Loi Le Chapelier

French history

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June 30, 2026

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The Law of Le Chapelier, introduced in 1791 by Jean Le Chapelier, was a significant piece of French legislation that outlawed guilds and associations of workers and employers. While intended to apply to both groups, its practical effect was to prohibit workers from organizing, making it more difficult for them to bargain collectively. This law reflected the prevailing ideals of economic individualism and the dismantling of the old regime's corporate structures. It remained in effect until 1884.12

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France
Restructuring France
…economic marketplace as individuals, the Le Chapelier Law of June 1791 (named after reformer Jean Le Chapelier) banned workers’ associations and strikes. The precepts of economic individualism extended to rural life as well. In theory, peasants and landlords were now free to cultivate their fields as they wished, regardless of…
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…economic marketplace as individuals, the Le Chapelier Law of June 1791 (named after reformer Jean Le Chapelier) banned workers’ associations and strikes. The precepts of economic individualism extended to rural life as well. In theory, peasants and landlords were now free to cultivate their fields as they wished, regardless of…
Read More

Jean Le Chapelier
…National Assembly the Loi (“Law”) Le Chapelier, which made any association of workers or of employers illegal. In force until 1884, the law actually affected only workers, who found it much more difficult to conceal their activities than employers did.
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…National Assembly the Loi (“Law”) Le Chapelier, which made any association of workers or of employers illegal. In force until 1884, the law actually affected only workers, who found it much more difficult to conceal their activities than employers did.
Read More