The height of Swiss mercenaries, c. 1725-c. 1865

Cédric Chambru, Simon Hediger, Jakob Metzler and Ulrich Woitek

No 473, ECON - Working Papers from Department of Economics - University of Zurich

Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of the biological standard of living using anthropometric data from approximately 22,000 Swiss mercenaries born between c. 1725 and c. 1865. Analyzing mercenary data presents two key challenges: left-truncation due to height requirements and potential selection bias across regiments. We address these issues by estimating regiment-specific minimum height thresholds to account for variations in recruitment standards and resource constraints, and by controlling for regiment affiliation to mitigate selection bias. Our findings indicate a decline in average height beginning in the 1770s and continuing into the first half of the 19th century, with no evidence of recovery. While the unique nature of the mercenary sample limits broad generalizations, our results align with the economic hardships of the late 18th century, the challenges of early industrialization, and existing anthropometric evidence from Switzerland and other European countries.

Date: 2025-06
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Working Paper: The Height of Swiss Mercenaries, c. 1725 - c. 1865 (2025)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zur:econwp:473

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