Industriailistes

Industriailistes were a political and economic movement that emerged in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term, often translated as "industrialists" or "pro-industry," encompassed a diverse group of thinkers, businessmen, and politicians who advocated for the rapid development and modernization of French industry. Their core belief was that industrial growth was essential for national prosperity, military strength, and international prestige.

These individuals often championed policies such as free trade, deregulation, and investment in infrastructure like railways and ports, arguing that these measures would foster innovation and economic efficiency. They were generally supportive of capitalist principles but also recognized the need for state intervention to guide industrial development and protect nascent industries from foreign competition through tariffs. Industriailistes were often critical of what they perceived as an overly agricultural and traditionalist economic structure, pushing for a shift towards manufacturing and technological advancement. Their influence can be seen in the industrial expansion of France during the Third Republic, although their ideas were not always universally accepted and faced opposition from various social and political factions.