Despite its strategic position in Europe and its role as an instigator of revolutionary changes, France has never been an economic superpower. Jacques Attali explains why.
New York's decline in the 1970s signalled California's rise. Driven by a creative and innovative Silicon Valley, the Golden State soon became the richest in the United States. But for how long?
New York, the most populous urbanised area in the world in the early 1920s, started to decline when its budget and economy were burdened with military and social spendings. Jacques Attali explains the city's economic development from 1929 to 1980.
By the end of the 19th century, the United States had set up the industrial production of electric motors, an invention that deeply transformed American society and lead to a war economy.
At the end of the 19th century, Boston, on the east coast of the United States, became the centre of global trade and industry, thanks notably to the combination of oil, the internal combustion engine, and the motor car.
At the beginning of 19th century, London was the heart of the world's market, with the pound as the main market currency. The city was a focal point for innovators, industrialists and intellectuals until it was overwhelmed by its own dominance.
Thanks to the power of steam and the growing cotton industry, London at the end of 17th century was on its way to becoming the first market democracy, creating real power for Great Britain.
Amsterdam's importance on the world stage exploded in the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to sophisticated maritime development, advances in agriculture and industry, and the early development of international financial markets.
In the 16th century, Genoa ruled the trading of goods across the Mediterranean. But the growing influence of the Atlantic countries on trade eventually began to threaten the major economic role of the small republic.
In the 15th century, Antwerp became the main place for trading of goods from all over Europe, the Antwerp Bourse being Europe's main financial centre. But speculation and religious wars put an end to Antwerp's hegemony.
