Includes bibliographical references (pages 369-390) and index.

Persistent debate, a new approach, more data, rich findings -- Colonial incomes on the eve of the Revolution -- When did colonial America get rich? -- Losing the lead: the cost of revolution and independence -- Unequal economic growth, 1800-1860 -- The Civil War: growth lost, freedom gained, inequality maintained -- Contending forces: American incomes across the late nineteenth century -- The greatest leveling of all time -- Rising inequality once more, since the 1970s -- Inequality and growth: history lessons for the future -- Appendix A. A guide to the 1774 and 1800 income estimates -- Appendix B. Salaries, payment in kind, and workdays -- Appendix C. Estimating slaves' retained earnings, colonial times to 1860 -- Appendix D. American versus British prices, 1640-1875 -- Appendix E. A guide to the 1860 income estimates, and some modifications for 1850 -- Appendix F. A guide to the 1870 income estimates -- Appendix G. Farm operators' incomes in 1870 -- Appendix H. Sources and notes to tables and figures in main text.

"Unequal Gains offers a radically new understanding of the economic evolution of the United States, providing a complete picture of the uneven progress of America from colonial times to today."--Provided by publisher.

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