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Learning by Dying: Combat Performance in the Age of Sail

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  • Benjamin, Daniel K.
  • Tifrea, Anca

Abstract

Between 1660 and 1815 the combat fatality rate among British navy captains fell by 98 percent, even as the combat success of the British Navy rose dramatically. Both developments can be explained as a result of learning by doing among British commanders. This learning was importantly driven by the extensive wartime experience accumulated over this period, combined with the unparalleled financial incentives for combat success offered to British commanders.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin, Daniel K. & Tifrea, Anca, 2007. "Learning by Dying: Combat Performance in the Age of Sail," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 67(4), pages 968-1000, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:67:y:2007:i:04:p:968-1000_00
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    Cited by:

    1. O'Brien, Patrick & Duran, Xavier, 2010. "Total factor productivity for the Royal Navy from victory at Texal (1653) to triumph at Trafalgar (1805)," Economic History Working Papers 27886, London School of Economics and Political Science, Department of Economic History.
    2. Philip T. Hoffman, 2011. "Prices, the military revolution, and western Europe's comparative advantage in violence," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 64, pages 39-59, February.
    3. John R. Boyce & Diane P. Bischak, 2010. "Learning by Doing, Knowledge Spillovers, and Technological and Organizational Change in High-Altitude Mountaineering," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 11(5), pages 496-532, October.
    4. Voth, Hans-Joachim & Xu, Guo, 2019. "Patronage for Productivity: Selection and Performance in the Age of Sail," CEPR Discussion Papers 13963, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.

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