Forests, Conservation and Conflict: Evidence from 19th Century France

• In Event: Frontiers in Historical Political Economy

Abstract

What are the consequences of historical state intervention in environmental conservation? Deforestation was a major issue in early 19th century France, and politicians viewed the excess use of communal land as its main cause. In 1827, the state passed a Forest code which limited longstanding use rights on most forests. The law led to major revolts in many forested regions, where peasants relied on these rights to complement their income. Using detailed data on forest geography and the gradual application of the Forest code, I show the impact of state intervention in forest conservation on local development, compliance with the law and revolts against state authority.

Author

• Anne Degrave, Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse