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: Paperback / softback
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 argument 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 continuities ranged from social structures and institutions to cultural norms and values, shaping the dynamics and outcomes of the revolutionary processes.

Through a comprehensive examination of various case studies, the book sheds light on the complex web of interdependencies that existed between different political systems and societies. It highlights the ways in which historical legacies, cultural traditions, and local practices continued to influence political outcomes, even in the face of sweeping transformations. The authors demonstrate how these continuities played a crucial role in shaping the nature and direction of political change, providing a nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted processes that unfolded during this pivotal period.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Age of Revolutions. By challenging the notion of abrupt discontinuity and highlighting the enduring connections between past and present, it provides a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of political change. It underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of local political traditions and practices in fostering and enabling political transformation, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the historical processes that shaped our world.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 149 x 208 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031095061
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023