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The Political Economy of Anglo-French Trade, 1689-1900

Fyodor Dostoevsky

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Published in War Wine And Taxes: The Political Economy Of Anglo French Trade 1689 1900: The Political Economy Of Anglo French Trade 1689 1900 (The Princeton Economic History Of The Western World 20)

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The relationship between England and France has been marked by centuries of rivalry and cooperation. This rivalry was particularly evident in the realm of trade, as both countries sought to expand their economic power and influence. The political economy of Anglo-French trade was thus a complex and ever-changing affair, influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, political decisions, and international relations.

The Mercantilist Era

During the mercantilist era (16th-18th centuries),both England and France pursued policies aimed at increasing their exports and reducing their imports. This led to a series of trade wars, as each country sought to protect its domestic industries and gain a favorable balance of trade.

War, Wine, and Taxes: The Political Economy of Anglo-French Trade, 1689–1900: The Political Economy of Anglo-French Trade, 1689-1900 (The Princeton Economic History of the Western World Book 20)

by John V. C. Nye

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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One of the most important factors in the Anglo-French trade relationship was the wine trade. France was a major producer of wine, while England was a major consumer. The English government imposed heavy tariffs on French wine in order to protect its own domestic wine industry. This led to a series of disputes between the two countries, and eventually to the outbreak of the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714).

The war ended with the Treaty of Utrecht (1713),which gave England control of Gibraltar and Minorca. This gave England a strategic advantage in the Mediterranean Sea, and allowed it to increase its trade with Spain and Portugal. The treaty also reduced the tariffs on French wine, which led to a period of increased trade between the two countries.

The Free Trade Era

In the late 18th century, the ideas of Adam Smith and other classical economists began to influence economic policy in both England and France. These economists argued that free trade was more beneficial to the economy than mercantilism. They believed that free trade would lead to lower prices, increased competition, and greater economic growth.

In 1786, England and France signed a commercial treaty that reduced tariffs on a wide range of goods. This treaty led to a significant increase in trade between the two countries. However, the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 led to the suspension of the treaty.

After the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815),England and France resumed diplomatic relations and signed a new commercial treaty in 1826. This treaty further reduced tariffs and led to a further increase in trade between the two countries.

The Late 19th Century

The late 19th century saw the rise of protectionism in both England and France. This was due in part to the increasing competition from Germany and the United States. In 1879, England adopted a new tariff that raised duties on a wide range of goods. France responded by raising its own tariffs in 1881.

The tariff wars of the late 19th century led to a decline in trade between England and France. However, the two countries continued to be important trading partners, and they remained closely linked economically.

The political economy of Anglo-French trade was a complex and ever-changing affair. It was influenced by a variety of factors, including economic conditions, political decisions, and international relations. The relationship between the two countries was marked by both rivalry and cooperation, and trade played a major role in shaping this relationship.

In the 20th century, Anglo-French trade continued to be important, but it was no longer the dominant factor in the relationship between the two countries. The two countries became increasingly close allies, and they worked together to address a variety of global challenges.

References

Heckscher, E. F. (1931). Mercantilism. London: George Allen & Unwin.
Kindleberger, C. P. (1978). Economic growth in France and Britain, 1851-1950. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Landes, D. S. (1998). The unbound Prometheus: Technological change and industrial development in Western Europe from 1750 to the present. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Mathias, P. (1983). The first industrial nation: An economic history of Britain, 1700-1914. London: Methuen.
O'Brien, P. K. (1988). British economic growth, 1688-1914. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

War, Wine, and Taxes: The Political Economy of Anglo-French Trade, 1689–1900: The Political Economy of Anglo-French Trade, 1689-1900 (The Princeton Economic History of the Western World Book 20)

by John V. C. Nye

5 out of 5