Libertà economica e Ancien Régime. Note sulla prima soppressione delle corporazioni in Francia nel 1776

The liberalisation of the economy and labour, achieved by the French Revolution through the laws d’Allarde and Le Chapelier in 1791, was preceded by an attempt promoted by Turgot during the early years of Louis XVI’s reign. An edict issued in 1776, which aimed to abolish the guilds of arts and crafts, encountered strong opposition from the Parliament of Paris, the major guilds, and parts of the sovereign’s court. This essay examines the events leading to the failure of this attempt and Turgot’s subsequent departure from government. The primary reason for the failure appears to be the weakness of Louis XVI’s government, who was unable to overcome the opposition of Parliament. Ultimately, it was the Revolution, with its extensive powers, that implemented the reforms envisioned by Turgot.