French Economic History Lecture

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to the economics and history of France as presented in the lecture notes.

Threefold Objective

To examine government-business-public interactions in France, familiarize with French state functions, and provide historical perspectives on economic policy.

Economic History

Explores the causes of wealth and examines the interplay between economies and historical changes.

Kapitalism Context

The embedding of economic change within society, culture, institutions, and the state over long periods.

Fiscal Policy

Government taxing and spending policies; crucial for enabling states to function and support their objectives.

Monetary Policy

Regulation of the money supply to influence macroeconomic conditions, such as inflation and employment.

Regulatory Policy

Actions taken by the government to control or influence corporate and individual behaviors in the marketplace.

Capitalism

An economic system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit rather than by the state.

Gabelle

An indirect tax on salt that was a central source of revenue for the French monarchy.

Enlightenment Influence

The period that emphasized reason, individualism, and a scientific approach to governance and economics in France.

National Assembly

The elected legislature in France during the French Revolution, established by the Third Estate.

Direct Taxes

Taxes levied directly on individuals or property, such as the taille in France.

Great Divergence

A term referring to the economic divergence of Western Europe and Asia, particularly the rise of European economies in the 19th century.

Return to Mercantilism

Resurgence of state-controlled economic policies aimed at enhancing national power through trade.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization from the late 18th to the early 19th century that transformed economies, especially in Britain and later in France.

Trente Glorieuses

A term describing the thirty years of economic growth and prosperity in France from 1945 to 1975.

Nationalization

The process of transferring private sector assets into the ownership of the state.

Devaluation

The reduction of the value of a currency in relation to other currencies, often to boost exports.

Stagflation

An economic condition characterized by slow growth and relatively high unemployment accompanied by inflation.

Maisons de France

Civic society organizations emerging during the period of the French Revolution.

Modernisation of Agriculture

Changes and advancements aimed at improving agricultural productivity and efficiency.