North Eurasian Trade in World History, 1660-1860: The Economic and Political Importance of the Baltic Sea

This book offers the first long-term analysis of the struggle between Britain, France, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden for economic power and political influence in the northern part of the Eurasian continent between 1660 and 1860. It shows how their commercial, diplomatic, and military entanglements determined the course of Baltic trade, provoking the decline of the Dutch Republic and the partitions of Poland-Lithuania. The author conceptualizes the Baltic Sea as one of North Eurasias western border basins and employs novel statistical series of Baltic trade as a proxy for the long-term development of North Eurasian trade in world history. The book addresses the long-term impact of mercantilist policies, territorial greed, and military conflicts in North Eurasias border basins and highlights the significance of developments in the preindustrial transport and commercial infrastructure of the North Eurasian landmass.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into a pivotal period of history, spanning from 1660 to 1860, when Britain, France, Prussia, Russia, and Sweden engaged in a fierce battle for economic power and political influence in the northern part of the Eurasian continent. Through a detailed analysis, it sheds light on the intricate web of commercial, diplomatic, and military entanglements that shaped Baltic trade during this era. The book explores how these interactions influenced the decline of the Dutch Republic and the partitions of Poland-Lithuania, among other significant events.

The author conceptualizes the Baltic Sea as a vital border basin within North Eurasia, alongside the White, Black, and Caspian Seas. By utilizing novel statistical series of Baltic trade as a proxy for the long-term development of North Eurasian trade in world history, the author offers a fresh perspective on this significant region.

Based on extensive quantitative evidence and a wealth of sources for the history of international relations, the book outlines how North Eurasian trade became a subject of growing tensions among various larger and smaller powers vying for control over its riches. It examines the long-term impact of mercantilist policies, territorial greed, and military conflicts in North Eurasias border basins, emphasizing the significance of developments in the preindustrial transport and commercial infrastructure of the North Eurasian landmass.

By employing the concept of North Eurasia and its diverse borderlands and border basins, the book breaks new ground in the historiography of globalization. It sheds light on a vast, continental landmass that often falls under the radar of historical studies, which tend to prioritize a maritime perspective. This book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of global trade and its impact on the political, economic, and social landscapes of the time.

North Eurasian Trade in World History, 1660 – 1860 is a must-read for students and scholars interested in world history, international relations, and global economics. It offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of a pivotal period in global history, providing a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of power, trade, and politics that shaped the world we know today.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 160 x 243 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367683467