Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty

Chapter 7 highlights the critical developments in England that set the stage for the Industrial Revolution, illustrating how the interplay between political power, economic interests, and technological innovation shaped the path to modern economic growth.

The chapter begins with the story of William Lee, who invented a knitting machine in 1589, only to have his request for a patent denied by both Queen Elizabeth I and James I. The monarchs feared the political implications of such a technology, as it threatened to make many workers redundant. This story exemplifies the concept of “creative destruction,” where new technologies disrupt existing economic and social structures. The resistance of elites and rulers to such innovations often stifled technological progress and economic growth.

The narrative then shifts to the 17th century, highlighting the pivotal role of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England. This revolution marked a shift from extractive to inclusive political institutions, laying the groundwork for economic transformation. Unlike previous conflicts that merely replaced one ruling elite with another, the Glorious Revolution led to a broad coalition of interests, including merchants, industrialists, and other social groups, who collectively demanded more pluralistic political institutions. This new political landscape fostered an environment where