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Identity and Institutional Change: Evidence from First Names in Germany, 1700–1850

Author

Listed:
  • Matthias Weigand

    (Harvard University)

  • Cathrin Mohr

    (University of Bonn)

  • Davide Cantoni

    (LMU Munich, CEPR, CESifo)

Abstract

How does culture respond to institutional change? We study the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire (1789–1815), when half of Central Europe changed rulers. Using 44 million birth records from hundreds of cities between 1700 and 1850, we measure cultural traits in real time. Cities that experienced ruler change saw greater naming turnover, dispersion, and novelty. We construct control groups using diplomatic records to isolate these effects, which emerged immediately and persisted. The collapse of hegemonic authority weakened state-aligned identities while strengthening religiosity and nationalism. These shifts undermined subsequent state building, highlighting challenges of ideological integration after regime change.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Weigand & Cathrin Mohr & Davide Cantoni, 2025. "Identity and Institutional Change: Evidence from First Names in Germany, 1700–1850," Rationality and Competition Discussion Paper Series 545, CRC TRR 190 Rationality and Competition.
    • Handle: RePEc:rco:dpaper:545
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ashesh Rambachan & Jonathan Roth, 2023. "A More Credible Approach to Parallel Trends," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 90(5), pages 2555-2591.
    2. Benjamin Elbers, 2023. "A Method for Studying Differences in Segregation Across Time and Space," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 52(1), pages 5-42, February.
    3. Sun, Liyang & Abraham, Sarah, 2021. "Estimating dynamic treatment effects in event studies with heterogeneous treatment effects," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 225(2), pages 175-199.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • N33 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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