Why Nations Fail

C
HAPTER
 10 : T
HE
 D
IFFUSION OF
 P
ROSPERITY
This chapter builds heavily on our previous research with
Simon Johnson and Davide Cantoni: Acemoglu, Johnson,
and Robinson (2002) and Acemoglu, Cantoni, Johnson,
and Robinson (2010, 2011).
Our discussion of the development of early institutions in
Australia follows the seminal work of Hirst (1983, 1988,
2003) and Neal (1991). The original manuscript of the writ
issued to Judge Collins is available (thanks to the
Macquarie University Law School in Australia) at
www.law.mq.edu.au/scnsw/html/Cable%20v%20Sinclair,%201788.htm
.
Macarthur’s characterization of Wentworth’s supporters
is quoted from Melbourne (1963), pp. 131–32.
Our discussion of the origins of the Rothschilds follows
Ferguson (1998); Mayer Rothschild’s remark to his son is
reproduced from Ferguson, p. 76.
Our discussion of the impact of the French on European
institutions is taken from Acemoglu, Cantoni, Johnson, and
Robinson (2010, 2011) and the references therein. See
Doyle (2002) for a standard overview of the French
Revolution. Information on the feudal dues in Nassau-
Usingen is from Lenger (2004), p. 96. Ogilivie (2011)
overviews the historical impact of guilds on European
development.
For a treatment of the life of (Ōkubo Toshimichi, see
Iwata (1964). Sakamoto Ryūma’s eight-point plan is
reproduced from Jansen (2000), p. 310.

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C
HAPTER
 11 : T
HE
 V
IRTUOUS
 C
IRCLE
Our discussion of the Black Act follows Thompson
(1975). Baptist Nunn’s report of June 27 is from Thompson
(1975), pp. 65–66. The other quotes are from Thompson’s
section on the rule of law, pp. 258–69, which is well worth
reading in its entirety.
Our approach to democratization in England is based on
Acemoglu and Robinson (2000a, 2001, and 2006a). Earl
Grey’s speech is quoted from Evans (1996), p. 223.
Stephens’s comment about democracy is quoted in Briggs
(1959), p. 34. Thompson’s quote is from Thompson (1975),
p. 269.
The entire text of the People’s Charter can be found in
Cole 
and 
Filson 
(1951) 
and 
at
web.bham.ac.uk/1848/document/peoplech.htm
.
The quote from Burke is taken from Burke (1790/1969),
p. 152.
Lindert (2004, 2009) is a seminal treatment of the
coevolution of democracy and public policy over the past
two hundred years.
Keyssar (2009) is a seminal introduction to the evolution
of political rights in the United States. Vanderbilt is quoted
in Josephson (1934), p. 15. The text of Roosevelt’s
address is at 
www.theodore-roosevelt.com/sotu1.html
.
The quote from Woodrow Wilson is from Wilson (1913),
p. 286.
The text of President Roosevelt’s Fireside Chat can be
found 
at 
miller-
center.org/scripps/archive/speeches/detail/3309
.
Data on the relative tenure of Supreme Court justices in
Argentina and the United States is presented in Iaryczower,
Spiller, and Tommasi (2002). Helmke (2004) discusses the
history of court packing in Argentina and quotes Justice
Carlos Fayt.

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