Dr. Walker Hanlon

Biography

W. Walker Hanlon is an Associate Professor of Economics at Northwestern University with a courtesy appointment in the Department of History. He co-directs Northwestern’s Center for Economic History. His research focuses on understanding how economies evolve over the long run using novel historical data, with particular emphasis on Britain and the broader North Atlantic economy from the late 18th century to World War I. He is especially interested in questions related to technological progress, urbanization, demography, international trade, and environmental issues. Currently, he is working on a book titled 'Laissez-Faire Experiment,' which examines the British government's approach during the long nineteenth century, under contract with Princeton University Press. His recent research delves into the emergence of the engineering profession during the Industrial Revolution, the impact of the Bradlaugh-Besant trial of 1877, and the health costs associated with air pollution in British cities during the nineteenth century.

Research Interests