State Formation in Europe, 843–1789 follows the formation and development of the European state from the division of the Carolingian Empire to the French Revolution.
The book’s primary focus is on Europe’s patterns of internal and external development in comparison to political organization in other parts of the world. By analysing Europe as a single unit, rather than dividing it into nation states, it reveals the broader historical connections within the Continent. Bagge takes the reader through a discussion of how kingdoms evolved into states, introducing the influence of the Church and the town on these state structures. The relationship between state, Church and town is traced to explain how these different power struggles played out and why the territorial state became the dominate form of organization. Finally, the book clarifies why Europe developed in this way and the global consequences of this development.
By observing Europe through the perspective of the rest of the world, readers gain insight into trends common to the whole Continent while crossing the traditional border between the Middle Ages and early modern period. This book is essential reading for students studying medieval and early modern political history, state formation and Europe in a global context.
Author(s): Sverre Bagge
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2019
Language: English
Pages: 306
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
Notes
1. The formation of the European state system
Warfare and state formation: from the age of invasions to the eighteenth century
The state made war but war did not make the state
War within the family: politics and diplomacy
Norms and interests
Conclusion
Notes
2. The foundation and development of European monarchy
What was a state?
The basic features of European society
The king and the aristocracy
The formation of dynasties
War and the state
The finances
Towards a monopoly of violence: the royal courts of law
The central administration
From ugly toes to the King’s napkin
The formation of the sovereign state
King, nobility and people, and the idea of the nation
The state and the people: the peasant rebellions
Conclusion
Notes
3. The state and its competitors
The Church and the papal monarchy
States without a king: principalities and city republics
The medieval foundations of the European state
Conclusion
Notes
4. The revolutions of the sixteenth century and their consequences
The Renaissance
The Reformation
The Reformation and state formation
The Great Discoveries and the development of European trade
Why did Europe conquer the world?
Conclusion
Notes
5. Absolutism and constitutionalism
Capital versus coercion: England, the Dutch Republic and France
The Dutch Republic
Towards absolute monarchy in France
The development of constitutional government in England
The difference between France and England
The Spanish kingdoms
Absolutism and constitutionalism in agrarian states: the case of Scandinavia
Absolutism and constitutionalism in agrarian states: Prussia, Austria and East Central Europe
Conclusion: absolutism and constitutionalism: advantages and disadvantages
Notes
6. The state and the Enlightenment
Enlightened despotism and parliamentary government
The development of a modern bureaucracy
Conclusion
Notes
Conclusion: The state of the Old Regime and its legacy
Notes
References
Index
