Civic Continuities in an Age of Revolutionary Change, c.1750-1850: Europe and the Americas

This open-access book explores the role of continuity in political processes and practices during the Age of Revolutions, arguing that changes were enabled by different types of continuities across Europe and the Americas. It examines continuities between early modern and modern political cultures and organizations, highlighting the continued relevance of older, often local, practices in (post)revolutionary politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 339 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This expansive open-access book delves into the intricate interplay of continuity and change in political processes and practices during the transformative era of the Age of Revolutions. It compellingly argues that the profound shifts that occurred in the years surrounding 1800 were facilitated by diverse continuities both within Europe and across the Americas. In the realm of historical scholarship, there has been a prevailing tendency to emphasize the emergence of the novel and to assume that existing modes of action, thought, and practice simply withered away, became irrelevant, or were relegated to secondary status in the face of new and revolutionary ways of thinking and behaving.

In stark contrast, this collection takes a fresh approach by exploring the enduring connections between early modern and modern political cultures and organizations in Europe and the Americas. Rather than solely focusing on political modernization, the authors shift their attention to examining the continued relevance of older, often local, practices in the context of (post)revolutionary politics. By doing so, they seek to underscore the profound role that local political traditions and practices play in shaping and enabling political change.

The book makes a groundbreaking assertion that while political change undoubtedly stood at the forefront of both the old and new polities that emerged during the Age of Revolutions, it coexisted with, and was indeed enabled by, continuities at other levels. These interwoven continuities include social, economic, cultural, and intellectual factors that played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the time. By acknowledging and appreciating these continuities, the book offers a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics that drove the Age of Revolutions and their enduring impact on the world.

Through a series of insightful chapters, the book explores a wide range of topics, including the role of political institutions, ideologies, and social movements in facilitating or hindering political change. It examines the ways in which historical legacies, cultural traditions, and local power structures influenced the course of revolutions and the emergence of new political orders. The authors also delve into the ways in which individuals and communities responded to the challenges and opportunities presented by the Age of Revolutions, highlighting the diverse strategies and tactics employed to navigate the changing political landscape.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of historical actors and movements that may be overlooked or marginalized by mainstream historical narratives. It emphasizes the need to engage with a broader range of sources and perspectives, including those of marginalized communities, women, and non-Western cultures, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the past. The book also highlights the significance of interdisciplinary research, drawing on insights from political science, history, sociology, and other fields to shed light on the complex processes and dynamics of political change.

In conclusion, this open-access book offers a groundbreaking exploration of the role of continuity in political processes and practices during the Age of Revolutions. By challenging the notion of a linear and discontinuous transition from the old to the new, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted processes that shaped the political world of the time. Through its comprehensive analysis of continuities and change, the book offers valuable insights into the enduring legacies of the Age of Revolutions and their relevance to contemporary political discourse.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 152 x 218 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031095030
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023