The basic purpose of Williamson's study is to determine whether the Kuznets cycles, or long swings in the domestic economy, have had any consistent effect on U. S. foreign trade and, as a result, on the nation's balance-of-payments position. The author has chosen the period from 1820 to 1913 and has studied it in detail. Originally published in 1964. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.