Protecting the Fatherland: Lawsuits and Political Debates in Julich, Hesse-Cassel and Brittany (1642-1655)

This book explores the use of fatherland terminology by the nobility in Jülich, Hesse-Cassel, and Brittany from 1642 to 1655, arguing that dynasties dominated the political arena and that the nobility used this terminology to object to princely politics. It provides insights into how the nobility safeguarded the welfare and prosperity of the fatherland and its inhabitants.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 09 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of the usage of fatherland terminology in a political and legal context in Jülich, Hesse-Cassel, and Brittany from 1642 to 1655. Fatherland terminology encompasses terms such as patria, patriot, and nation, which were commonly employed by the noble class during this period. In the realm of historiography, the use of these words by the nobility is often interpreted as an early manifestation of nationalism, which conflicted with the princely initiative of state-building. The book posits that neither "states" nor "nationalism" truly existed at that time; rather, the political landscape was dominated by dynasties. Furthermore, it challenges the notion of deliberate state-building and demonstrates that the nobility employed this terminology as a means to oppose princely politics while assuming a "presupposed office." This status granted the nobility the ability to position themselves outside the traditional ruler-subject constellation and critique the prevailing circumstances.

The Duchy of Jülich and the Landgraviate of Hesse-Cassel serve as examples of small economies of scale characterized by homogeneous nobilities. These regions were particularly hard-hit by the Thirty Years War, resulting in illegal tax levies and the billeting of soldiers. Consequently, the nobility voiced their concerns about princely politics, utilizing the fatherland terminology to express their objections.

In contrast, the Duchy of Brittany, with its larger economy of scale and diverse nobility, adopted an alternative approach to pursuing its interests while minimizing tax burdens. This duchy sought to safeguard the welfare and prosperity of its inhabitants by finding innovative solutions to economic challenges.

The primary objective of this book is to explore and present three representative cases that shed light on how the nobility safeguarded the well-being and prosperity of the fatherland and its inhabitants. These cases provide valuable insights into the strategies employed by the noble class to protect their interests and maintain stability during a period of significant political and economic upheaval.

Weight: 535g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030742393
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021