Sources of food supplies for European capitals in the eighteenth century

Abstract

Governments in the eighteenth century were very concerned about food supplies for capital cities since shortages often led to disturbances and riots. They implemented various policies to try to guarantee a flow of grains to those cities. The development of international trade in the eighteenth century appears to have had little effect on sources of supply. Even in 1800 the overwhelming majority of food for capital cities came from nearby. That fact dominated the market for grain and informed all government policies on commerce in foodstuffs. That fact may help to explain the choices made by governments in the major political centres of western and central Europe in the eighteenth century.