Anthropometric history of the French Revolution in the Province of Orleans

We estimate the trend in average height of the population of the French province Orleans from 1715 to the beginning of the 19th century using data on recruits who were drafted either through a lottery system or through general conscription. After controlling for age, residence, and occupation, we find a general decline in the biological standard of living in the decades before the French Revolution. The results support a Ricardian-Malthusian interpretation of the causes of the French Revolution. In the debate 'Revolution de la misère ou de la prospérité' our findings support the side which argues that the French Revolution was a culmination of a long-lasting economic malaise during the final phases of the Ancien Régime.

► We find a long term general decline of the biological standard of living during the 18 century in France. ► We estimate that the height of the population of the French province Orleans (southeast of Paris) born between 1710 and 1760 declined from 164.7 cm to 163.1 cm. ► During the last two decades before the French Revolution the most important reduction amounting to 0.5 cm took place. ► The results support a Ricardian-Malthusian interpretation of the causes of the French Revolution. ► In the debate 'Revolution de la misère ou de la prospérité' our findings support that the French Revolution was a culmination of a long-lasting economic malaise during the final phases of the Ancien Régime. ► The reasons lied in growth of population and an institutional structure which hindered the diffusion of technical progress.