Locomotives of Local Growth: The Short- and Long-Term Impact of Railroads in Sweden
Author
Summary, in English
This paper studies the impact of railroads on town-level growth in Sweden over 150 years. Our analysis builds on the fact that railroads historically were extended quasi-randomly across towns. Towns that gained access to a rail connection grew larger relative to other
towns, with large negative spillovers on unconnected nearby towns. Over the 20th century, we find little adjustment to the initial shock in town populations, despite a sharp reversal in relative connectivity. Evidence on historical investments and present-day factors is consistent with this temporary shock giving rise to path dependence in the location of economic activity.
towns, with large negative spillovers on unconnected nearby towns. Over the 20th century, we find little adjustment to the initial shock in town populations, despite a sharp reversal in relative connectivity. Evidence on historical investments and present-day factors is consistent with this temporary shock giving rise to path dependence in the location of economic activity.
Department/s
Publishing year
2014
Language
English
Publication/Series
Lund Papers in Economic History. General Issues
Issue
132
Full text
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Document type
Working paper
Publisher
Department of Economic History, Lund University
Topic
- Economic History
Keywords
- Path Dependence
- Urban Growth
- Transport Infrastructure
Status
Published