The main aim of this article is to analyze the recent debate on the historical origins of the so-called Great Divergence. Four approaches are exanimated. First, the idea of Malthusian trap developed by Gregory Clark. Second, the point of view of the California School of Economic History, led by Kenneth Pomeranz. Third, the Robert C. Allen's high-wage economy hypothesis. Fourth, the concept of industrious revolution proposed by Jan de Vries. The article concludes by describing the recent trends of economic historiography: the renewal of Malthusian ideas, the critiques on the late-twentieth century social history, and the focus on Asian history.