EH.Net Abstracts in Economic History

  EHS Abstract Submission
                    (c) 1997 EH.Net
-----------------------------------------------------------
              Name:  Robert A. Margo
               Email:  margora at ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu
         Institution:  Vanderbilt University
 
         Co-author:  Lynne L. Kiesling, Department of Economics,
College of William and Mary, Williamsburg,  Virginia 23187
 
             Title:  Explaining the Rise in Antebellum Pauperism,
1850-1860: New Evidence
 
  Internet Address
of abstracted work:  Not available on the Internet
 
           By mail:  
                     Professor Robert A. Margo
                     Calhoun 412, Department of Economics
                     Vanderbilt University
                     Nashville TN 37235
 
          Language:  English
 
          Abstract:
   Between 1850 and 1860 the total public "pauper rate"--the
number of individuals receiving public assistance per 1,000
population--increased from 5.8 to 10.2. We explore the
determinants of the rise in antebellum pauperism using previously
unexploited archival data. Changing labor market conditions,
urbanization, and immigration led to a marked increase in the
demand for public assistance.  Antebellum taxpayers, however,
were unwilling to maintain the generosity of relief at existing
levels in the face of the rise in demand.
 
      Bibliography:  Kiesling, Lynne L., and Robert A. Margo.
"Explaining the Rise in Antebellum Pauperism, 1850-1860: New
Evidence." Working Paper, Department of Economics, Vanderbilt
University, Nashville TN 37235. Revised version of NBER
Historical Working Paper No. 92.
 
                  Subject:  P
 Geographical Area:  7
      Country/Region:  USA
           Time Period:  7