A historical study of the traditional livestock merchants of Alsace

Purpose ? This paper is the result of empirical field research conducted in Alsace, a bi-cultural area of France controlled by Germany from 1870 to WWI, by France between the World Wars, and by Germany during WWII. The objective of the study is to contribute to the understanding of small-scale entrepreneurs who traditionally controlled the distribution of livestock in this bi-cultural and multi-lingual region. Design/methodology/approach ? This paper gives an account of the livestock distribution system, which prevailed in Alsace, until the Second World War. It uses qualitative methodology, based on oral testimonies of retired entrepreneurs and verified by means of triangulation. Findings ? The findings in this paper indicate that, in this region of traditional rivalry between French and Germans, the sector was dominated by family enterprises speaking JÚdich-Daitch, serving as a middleman minority, and dealing between French-speakers and German-speakers, who did not trade with one another. Originality/value ? This paper shows that, while much literature shows that middleman minorities now exist around the world, it also reveals that the concept of middleman minority existed centuries ago, in the food sector; the arrangement allowed farmers to specialise in agriculture, while specialised entrepreneurs bought and sold livestock and also provided credit to farmers. This paper is of interest to historians and anthropology/management/sociology scholars of entrepreneurship, as well as practitioners in the livestock industry.