From Old Regime to Industrial State - A History of German Industrialization from the Eighteenth Century to World War I

Richard H. Tilly and Michael Kopsidis challenge the conventional understanding of Germany's industrialization by examining market demand, agricultural advancements, and regional differences in industrial innovativeness, customs, and governance. They argue that Germany's industrialization was a gradual process driven by international trade and capital accumulation in the 18th century, rather than a sudden breakthrough.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 312 pages
\n Publication date: 28 October 2020
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
\n

In their groundbreaking work, "From Old Regime to Industrial State," Richard H. Tilly and Michael Kopsidis challenge the prevailing understanding of Germany's industrialization. Contrary to the notion of a sudden breakthrough, the authors adopt a long-view perspective, considering various factors such as market demand, agricultural advancements, regional variations in industrial innovativeness, customs, and governance. By examining the historical context, they trace the origins of Germany's economic success back to the 18th century, when international trade emerged and merchants accumulated capital, fostering commercial expansion and innovation. This comprehensive book delves into the intricate history that shaped the modern German economic powerhouse, providing valuable insights into the country's economic development.

Introduction:
"From Old Regime to Industrial State" by Richard H. Tilly and Michael Kopsidis is a seminal work that challenges the conventional narrative of Germany's industrialization. Instead of a sudden breakthrough, the authors present a comprehensive view that encompasses market demand, agricultural advances, regional variations in industrial innovativeness, customs, and governance. By examining the historical context, they trace the origins of Germany's economic success back to the 18th century, when international trade emerged and merchants accumulated capital, fostering commercial expansion and innovation.

Market Demand and Agricultural Advancements:
The authors argue that the 18th-century emergence of international trade and the accumulation of capital by merchants played a crucial role in driving Germany's industrialization. The opening up of new markets facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas, leading to the development of new technologies and the expansion of industries. Agricultural advancements, particularly in the cultivation of wheat and the introduction of new farming techniques, also provided a steady supply of labor and raw materials for the industrial sector.

Regional Variations in Industrial Innovativeness:
Germany's industrialization was not a uniform process across the country. Different regions exhibited varying levels of industrial innovativeness, customs, and governance. The authors highlight the importance of regional factors in shaping Germany's economic development. For instance, the industrialization of the Ruhr region was characterized by a strong focus on coal and steel production, while the industrialization of Bavaria was influenced by the textile industry.

Customs and Governance:
Customs and governance also played a significant role in Germany's industrialization. The establishment of strong trade networks and the enforcement of trade regulations facilitated the flow of goods and capital across borders. Additionally, the governance structures, such as the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation, provided a stable political environment for economic growth.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "From Old Regime to Industrial State" provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of Germany's industrialization. By adopting a long-view perspective and considering a range of factors, the authors challenge the notion of a sudden breakthrough and shed light on the complex historical processes that shaped Germany's economic development. This book is essential for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the roots of Germany's economic success.

\n Weight: 566g\n
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226725437\n \n