D'Maris Coffman -- The Corn Laws: Seeing through the Eyes of Ricardo and Malthus

The video introduces D'Maris Coffman, a fellow at Newnham College, Cambridge, and her project on English Agricultural Markets and Corn Returns. It explores the historical significance of Corn Returns, their role in economic theories by Ricardo, and the methodological critiques of historical data. The video also discusses historical debates on Corn Laws and John Horton's contributions. Finally, it covers Coffman's academic journey and insights into economic history.

What was the primary focus of D'Maris Coffman's project discussed in the video?

• The history of agricultural tools

• The impact of the Industrial Revolution on agriculture

• English Agricultural Markets and the State: Corn Returns 1685-1864

• The role of technology in modern agriculture

How did early economists use the data from corn returns?

• To predict weather patterns

• To develop economic theories like Ricardo's Corn Model

• To improve agricultural tools

• To create new tax laws

What was a key methodological critique of data collection in the 18th and 19th centuries?

• The over-reliance on qualitative data

• The absence of any data collection

• The use of too many variables

• The lack of modern statistical techniques

How were economic debates conducted in the 18th century?

• Through radio broadcasts

• Using online forums

• Via television debates

• Through correspondence and publications like the Gentleman's Magazine

Who was John Horton and what was his contribution to economic thought?

• A famous economist who invented the GDP

• An exotic grocer and apothecary who published corn returns

• A politician who opposed the Corn Laws

• A scientist who developed new agricultural tools

What realization did D'Maris Coffman have during her time at Wharton Business School?

• That Wharton focused solely on historical economics

• That economic history and historical economics are the same

• That financial history is purely quantitative

• That economic history and historical economics are distinct fields

What is a common criticism of quantitative approaches in financial history?

• They ignore historical context

• They are not interesting or robust enough

• They are too focused on storytelling

• They lack rigorous analysis