Our World In Data, GDP per capita in England, 1500-1763

Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is an economic measure that shows a country's GDP divided by the country's mid-year population. GDP is the sum of gross value added by all resident producers in the economy plus any product taxes (minus subsidies) not included in the valuation of output.  GDP is used as an indicator of economic growth, which, when sustained, tends to increase average incomes and reduce poverty.  Thus, analyzing GDP per capita, in combination with other factors such as food supply and life expectancy, can help us understand historical standards of living.  Moreover, significant fluctuations in GDP per capita can demonstrate economic instability that would likely be felt by people at the household level. Examining the fluctuating GDP per capita during the period of history depicted in this graph can provide some insight into why indentured servitude in the New World might have been an attractive option for some people. The interactive version of the graph on the site also allows one to view GDP per capita over a longer period of time and provide more perspective on the extremity of the fluctuations.