The Merchant Republics
Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg, 1648–1790

This book analyzes the ways in which Amsterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg developed dual identities as 'communities of commerce' and republics.

Mary Lindemann (Author)

9781107426290, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 February 2017

374 pages, 9 b/w illus.
23 x 15.3 x 2.3 cm, 0.52 kg

'Although not an economic history in the strictest sense, the book challenges a classic economic interpretation of the rise and fall of European commercial centers through its strong focus on perception and identity. Lindemann has written a history of the positioning of commerce in urban self-fashioning and political functioning. It is based on a rich consultation of secondary literature, showing Lindemann's excellent command of the historiography about the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany …' Tijl Vanneste, Journal of Interdisciplinary History

The Merchant Republics analyzes the ways in which three major economic powerhouses - Amsterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg - developed dual identities as 'communities of commerce' and as republics over the course of the long eighteenth century (c.1648–1790). In addition to discussing the qualities that made these three cities alike, this volume also considers the very real differences that derived from their dissimilar histories, political structures, economic fates and cultural expectations. While all valued both their republicanism and their merchant identities, each presented a different face to the world and each made the transition from an early modern republic to a modern city in a different manner.

Introduction: a tale of three cities
1. A topographical perspective
2. Political dynamics and dilemmas
3. Discord
4. Merchants and republicans
5. Virtuous commerce
6. Virtue bankrupt
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Economic history [KCZ], Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], European history [HBJD]