The origins of common identity: Evidence from Alsace-Lorraine

We study how more negative historical exposure to the actions of nation-states – like war, occupation, and repression – affects the formation of regional identity. The quasi-exogenous division of the French regions Alsace and Lorraine allows us to implement a geographical regression discontinuity design at the municipal-level. Using measures of stated and revealed preferences, we find that more negative experiences with nation-states are associated with a stronger regional identity in the short, medium, and long run. This is linked to preferences for more regional decision-making. Establishing regional organizations seems to be a key mechanism to maintain and strengthen regional identity.