Title: Comparative Economic Development: Geography and Institutions in México and Spain, 19th and 20th centuries

Contact Information: Graciela Márquez Colín, Colegio de México, Centro de Estudios Económicos, Camino al Ajusco nº 20, México D.F. 10740. Ph: (525) 449-3000 ext. 4059. Fax: (525) 645-0464. Email: gmarquez@colmex.mx

Other Organizers: John, H. Coatsworth (History Department/Director of the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, Harvard University); Aurora Gómez-Galvarriato (Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económica, México); Rafael Dobado (Universidad Complutense de Madrid)

Description: In comparing the long run growth trends of Spain and Mexico during the 19th and 20th centuries, we aim at identifying the economic forces that explain differences in the growth path of these two economies. Amongst them we would like to emphasize the role of institutions in shaping their economic development. What were the main effects of economic legislation upon the Spanish and Mexican economies from 1800 to 1950? Did protectionism matter for explaining long term growth? How did human capital formation differ in both countries and how did it influence their outcomes? How did geography and institutions shape the allocation of industry and the formation of domestic markets? How did the slow development of financial markets retard economic growth?

Participants: Aurora Gómez Galvarriato (Mexico); Graciela Márquez (Mexico); Gabriel Tortella (Spain); John Coatsworth (USA); Carlos Bazdresh (Mexico); Emilio Kouri (USA); Francisco Comín (Spain); Daniel Díaz Fuentes (Spain); Luis Jáuregui (Mexico); Mario Cerutti (Mexico); Jesús María Valdaliso (Spain); Gabriela Recio (Mexico) -presented by Graciela Márquez; Clara Eugenia Núnez (Spain); Teresa Bracho (Mexico); Jorge Padua (Mexico); Edward Beatty (USA); Carlos Marichal (Mexico); Gustavo del Angel (Mexico); Antonio Tena (Spain); Rafael Dobado (Spain); Sergio Silva (USA).

Preconference: A preconference for this session was held 4-6 July, 2001, Ciudad México. View the Program (PDF) (HTML) (Microsoft Word).