General Equilibrium Efficiency And Welfare

Step 1: Overview of the theories.
These contributions are part of welfare economics. Understanding their chronology is essential to understanding how the field evolved.

Step 2: Chronological Order of Contributions:
- (A) The Kaldor-Hicks Compensation Criterion was proposed first in 1939.

- (B) Bergson's Social Welfare Function was introduced in the 1950s.

- (C) Rawls' Principle of Social Justice was proposed in 1971.

- (D) Pareto Optimality Criterion was presented earlier, around the 19th century.

Step 3: Correct Order.
The correct order is: - First, Kaldor-Hicks Compensation Criterion (A). - Then, Bergson Social Welfare Function (B). - Followed by Rawls' Principle of Social Justice (C). - Finally, Pareto Optimality Criterion (D).

Step 4: Conclusion.
The correct order is (A), (B), (C), (D), so the correct answer is (1).