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Combining perspectives from economic, agricultural, political, and cultural history with history of science, this article uses the concept of animal mercantilism to open up the geopolitical stakes inherent in understandings of animals, race, and climate.

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The French government was however determined to overcome their country’s weak wool production. Collaborating with breeders, smugglers, diplomats and naturalists, state officials sought ways to import breeds – often through illicit means – that could improve their national sheep population.

Note from the breeder Guerrier – including a wool sample demonstrating the high quality of a flock of sheep recently smuggled into France from Lincolnshire – sent to the French intendant of finances, Trudaine de Montigny, who supported several similar projects, around 1770. Archives nationales, F/10/515-516.

In the early modern period, Britain and Spain were famed for their fine wool production. They made sure to protect the advantage that their superior breeds gave them by totally banning the exportation of live sheep. Sheep smugglers could face capital punishment in both countries! (See image)

”All Persons concerned in Exporting of live Sheep or Lambs, on Conviction are liable to One Year’s Imprisonment, and at the End thereof to have their left Hand cut off, and nailed up in the openest Part of the Market nearest the Place where the Offence is committed. And for the second Offence are adjudged Felons, and to suffer Death as in Cases of Felony.”

Abstract of several Acts of Parliament, now in force, to prevent the exportation of wool, sheep, &c, 1737

Woollens constituted the most important industrial product in early-modern Europe. While the textile trade and manufacturing industry are well-studied historical topics, the importance of sheep breeding in the political economy of wool is much less known.

This article examines how animal breeds came to be seen as national resources in the early modern period, amidst European imperial competition and changing conceptions of race, breed and climate. It particularly focuses on how governments protected – and stole – sheep breeds in the 18th century.

Engraving of merinos in front of the Bergerie nationale de Rambouillet. Archives nationales, 20160285-648-649.

Jens Amborg @jamborg.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Of course, I’ll send it right away!

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Jens Amborg @jamborg.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

Just stumbled upon this post when I was looking for something else. Have you seen the dissection report by Mertrud, Daubenton and Vicq d’Azyr in the MNHN archives (Ms. 219)? I have it photocopied and would be happy to share if still relevant.

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Jens Amborg @jamborg.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

”Mercantilisme animal” est désormais disponible sur Cairn. Ce lien donne accès gratuit à l’article jusqu’au 5 octobre : shs.cairn.info/tap-v3xvdvfr... @annales.ehess.fr

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Reposted by Jens Amborg

Dr. Dominik Huenniger @dominikhhh.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Continuing now with colonial climates & environments chaired by @lindaaburnett.bsky.social Speakers: @davidemartino.bsky.social Wenrui Zhao @jamborg.bsky.social It’s going to be about water, mines and cattle consecutively but maybe also connecting? #eseh2025 #envhist

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Jens Amborg @jamborg.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Ravi de découvrir que le @mondediplomatique.bsky.social de ce mois propose aussi un bel article de @raphaelmago.bsky.social sur la géopolitique animalière ! 🐪

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The English version will appear shortly.

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Parution du numéro 80/1-2 : Animaux et Animalité

Cet article paraît dans le double numéro spécial « Animaux et animalités », publié par les @annales.ehess.fr Une exploration collective des liens entre savoirs, pouvoirs et mondes animaux. Le sommaire est disponible ici 👇 annales.hypotheses.org/460

annales.hypotheses.org

Sommaire: Introduction Guillaume Calafat, Benedetta Piazzesi et Silvia SebastianiAvec la question animale Frontières d’animalitéCecilia Muratori – Le végétarisme avant le « végétarisme ». Méthode de l...

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Au carrefour de l’histoire économique, agricole, politique et culturelle, l’article développe le concept de « mercantilisme animal » pour explorer les enjeux géopolitiques inhérents aux différentes conceptions des animaux, de la race et du climat.

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Comment les races animales deviennent des ressources géopolitique à protéger…ou à voler. À l’ép. mod., l’Angleterre et l’Espagne protègent leurs moutons supérieurs par des interdictions d’exportation. Mais au XVIIIe siècle, la France mobilise contrebande et diplomatie pour en importer secrètement.

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