A Cultural History of Money in the Age of Empire

The nineteenth century saw the monetization of social life, with money becoming the only means of access to goods and services. This led to the birth of economics, which claimed a monopoly on knowing and governing money. A Cultural History of Money in the Age of Empire explores key cultural case studies of the period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The 19th century witnessed a remarkable monetization of social life, with money emerging as the sole means of accessing goods and services, particularly in the burgeoning new metropolises. This era saw the emergence of innovative technologies and infrastructures designed to facilitate the saving, circulation, and standardization of coins. Moreover, paper currencies were printed, founded purely on trust and devoid of intrinsic metallic value. However, the monetary landscape was complex, characterized by the coexistence of forces that unified monetary practice, such as imperial and national currencies and global monetary standards like the gold standard, alongside the proliferation of local currencies. Money permeated various aspects of society, becoming a central concern in politics, the arts, and sciences. Consequently, the modern discipline of economics emerged, claiming a monopoly on understanding and governing money.

A Cultural History of Money in the Age of Empire is a comprehensive collection of essays that explore key cultural case studies of this transformative period. These essays delve into themes such as technologies, ideas, rituals and religion, the everyday, art and representation, interpretation, and the pressing issues of the age. Through a rich tapestry of visual and textual sources, the book offers a comprehensive examination of the cultural significance of money during the 19th century.

The monetization of social life in the 19th century had far-reaching consequences. It transformed the way individuals and societies interacted, creating new opportunities and challenges. Money became a powerful tool for economic growth, enabling individuals and businesses to invest, trade, and create wealth. It also facilitated the spread of ideas and culture, as people could access a wider range of products and services from around the world.

However, the monetization of social life also brought about significant challenges. It led to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, creating economic inequality and social unrest. It also created new forms of exploitation, as workers were paid low wages and subjected to harsh working conditions. Moreover, the reliance on paper currencies created vulnerabilities, as they could be easily manipulated or devalued by governments or financial institutions.

The 19th century was a time of immense technological innovation, with the development of new technologies that revolutionized the way money was handled and circulated. One of the most significant technological advancements was the invention of the telegraph, which allowed for the rapid transmission of information and the instant settlement of financial transactions. This led to the growth of financial markets and the emergence of new financial institutions, such as banks and stock exchanges.

Another important technological innovation was the development of the steam engine, which enabled the mass production of goods and the expansion of transportation networks. This facilitated the growth of trade and commerce, as goods could be transported more efficiently and cheaply. It also led to the development of new industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture, which required large amounts of capital to invest.

In addition to technological innovation, the 19th century saw the emergence of new ideas and ideologies that shaped the way people thought about money and its role in society. One of the most influential ideas was the concept of economic liberalism, which advocated for free markets, limited government intervention, and individual freedom. This ideology influenced the development of economic policies and regulations, such as the establishment of central banks and the implementation of monetary policies to control inflation and promote economic stability.

Another important idea was the concept of progress, which emphasized the idea that society was constantly improving and evolving. This idea was reflected in the growth of cities, the development of new technologies, and the expansion of trade and commerce. It also led to the development of new social movements, such as the labor movement and the women's suffrage movement, which sought to improve the conditions of workers and women and promote social justice.

The 19th century was also a time of significant cultural change, with the emergence of new forms of art and literature that reflected the changing economic and social landscape. One of the most significant cultural movements of the period was the Romantic movement, which emphasized the importance of individualism, creativity, and emotion. This movement influenced the development of art and literature, as artists and writers sought to express their unique perspectives and experiences.

Another important cultural movement of the period was the Realist movement, which focused on depicting the realities of everyday life. This movement influenced the development of art and literature, as artists and writers sought to capture the struggles and hardships of ordinary people and promote social awareness.

In conclusion, the 19th century was a time of immense monetization of social life, with money emerging as the sole means of accessing goods and services. This era saw the emergence of innovative technologies and infrastructures, the proliferation of local currencies, and the birth of the modern discipline of economics. Money became a central issue in politics, the arts, and sciences, and the cultural significance of money was profound. A Cultural History of Money in the Age of Empire presents a comprehensive examination of this transformative period, exploring key cultural case studies of the themes of technologies, ideas, rituals and religion, the everyday, art and representation, interpretation, and the issues of the age.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 169 x 245 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350365797