Here's something that'll shake your perspective on global economics.

For most of recorded history, China's economy was absolutely dominant—dwarfing America's by a massive margin. But flip to 1900, and the entire script flipped. The roles completely reversed.

According to Angus Maddison's long-run GDP estimates (measured in purchasing power parity), we can trace how this shift actually happened. The data tells a fascinating story about economic momentum, technological adoption, and systemic changes that took centuries to play out.

This historical lens matters more than you'd think when you're analyzing today's macro trends and understanding why certain economies move the way they do. Whether you're tracking crypto adoption patterns, global trade shifts, or asset flows—this context gives you the bigger picture.