Abstract
Much of the work on colonialism has been theoretical or anecdotal. In this paper, I close the gap between the literature on development and new growth theory by testing the effect of colonization on subsequent growth and development. In a sample of 63 ex-colonial states from 1961-1990, I find that colonies that were held for longer periods of time than other countries tend to perform better, on average, after independence. Finally, I show that the level of education at the time of independence can help to explain much of the development gap between the former British and French colonies in Africa.
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Grier, R.M. Colonial legacies and economic growth. Public Choice 98, 317–335 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018322908007
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018322908007