, in line with theories of comparative advantage. However, most trade growth occurred along the extensive margin, and 20–25 percent of trade was intra-industry trade, at five-digit SITC. Both facts suggest substantial within-sector heterogeneity. We discuss why this matters for our understanding of the first globalization.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolf-Fabiann Hungerland & Nikolaus Wolf, 2022. "The panopticon of Germany’s foreign trade, 1880–1913: New facts on the first globalization [Economics and the modern economic historian]," European Review of Economic History, European Historical Economics Society, vol. 26(4), pages 479-507.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:ereveh:v:26:y:2022:i:4:p:479-507.
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    References listed on IDEAS

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