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History of banks

The History of banks in France, by Alain Plessis - Université de Paris X Nanterre
30th of january, 2003

This text is published with the kind authorization of
- European Association for Banking History (EABH)
- and Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd


Integral version : History of banks in France - A. Plessis (47 Ko).
French Integral version (pdf file) : Histoire de la banque en France - A. Plessis (55 Ko).


Document divided by chapter (html files) : click on the links presented hereafter :

30 Jan. 03
 1 - Some form of progress long hindered
In the Middle Ages and at the beginning of modern times, banking activities in France

30 Jan. 03
 2 - The period of the big bankers (c.1800-60)
The process that led to the creation of the haute banque ended during the first half of the nineteenth century. This term refers to approximately 20 respected banking houses in the capital .
30 Jan. 03
 3 - The expansion of big banks (1860-1914)
It was only under the Second Empire that the role of the new banks, which were set up on extensive bases of joint stock companies, asserted itself.
30 Jan. 03
 4 - The times of trial (1914-45)
French banks were next faced with a long period of difficulties, beginning with the disruptions due to the First World War

30 Jan. 03
 5 - Between the state and the market (since 1945)


30 Jan. 03
 6 - A new banking revolution