Depression, War, and Cold War: Studies in Political Economy.by Higgs New<|

Oxford University Press Inc

Explore the intricate links between government policies, war, and the economy with Robert Higgs' seminal work, "Depression, War, and Cold War: Studies in Political Economy." This book offers a unique and scholarly economic perspective, challenging conventional wisdom on historical economic recoveries, particularly in relation to World War II. Higgs delves into American economic history from the Great Depression through the Cold War, analyzing the impact of government actions on the private sector, the economic consequences of wartime procurement, and the transition to peacetime economies. He further examines the Cold War era, scrutinizing the relationship between Congress and defense spending, the profitability of defense contractors, and the influence of public opinion and rhetoric on sustained defense expenditures. This updated edition refines earlier arguments with new evidence and statistical analysis, making it essential reading for students, researchers, and anyone interested in political economy and economic history. Key themes include: - The economic impact of government policies during the Great Depression and World War II. - The role of war in shaping economic recovery and the transition to peace. - The dynamics of defense spending and its economic consequences during the Cold War. - A critical economic analysis of imperialistic tendencies and warfare. Summary: "Depression, War, and Cold War" by Robert Higgs, published by Oxford University Press, offers a deep dive into political economy and economic history, examining the intertwined effects of major historical events on the American economy.