War, finance, and mercantilism -- Great divergence, fiscal-military state and economic policy -- From trading cities to territorial states -- The "military revolution" -- The rise of the fiscal state -- Different paths to public finance and fiscal systems -- European states and the crisis of the...

"Lombardy, with about 10 million inhabitants, is today the most populated and prosperous region of Italy, and Milan is a renowned capital of art, fashion and design. During the 19th century until WWI, the region gradually became the leader in Italy's economic development and distinguished itself...

1. Antecedents to the factory system -- 2. Early spinning mills and localisation -- 3. The new cotton factories : a short chronology -- 4. The expansion of trade : organisation and development -- 5. Local loan markets and social networks -- 6. Setting up a new plant -- 7. Financial sources and...