An Economist’s Guide to Economic History pp 133-141 | Cite as
Famine and Disease
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Abstract
The infrequency of severe mortality crises and the low prevalence of famine and disease are characteristics of modern industrial and post-industrial societies. Understanding the processes leading to their decline, and the associated improvements in living standards and life expectancy, is a precondition for knowing what is needed to prevent their re-emergence. This chapter provides a historical perspective on famine and disease to help overcome the lack of knowledge on these rare events.
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