Super Short Summary

The Great Divergence by Kenneth Pomeranz examines how Europe, particularly England, managed to rapidly outpace Asia, particularly China's Jiangnan region, in the wake of the Industrial Revolution. Pomeranz attributes this divergence primarily to Europe's abundant coal reserves and its exploitation of the Americas and Africa, challenging the notion that Europe was inherently superior. The book also critiques historical misconceptions, illustrating how both continents were initially similar in wealth and power except in key dimensions. The narrative delves into detailed comparisons of demography, markets, luxury consumption, labor, and ecology, ultimately suggesting that the divergent paths were influenced by a combination of luck and geographic advantages. The book includes discussions of exploitation and criminal acts associated with colonialism.