Statebuilding Flashcards
Define statebuilding:
Statebuilding is the increase in centralised power through the device bureaucracy, taxation, collaboration with nobles (brokerage) and militarisation (standing armies).
Define brokerage:
Brokerage I the practise of people with access to the monarch ‘brokering’ their access and power. e.g. Cardinal Wolsey (sorta)
Why did brokerage decline in France?
Due to Louis XIV’s centralisation policies.
Who coined the New Monarchies thesis, and when?
A. R. Pollard in 1910.
What does the New Monarchies thesis debate?
When statebuilding occurred.
What is an example from Spain of a movement towards statebuilding?
The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1469 leading to the union of Aragon and Castile.
What does J. H. Elliot stress about the significance of Ferdinand and Isabella’s union?
They had to combat nobles who were distraught at the union due to the implications it could have on their way of life, this was done via banning private wars but still giving privileges.
How was the territory of 15th Century France expanded?
Via inheritance anf acquisition.
Which historian can we refer to in regards to Tudor statebuilding?
G. L. Elton.
Who suggests that there was a strong move towards absolutism that occurred at the same time of statebuilding?
Ronald Mousnier. He argues there was centralisation via a decline in aristocracy, ruin of the church and destruction of particularist interests.
Who suggests Francis I’s government was strong?
Robert Knecht, cites the Concordat of Bologna and the lack of Estates Generals.
What was the Concordat of Bologna?
Francis I given power to appoint his own bishops against parlements wishes.
Who suggests Francis I’s government was weak?
J. Russell Major, cites that in 1515 there was 1 official per 1500-2000 subjects.
What two examples prove that particularism and statebuilding were not entirely antithetical?
- The provincial autonomy in Dauphine and Provence.
2. The extent to which parliament increased its powers via the break from Rome legislation.
When is statebuilding most accepted to have occurred?
17th Century, but some argue it began in the 16th Century.
Who coined the Military Revolution thesis?
Michael Roberts.
What does the Military Revolution thesis argue?
The military revolution thesis argues that the growth and development of the military was the key to statebuilding, and acted in a cyclical manner.
What evidence does Michael Roberts cite to support his military revolution thesis?
The constant 17th Century warmongering leading to a technical change in warfare spurring on government change.
What evidence does John Lynn cite in support of the military revolution thesis?
By the 30 Years War the French army numbered 125,000 (75% larger than in 1600~).
Outline the growth of the Dutch army 1595-1607-1626:
1595: 30,000 men.
1607: 31,000 men.
1626: 35,000 men.
What percentage of the Spanish budget 1621-40 was spent on warfare?
47%.
How were Spanish wars funded?
Via taxation entirely from 1600 on.
List three ways in which funds were levied for war:
- Forced Loans.
- Manipulation of the currency.
- Levy of men.
List three ways in which France shows a growth in bureaucracy:
- Venal offices (noblesses de robe).
- Rentes (government annuities).
- Centralisation and standardisation of taxation.
List three French taxes of the early modern period:
The gabelle (salt), octrois (goods entering a town), vingtieme (income/poll).
What was the result of the French tax centralisation?
Tax revolts such as that of Aix in 1630.
Despite what may seem, which monarch did not have complete authority?
Louis XIV at Versailles.
What must be remembered about statebuilding and its role in power?
There was absolutism, not authoritarianism. There was dependency on nobles- thus clientage.
What were three obstacles to centralised power?
Popular support, noble support, power of institutions.
Who notes that we must remember that ‘absolutism’ wasn’t coined until after the French Revolution?
Nicholas Henshaw.
What is the revisionist perspective of statebuilding?
It occurred, but not as directly as people say. Not a deliberate rejection of particularism but goal of war.
What does Nicholas Henshaw stress about the nature of absolutism?
That monarchs were just emulating previous monarchical formats.
Who argues that 17th Century states were less autocratic and bureaucratic than 19th Century states?
Nicholas Henshaw.
How does G. Parker reform M. Roberts’ original military revolution thesis?
G. Parker suggests that the theory is sound but the periodisation should be 1530-1710 rather than 1560-1660.
What emerged in the 1600s which contributed to the development of military tactics?
The book genre of military textbooks
