Fragmented Authority from Ancien Régime to Modernity: a Quantitative Analysis

Dincecco, Mark Fragmented Authority from Ancien Régime to Modernity: a Quantitative Analysis. Journal of Institutional Economics, 6 (3). pp. 305-328. ISSN 1744-1374 (2010)

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Abstract

This paper performs a systematic analysis that examines institutional fragmentation in terms of customs tariffs within states west of the Rhine from 1700 to 1815 and between states east of the Rhine from 1815 to 1871. Internal customs zones are measured in two ways: physical size and urban population. Both methods use 175 sample cities as described by De Vries (1984) in England, France, the Netherlands, and Spain as the basic unit of account. The results indicate that customs zones west of the Rhine were small prior to the French Revolution but grew dramatically from 1789 onwards. They thus provide definitive evidence of divided authority in Ancien Régime Europe. The measurement of external customs zones uses 117 sample cities in the German and Italian territories. The findings indicate a remarkable degree of institutional consolidation between states east of the Rhine over the 1800s.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1017/S1744137410000032
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HJ Public Finance J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe)
Research Area:	Economics and Institutional Change
Depositing User:	Users 18 not found.
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2011 11:18
Last Modified:	29 Sep 2011 13:47
URI:	http://eprints.imtlucca.it/id/eprint/15

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