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Development of underdevelopment: the coal industry and its effect on the West Virginia economy, 1880-1930

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6793310
This study investigates the transition from an agricultural pre-capitalist economy to an underdeveloped capitalist economy in West Virginia from 1880 to 1930. The focus is the coal industry, which stimulated the transition, and the study asks why the growth induced was so limited in its long-range impact even in those counties where coal and manufacturing development actually occurred. The study is divided into three parts: the first two review the organization of capital and labor in the coal industrty, and the third analyzes the impact of the coal industry on economic development in the coal counties of West Virginia. It is shown that despite differences throughout the West Virginia coalfields, a significant increase in per capita incomes occurred, but the basis for self-sustained growth was not achieved. The failure of growth to lead to development is attributed to the impact of the coal industry on capital accumulation, occupational structure, internal markets, labor participation rates, state revenues and expenditures, and the general business climate. The negative effect of the coal industry, furthermore, must be understood within the context of the intense struggle between capital and labor in that industry.
OSTI ID:
6793310
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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