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The impact of the American Civil War on city growth

Author

Listed:
  • Marcos Sanso-Navarro

    (Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Fernando Sanz

    (Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain)

  • María Vera-Cabello

    (Centro Universitario de la Defensa de Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

This paper analyses the persistence of the shock caused by the American Civil War on the relative city size distribution of the USA. Two features make the study of this conflict interesting. First, it took place at an earlier stage of the industrialisation and urbanisation processes than those previously analysed in the related literature. Second, the battles were fought in the open field, not in urban areas. In line with previous results for the Second World War in Japanese and German cities, our findings suggest that the effects of the shock were transitory. Furthermore, some evidence regarding the possible presence of a ‘safe harbour effect’ is reported.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcos Sanso-Navarro & Fernando Sanz & María Vera-Cabello, 2015. "The impact of the American Civil War on city growth," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 52(16), pages 3070-3085, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:52:y:2015:i:16:p:3070-3085
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098014553553
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    References listed on IDEAS

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