The Making of the Democratic Party in Europe, 1860-1890

This book explores the emergence of modern parties in nineteenth-century Europe and their connection with the slowly developing institution of democracy. It shows that party founders framed and established the modern party as an alternative to existing models of political representation, characterized by popular participation. By giving new meaning to existing structures and developing new practices of political organization, they mobilized their followers and created organizations that continue to shape the history of modern democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 289 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate relationship between modern parties and the emerging institution of democracy in nineteenth-century Europe. The founders of the first modern parties played a pivotal role in establishing the close bond between these two entities, presenting themselves as representatives of the people. By examining the ideas and practices of these party founders, the book challenges the traditional notion that party formation was solely a result of industrialization. Instead, it reveals that the response of these pioneers was to frame and establish the modern party as an alternative to existing models of political representation. Central to this alternative was the notion of popular participation, which sought to involve citizens actively in the political process.

To mobilize their followers, party founders sought to give new meaning to existing structures and develop innovative practices of political organization. This led to the creation of organizations that continue to shape the history of modern democracy. The book explores the foundation of three political parties: the German Social Democratic Workers Party (SDAP), the Dutch Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP), and the British National Liberal Federation. By adopting a transnational and comparative approach, the author highlights the decisive role of party founders in shaping the development of modern democracy. This insightful work is a must-read for anyone interested in researching the history of democracy and political parties.

Weight: 519g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030877477
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022