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Random Connections and Violence in the French Revolution

Author

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  • Brenda Van Coppenolle

    (CEVIPOF - Centre de recherches politiques de Sciences Po (Sciences Po, CNRS) - Sciences Po - Sciences Po - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Oliver Vanden Eynde

    (PJSE - Paris Jourdan Sciences Economiques - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - ENS-PSL - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - ENPC - École nationale des ponts et chaussées - IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris, PSE - Paris School of Economics - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - ENS-PSL - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - ENPC - École nationale des ponts et chaussées - IP Paris - Institut Polytechnique de Paris)

Abstract

Networks can help actors survive violence in revolutions. Connections could protect against reprisals and provide information. However, personal networks are not randomly assigned, making it difficult to causally trace their role. The French Constituent Assembly of 1789 randomly assigned legislators to smaller groups, which we use to assess outcomes in the ensuing revolution such as violent death and emigration. Violent death was contagious among the nobility in these networks. However, connections to two key leaders, Lafayette and Robespierre, were protective against violent death, encouraging emigration, regardless of ideological differences. We argue that nobles drew an informational advantage from their connections.

Suggested Citation

  • Brenda Van Coppenolle & Oliver Vanden Eynde, 2026. "Random Connections and Violence in the French Revolution," Sciences Po Economics Publications (main) halshs-05514885, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:spmain:halshs-05514885
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-05514885v1
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