Camille-Ernest Labrousse

French historian

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July 19, 2026

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Camille-Ernest Labrousse (1895–1988) was a French historian who significantly contributed to economic history. He is known for his quantitative analysis of economic conditions leading up to the French Revolution.1

Labrousse's research demonstrated that in France, from 1778 to 1789, a prolonged recession was worsened by high bread prices and the crown's bankruptcy. While some historians viewed these economic factors as mere triggers for the revolution, Labrousse's work highlighted their crucial role, especially considering that many popular disturbances were bread riots that escalated into political violence. His studies emphasized the importance of economic conditions in shaping historical events.1

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historiography
Economic history
The French historian Camille-Ernest Labrousse (1895–1988) showed that in France during the period from 1778 to 1789, a long recession was exacerbated by high bread prices and eventually the bankruptcy of the crown. Believers in “deeper” causes of the revolution treated this conjunction as only a trigger, but…
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The French historian Camille-Ernest Labrousse (1895–1988) showed that in France during the period from 1778 to 1789, a long recession was exacerbated by high bread prices and eventually the bankruptcy of the crown. Believers in “deeper” causes of the revolution treated this conjunction as only a trigger, but…
Read More