Causality in History

Understanding the causes of historical events is essential to understand the present better. In recent decades, economic historians have started using statistical methods to infer causality, examining topics such as the causes of national wealth and the impact of the Atlantic slave trade on African countries. As a young researcher in this field, I will share two examples of my work aimed at uncovering new insights into history and the present. The first project explores how competent national leaders can affect their countries, examining the monarchies of Europe until the French Revolution. The second project investigates how experiencing better political and economic institutions in foreign countries can influence people to demand similar improvements in their own nations. This research draws on the experiences of French soldiers who fought in the American War of Independence and later played significant roles in the French Revolution.