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A Political and Social History of Modern Europe - Volume 1: 1500-1815
A Political and Social History of Modern Europe 1500-1815 is a thorough history of Europe from the 16th century to the Era of Napoleon.
A table of contents is included.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1916
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About the author
Carlton J.H. Hayes
99 books11 followersAmerican historian, educator, diplomat, devout Catholic and academic. '
He was a leading and pioneering specialist on the study of nationalism. He was elected as president of the American Historical Association over the opposition of liberals and the more explicit Anti-Catholic bias that defined the academic community of his era.
He served as United States Ambassador to Spain in World War II. Although he came under attack from the CIO, communists and other forces on the left that rejected any dealings with Francoist Spain, Hayes succeeded in his mission to keep Spain neutral during the war.
He was a leading and pioneering specialist on the study of nationalism. He was elected as president of the American Historical Association over the opposition of liberals and the more explicit Anti-Catholic bias that defined the academic community of his era.
He served as United States Ambassador to Spain in World War II. Although he came under attack from the CIO, communists and other forces on the left that rejected any dealings with Francoist Spain, Hayes succeeded in his mission to keep Spain neutral during the war.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 19, 2019
I started reading bits and pieces of this simply when I was bored though it was so engaging I ended up finishing the entire thing.
The book completely lives up to its title with extensive economic coverage of the world as it change from feudalism, to industrial production, to mercantilism, to international trade. The chapter on the Reformation was very detailed in theology and not simply the events that were occurring, though certainly the political element was not ignored at all.
The 18th century is a labyrinth of wars occurring seemingly every twenty years. At the beginning of the century one side of the continent is trying to prevent France and Spain from being united under the Bourbons, on the other side Russia and Sweden are warring over the Baltic sea. This appears to be the first era of truly global wars, and then there's the habit of giving the exact same conflict a different name in the colonies than the one it receives in Europe. This might be the best coverage of that mess I've ever encountered however. One doesn't feel lost at all. I don't think you even have to read it in order.
I have to criticize the book for not covering as much of philosophy as I expected. It was more focused on the developments of science and industry, not to say all philosophers were ignored. I was amused that this is probably the most unimpressed I've seen a historian with Voltaire as a writer.
There was plenty of political coverage though I remember Britain getting the most of it. There is a detailed progression on how the British monarchy gradually lost it's power, and how parliament developed it's cabinet system. It wasn't planned at all.
The book ends with Napoleon but this is only the first volume.
The book completely lives up to its title with extensive economic coverage of the world as it change from feudalism, to industrial production, to mercantilism, to international trade. The chapter on the Reformation was very detailed in theology and not simply the events that were occurring, though certainly the political element was not ignored at all.
The 18th century is a labyrinth of wars occurring seemingly every twenty years. At the beginning of the century one side of the continent is trying to prevent France and Spain from being united under the Bourbons, on the other side Russia and Sweden are warring over the Baltic sea. This appears to be the first era of truly global wars, and then there's the habit of giving the exact same conflict a different name in the colonies than the one it receives in Europe. This might be the best coverage of that mess I've ever encountered however. One doesn't feel lost at all. I don't think you even have to read it in order.
I have to criticize the book for not covering as much of philosophy as I expected. It was more focused on the developments of science and industry, not to say all philosophers were ignored. I was amused that this is probably the most unimpressed I've seen a historian with Voltaire as a writer.
There was plenty of political coverage though I remember Britain getting the most of it. There is a detailed progression on how the British monarchy gradually lost it's power, and how parliament developed it's cabinet system. It wasn't planned at all.
The book ends with Napoleon but this is only the first volume.
Displaying 1 of 1 review