The Making of France

Guillaume Blanc ()
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Guillaume Blanc: Simon Fraser University, https://www.guillaumeblanc.com/

Discussion Papers from Department of Economics, Simon Fraser University

Abstract: This paper studies nation-building in a fragmented society. We document the political economy of mass education, the adoption of a common language, and the construction of a national identity in France. Using a regression discontinuity design, we show that statesponsored education led to linguistic homogenization. To understand why nation-building was successful, we study heterogeneity and find that knowledge elites and the demand for education were instrumental.

Date: 2026-02
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