Trade+Commodities

Agriculture in France
In the 18th century, France had increased its economy greatly, ranking second after Great Britain in trade. Specifically, France exported sugar, coffee, and indigo that had been developed in foreign colonies. The relationship and trade with other strong countries also increased France’s economy. Although the economy was gradually rising, this did not produce the well-being for the common people. The population of France dramatically increased from 19 million in 1700, to 26 million. Thus, the food production was not enough to keep everyone stable. Farmers in Paris consumed 80% of what they grew and this affected its economy negatively. Furthermore, agriculture in France was three-quarters of its economy, and this increase in population put France behind Britain. By 1794, the harvest of food was not sufficient to feed even Paris. In the late 18th century, economy declined further. The production of bread was not sufficient and thus, its price rose. To try to solve this problem, the king’s economic minister, Jacques Necker, prohibited the export of grain and started a program of importing food.

Fur Trade
Apart from agriculture, the Fur Trade influenced greatly in France’s economy positively. This trade began in the 1500’s between the Native Americans and the Europeans. Europeans would give weapons and tools in exchange for fur. The most valuable was the Beaver fur, which was used in Europe to make felt hats. The Fur Trade started when the French gave various tools such as knives to establish and successful and peaceful relationship with the Indians. The French explorers established fur trading posts along the St. Lawrence River and around the Great Lakes and thus took control over the early Fur Trade. In the 18th century, Russia, Britain, and France competed over the trading rights of fur but France eventually lost to Great Britain in a war and lost its colonial empires in North America.

Classification of Trades
France participated in various types of trades such as the agriculture, fur, and textile trades. Thus, in 1727, the municipal ordinance of Dijon separated the trades into four classes. The first class consisted of the printers, book dealers, surgeons, and others. The second class consisted of the trades concerned with food and the third class consisted of trades with metal and furniture. Finally, the last class, the fourth, consisted of famers, clothiers, and artisans.