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The Political Economy of Land Privatization in Argentina and Australia, 1810–1850: A Puzzle

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  • Dye, Alan
  • La Croix, Sumner

Abstract

In early public land privatization, governments in New South Wales and Buenos Aires provided for de jure transfer of public lands. In New South Wales the government lost control; squatters rushed out unlawfully and seized de facto frontier claims. But in Buenos Aires privatization was accomplished by de jure transfers. Why did British settlers reject de jure transfers from a government, most able to secure property rights and rule of law, while settlers of the pampa frontier, where property-rights security was doubtful, complied with de jure transfers? We find that the revenue objective and violence on the frontier explain this puzzle.

Suggested Citation

  • Dye, Alan & La Croix, Sumner, 2013. "The Political Economy of Land Privatization in Argentina and Australia, 1810–1850: A Puzzle," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 73(4), pages 901-936, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:73:y:2013:i:04:p:901-936_00
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    Cited by:

    1. Ann M. Carlos & Erik Green & Calumet Links & Angela Redish, 2025. "Early modern globalization and the extent of indigenous agency: Trade, commodities and ecology," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 78(3), pages 721-748, August.
    2. Dongwoo Yoo & Edwyna Harris, 2016. "Conditions of Successful Land Reform: A Study of Micronesia," Australian Economic History Review, Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 56(3), pages 292-316, November.
    3. Craig Palsson & Seth Porter, 2025. "The inefficacy of land titling programs: homesteading in Haiti, 1933–1950," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 203(1), pages 277-303, April.
    4. Edwyna Harris & Sumner La Croix, 2021. "Australia’s Forgotten Copper Mining Boom: Understanding How South Australia Avoided Dutch Disease, 1843–1850," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 97(318), pages 424-439, September.
    5. Faguet, Jean-Paul & Sanches, Fábio & Villaveces, Marta-Juanita, 2016. "The paradox of land reform, inequality and local development in Colombia," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 67193, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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