Solving the longitude puzzle: A story of clocks, ships and cities

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Miotto, Martina; Pascali, Luigi
• 署名单位: University of Padua; Luiss Guido Carli University; Pompeu Fabra University; Barcelona School of Economics; Centre for Economic Policy Research - UK
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0022-1996
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2025.104067
• 发表日期: 2025
• 关键词: Longitude; Chronometer; gravity; GLOBALIZATION; TRADE; Development; colonization

摘要

The chronometer, one of the greatest inventions of the modern era, allowed for the first time for the precise measurement of longitude at sea. We examine the impact of this innovation navigation and urbanization. Our identification strategy leverages the fact that the navigational benefits provided by the chronometer varied across different sea regions depending on the prevailing local weather conditions. Utilizing high-resolution data on climate, ship routes, and urbanization, we argue that the chronometer significantly altered transoceanic sailing routes. This, in turn, had profound effects on the expansion of the British Empire and the global distribution of cities and populations outside Europe.