Shifting Capital: Mercantilism and the Economics of the Act of Union of 1707

The Act of Union in 1707 led to the dissolution of the Scottish parliament and the relocation of the nation's capital to London. This book explores how the negotiations preceding the passage of the Act were shaped by mercantilist thought, justifying the necessity of the Union based on ideas of value, wealth, trade, and power. It also highlights alternative arguments regarding the Union and investigates protectionist ideas that feed into mercantilist economic thought, in light of contemporary discontent and arguments surrounding Brexit.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 143 pages
\n Publication date: 15 December 2018
\n Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG
\n

When the Act of Union was passed in 1707, the Scottish parliament was dissolved, and the nation's capital shifted to London. While the general public expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived unfairness of the treaty, the majority of Scottish ministers appeared content with its terms. This book aims to provide an explanation for this outcome. By examining the influence of a particular strain of mercantilist thought, Ramos demonstrates how the negotiations preceding the passage of the Act of Union were shaped by ideas of value, wealth, trade, and power. Consequently, the model of positive balance was employed to justify the necessity of the Act.

Utilizing contemporary evidence from the English and Scottish ministers involved, this book explores alternative arguments regarding the Union, from before 1707 and in early Scottish political economy. This exploration highlights the differing economic and political views that have persisted between England and Scotland for centuries. In the context of twenty-first-century discontent leading to the Scottish independence referendum and ongoing debates following the Brexit decision, Ramos conducts timely research that delves into the ideas of protectionism that underpin mercantilist economic thought.

\n Weight: 328g\n
Dimension: 156 x 217 x 11 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9783319964027\n
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018\n