Primitive accumulation and technical innovation in the French wars of religion

Bibliographic Data

ID14800613
AuthorsHenry Heller (corresponding author)
Year2000
Volume16
Issue3
Pages243-262
Publication date2000-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHistory and Technology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0734-1512 • E-ISSN: 1477-2620
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/07341510008581968
OpenAlexW2008286296
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited25

During the wars of religion France experienced a major economic decline. Despite this decline many technological and economic initiatives occurred which prepared the way for the renewal of the French economy under Henri IV. The invention or adoption of a multitude of new machines, manufacturing techniques, agricultural instruments and products reflected itself in the formalization of a system of royal privileges. In part these innovations were the result of the importation of craftsmen and techniques from abroad especially from Italy. But the reception of foreign techniques and technology more often than not were the consequence of deliberate state intervention rather than the operation of pure market forces. Moreover, it was the French rather than foreigners who were primarily responsible for these innovations. War and primitive accumulation within France stimulated such changes. The sweeping changes that occurred during this period belie the idea that France was in the grip of an inexorable Malthusian crisis

Economic history · Economics · Economy · Market economy · Multitude · Political economy · Political science · European Political History Analysis · Historical Economic and Social Studies · Historical Studies and Socio-cultural Analysis · Law · Philosophy