LA/CA
THE ARCHIVE TRENTON MANHATTAN    GUANGZHOU ROTTERDAM NAROIBI    

The
Archive





Welcome to the Archive

Britannica defines economic history as a “branch of historiography concerned with the history and development of economic systems and, more broadly, with the investigation of economic aspects of historical societies.” [1] In order to comprehensively understand the state of economic and labor relations in any place today, it is important to have a clear view of the history that precedes it. In the academic world, there are entire journals dedicated to the study economic history, like The Economic History Review [2] and The Journal of Economic History. [3] The study of economic history also encompasses an investigation into the socioeconomics of a particular place over a period of time. The social history of economy, labor, and place is an extremely important context for modern relations within a place and between places.

In this project, I investigate different cities and gather primary source resources about the labor and economic history of these places. I’ve compiled my findings here. I hope to cultivate a living archival project that continues to grow and develop as my interest and commitments grow and develop. In addition to the basic facts and information of economy and labor throughout history, I am drawn to photo and document sources that give us insight into these cities at different points in time. 

Active Archives

Trenton

Today, Trenton is a city that is in a continual fight for growth and improvement. Once a national center of industry, the city now is looking to make improvements to its downtown, industrial areas, and neighborhoods. [4] However, Trenton has a long history of manufacturing, industry, and business development – one of almost two hundred years. [5] From Mahlon Stacy’s grist mill to weapons manufacturing in World War II, Trenton’s economic and labor history is rich. 
For a deeper dive into Trenton’s history, please visit the Trenton Archive section of this site.

Manhattan

New York is now the finance capital of both the United States of America and, in many ways, of the world. Although New York was not always this way – for example, the first bank and stock exchange in the U.S. was built in Philadelphia, not New York – New York has since overtaken all other major cities as the major financial center of the country. [6] With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, New York began to dominate commercial trade, which in turn opened the doors for its boom in the financial world. New York became the center of both imports and exports, and for the longest time its major competitors could not keep up. [7]
To learn more about Manhattan’s economic and labor history, please visit the Manhattan Archive section of this site. 

Guangzhou

Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, is one of the oldest and most significant economic centers in China. Its history as a trade and commercial hub dates back over two millennia, evolving from an ancient maritime port to a modern metropolis central to China's industrial and innovation landscapes. This paper examines the economic history of Guangzhou, highlighting its role in global trade, industrial development, and its transformation under modern economic reforms.
To learn more about Guangzhou’s economic and labor history, please visit the Guangzhou Archive section of this site.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam, the second-largest city in the Netherlands, has a rich and dynamic economic history. Known for its port—the largest in Europe and a linchpin of global commerce—Rotterdam has evolved from a modest fishing village in the Middle Ages to a modern metropolis central to international trade and logistics. This paper examines the economic history of Rotterdam, focusing on its growth as a maritime hub, its industrial transformations, and its role in the global economy.
To learn more about Rotterdam’s economic and labor history, please visit the Rotterdam Archive section of this site.

Nairobi

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, boasts a vibrant economic history shaped by its colonial origins, post-independence growth, and modern integration into global markets. As the largest city in East Africa, Nairobi has evolved from a modest railway depot to a bustling metropolis that drives regional trade, finance, and innovation. This paper explores the economic history of Nairobi, examining its origins, growth under British colonial rule, challenges during post-independence, and its modern economic development.
To learn more about Nairobi‘s economic and labor history, please visit the Nairobi Archive section of this site.
[1] https://www.britannica.com/money/economic-history
[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14680289
[3] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-economic-history/all-issues
[4] https://trenton250.org/topic-reports/economic-development-report
[5] https://www.trentonhistory.org/His/industries.html
[6] https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/022516/how-new-york-became-center-american-finance.asp
[7] https://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/money-power-and-the-rise-of-nyc