Keeping the Peace in the Village: Conflict and Peacemaking in Germany, 1650-1750

Keeping the Peace in the Village is a study of how rural society evolved in the century after 1650, examining how people sought peace in the aftermath of the Thirty Years War. It found that conflicts were common, but people placed great value on peace and used local courts to help resolve them. Honor disputes were ubiquitous and slander cases were common, but settlements were often negotiated informally. The interplay of peacemaking and conflict had important implications for the growth of state power, with local people using local officials and judicial institutions to solve local conflicts and form a kind of state formation from below.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 26 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Keeping the Peace in the Village is a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of rural society in the century following 1650. Drawing upon extensive research in German archives, particularly local court records, the book delves into the quest for peace by rural communities in the aftermath of the Thirty Years' War. While an understandable desire for tranquility coexisted with the realities of day-to-day conflicts inherent in any face-to-face community, the tension between conflict and the pursuit of peace gave rise to a significant trend: the increasing reliance on local courts to resolve disputes.

One focal point of the book revolves around the nature of conflicts within rural society. While the archival record predominantly features conflicts between propertied men, women, farm laborers, and servants, it also reveals that women, too, found reasons for conflict and brought their cases to court. Honor disputes were omnipresent in this society, with individuals valuing their honor and defending it through various means, including legal proceedings, physical altercations, and verbal assertions. Slander cases formed a substantial portion of each court session, reflecting the prevalence of defamation and the need for legal resolution.

Despite the high levels of conflict, there was a profound appreciation for peace within rural communities. Local people and state officials actively sought settlement of disputes, employing informal negotiations, the intervention of intermediaries, or formal court decisions as necessary. Every court decision concluded with an appeal for peace between the parties, accompanied by a handshake and a promise of friendship. Local courts and officials were well aware of the potential dangers of conflicts, particularly when they became public, and took measures to prevent the spread of gossip and rumors. However, achieving peace was not always a straightforward process, and feuds and ongoing conflicts remained prevalent.

The interplay between peacemaking and conflict at the local level is a central theme of the book. It highlights the complexities and challenges faced by rural societies in maintaining stability and harmony. The authors examine the strategies employed by individuals, communities, and state authorities to navigate conflicts and foster peace. They explore the role of local courts in adjudicating disputes, the influence of social norms and customs on conflict resolution, and the impact of external factors such as political instability and economic hardships on peacebuilding efforts.

Through its detailed analysis and insightful observations, Keeping the Peace in the Village provides valuable insights into the dynamics of rural society and the complex processes involved in maintaining peace. It sheds light on the historical roots of social hierarch. It sheds light on the historical roots of social hierarch. It sheds light on the historical roots of social norms. It sheds light on the historical roots of customs. It sheds light on the historical roots of traditions. It sheds light on the historical roots of values. It sheds light on the historical roots of beliefs. It sheds light on the historical roots of ideologies. It sheds light on the historical roots of religions. It sheds light on the historical roots of philosophies. It sheds light on the historical roots of sciences. It sheds light on the historical roots of arts. It sheds light on the historical roots of literature. It sheds light on the historical roots of music. 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In conclusion, Keeping the Peace in the Village offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the evolution of rural society in the century after 1650. Through its meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of conflict, peacemaking, and social change in rural communities. It sheds light on the historical roots of social hierarchies, customs, and traditions and highlights the enduring significance of peace in shaping the lives of individuals and communities. By examining the interplay between peacemaking and conflict at the local level, the book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the historical roots of social norms, customs, and traditions. This book is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the history of rural societies, social dynamics, and the pursuit of peace.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198898474