Discussion:
Why did China not improve its non-agricultural technology in the period 1680-1800? Agricultural technology was already at high level, and it continued to improve during this period, permitting living standards at least to be maintained despite the large increase in population. But there was little progress in non-agricultural technology and China did not seem to be on the verge of an Industrial Revolution. You have read two articles by Pomeranz (Without Coal...) and Landes (JEP 2006). Drawing on these two articles, explain in your own words what you think are the most compelling causes of China's technological stagnation at a time when Europe was progressing rapidly.