by Jim Rose in economic growth, economic history, macroeconomics Tags: British economy, Canada, convergence, industrial revolution

The USA only overtook Britain in per capita GDP per capita in purchasing power parity terms early in the 20th century. Canada overtook the mother country in the post-war period.

Figure 1: British, American and Canadian GDP per capita (1990 Int. GK$PPP), 1775 – 2010

Source: The Maddison-Project, http://www.ggdc.net/maddison/maddison-project/home.htm 2013 version.

Figure 2: British, American and Canadian GDP per capita (1990 Int. GK$PPP), 1775 – 1870

Source: The Maddison-Project, http://www.ggdc.net/maddison/maddison-project/home.htm 2013 version.

Figure 3: British, American and Canadian GDP per capita (1990 Int. GK$PPP), 1870 – 2010

Source: The Maddison-Project, http://www.ggdc.net/maddison/maddison-project/home.htm 2013 version.