State Formation in Early Modern England, c.1550–1700

An account of the modernisation and development of the English state in the seventeenth century.

Michael J. Braddick (Author)

9780521789554, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 7 December 2000

460 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.6 cm, 0.67 kg

'Constantly thoughtful, the text will prove indispensable.' Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History

This book examines the development of the English state during the long seventeenth century, emphasising the impersonal forces which shape the uses of political power, rather than the purposeful actions of individuals or groups. It is a study of state formation rather than of state building. The author's approach does not however rule out the possibility of discerning patterns in the development of the state, and a coherent account emerges which offers some alternative answers to relatively well-established questions. In particular, it is argued that the development of the state in this period was shaped in important ways by social interests - particularly those of class, gender and age. It is also argued that this period saw significant changes in the form and functioning of the state which were, in some sense, modernising. The book therefore offers a narrative of the development of the state in the aftermath of revisionism.

Introduction
Part I. State Formation in Early Modern England: Introduction
1. The embodiment of the state
2. The uses of political power in early modern England
Conclusion
Part II. The Patriarchal State: Introduction
3. Social order: poverty, dearth and disease
4. The courts and social order
Conclusion
Part III. The Fiscal-Military State: Introduction
5. The state and military mobilisation
6. The financing of the state
Conclusion
Part IV. The Confessional State: Introduction
7. The claims of the confessional state: local realities
Conclusion
Part V. The Dynastic State: Introduction
8. Elite formation and state formation in England, Wales and Scotland
9. London's provinces: state formation in the English-speaking Atlantic world
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Constitution: government & the state [JPHC], Gender studies, gender groups [JFSJ], Social classes [JFSC], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], British & Irish history [HBJD1]