Using the example of the Mont Blanc region, this conference will seek to demonstrate that agriculture in the 18th century, while primarily serving to feed the population, was also a driving force behind the local economy.
One of the most striking features of the Duchy of Savoy under the Ancien Régime was the fact that there were no, or virtually no, dynamic and densely populated towns or urban centers. Until the early 20th century, this territory, which corresponds to the current departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, was made up of rural communities whose economy was based almost exclusively on subsistence farming with limited economic opportunities.
The exception, however, was the mountains, which took advantage of their extensive communal pastures to raise large herds of livestock, produce and sell cheese, and, why not, become wealthy.
Sébastien Savoy holds a doctorate in economic and social history from the University of Geneva. His thesis, presented in 2021, focused specifically on “the Sardinian land registry, a tool for building the modern fiscal state. Administration, property, and communities in Savoy in the 18th century.” He is a member or associate of various research laboratories and a lecturer at the University of Savoie-Mont Blanc, where he completed his studies up to Master's level.
The exception, however, was the mountains, which took advantage of their extensive communal pastures to raise large herds of livestock, produce and sell cheese, and, why not, become wealthy.
Sébastien Savoy holds a doctorate in economic and social history from the University of Geneva. His thesis, presented in 2021, focused specifically on “the Sardinian land registry, a tool for building the modern fiscal state. Administration, property, and communities in Savoy in the 18th century.” He is a member or associate of various research laboratories and a lecturer at the University of Savoie-Mont Blanc, where he completed his studies up to Master's level.
