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Why did Burgundy’s rural population decline during the 19th and early 20th centuries?

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Map of France highlighting the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region in white at the center-east of the country, with major cities such as Dijon, Nevers, Auxerre, and Macon labeled. Surrounding countries and bodies of water, including Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea, are also shown. An inset map in the upper left corner shows the location of Burgundy within France. — Burgundy Burgundy (Bourgogne), historical region of France.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Burgundy experienced a significant decline in its rural population, a trend that mirrored broader demographic shifts across France. This depopulation was driven by a marked transition from rural life toward urban growth.12

The primary factors contributing to this decline included:

Modernization of Agriculture: Following the mid-19th century, the modernization of French agricultural practices led to an exodus of labor from rural areas.2
Urban Migration: Young people increasingly departed from rural regions to seek employment in growing industrial centers, particularly in regions such as Île-de-France, Nord–Pas-de-Calais, and Lorraine.2
Demographic Aging: As the younger generation migrated to cities, rural areas were left with low birth rates and an aging population, which further accelerated the decline.2

In Burgundy specifically, this process was quite pronounced, with the population falling by nearly one-fourth between 1872 and 1946.1