In chapter 23 of the General Theory Keynes presented Mercantilism as a brave heretical school which intuitively had reached a clear and consistent understanding of economic realities not only of the past but also of today. Why Keynes defended Mercantilism must be understood in terms of his own aspiration to formulate a general theory which could master the old laissez-faire orthodoxy. Too little demand in the economy created a downward spiral of recession and depression. The mercantilists’ plea for a favourable balance of trade show that they understood the positive role of plenty of money in circulation, Keynes argued. Moreover, there existed no automatic self-adjusting mechanisms to keep up employment on a “full” level. Hence statesmen’s interventions to achieve a favourable balance of made sense at this time – as other interventions might be useful in more modern times.
Institutional Login
Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials
Personal login
Log in with your Elgar Online account
-
Show ItemsFront Matter
-
Show ItemsPART I: Life and Work
-
Show ItemsPART II: Influences
-
Show ItemsPART III: Major Work
-
PART IV: Economic Analysis
-
Show ItemsPART V: Critics And Contemporaries
-
Show ItemsPART VI: Associates
-
Show ItemsPART VII: Legacy And Impact
-
Show ItemsPART VIII: Keynesianism In Various Countries
