Marché Noir
The Economy of Survival in Second World War France

Explains the extent, necessity and importance of black-market activity in France during the Second World War.

Kenneth Mouré (Author)

9781009207669, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 March 2023

324 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 2.1 cm, 0.64 kg

'Moure's compelling book on the black market focuses on a critical aspect of life in France during the German Occupation. Moure's vivid account brings his deep understanding of economics and of the war to his investigation of the black market and its profound impact on politics, economics and daily life. Vichy's failure to control and enforce a system meant to ensure basic living standards all but compelled producers, distributors and consumers to turn to the black market, widening divisions in French society.' Sarah Fishman, University of Houston

Kenneth Mouré shows how the black market in Vichy France developed not only to serve German exploitation, but also as an essential strategy for survival for commerce and consumers. His analysis explains how and why the black market became so prevalent and powerful in France and remained necessary after Liberation. Marché Noir draws on diverse French archives as well as diaries, memoirs and contemporary fiction, to highlight the importance of the black market in everyday life. Vichy's economic controls set the context for adaptations – by commerce facing economic and political constraints, and by consumers needing essential goods. Vichy collaboration in this realm seriously damaged the regime's legitimacy. Marché Noir offers new insights into the dynamics of black markets in wartime, and how illicit trade in France served not only to exploit consumer needs and increase German power, but also to aid communities in their strategies for survival.

1. The black market in wartime France
2. L'économie de misère
3. Curing the thermometer: price controls and the black market
4. La terre, elle, ne ment pas: agriculture and the black market
5. Market forces: industry and commerce
6. Consumers in a world of scarce goods
7. Illegality normalized
8. Liberating markets and consumers
9. Justice for les profiteurs de la misère publique
10. Black markets in wartime.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ], Second World War [HBWQ], European history [HBJD]