French Notables

French Notablesis the result of the first comprehensive analysis of the electoral rolls and the economic censuses of thecensitairemonarchies. The Becks have concluded that although the nobility remained the wealthiest group in society and the landed in general were still dominant, the diversity of the notables and the economy was great. Men such asnegociants,meuniers,andcultivateurswere all part of the electorate and their numbers increased with economic growth. The non-landed electors were found everywhere, but concentrations of more than 20,000 people found them in sharply rising percentages. The economy was also highly diversified, with industry especially dominant in cities of more than 40,000 people. The north of France, especially along the coast, was the most advanced region of France, and the electors reflected the industrialization and regionalism of the country.