Monarchy, Nation and the Common Good: Patriotism in Prussia, 1756–1806

Series: 

Author:
Jaakko Sivonen
This book provides a history of Prussian state patriotism from the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) until the Battle of Jena (1806). It argues that Prussian patriotism was not merely a prelude to German nationalism or a personality cult of Frederick the Great; rather, it was an inclusive and non-ethnic movement promoting ideals of citizenship, merit, and empowerment. Appealing to patriotism became a central method of promoting reform in a state governed by an absolute monarchy.

Covering a turning point in early modern European intellectual history, this book provides a historical perspective for modern discussions on the relationship between patriotism and nationalism.
Copyright Year:
2025
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Published
ISBN:
978-90-04-71081-8
Publication:
11 Nov 2024
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Published
ISBN:
978-90-04-71080-1
Publication:
21 Nov 2024
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Jaakko Sivonen, Ph.D. (2020), University of Helsinki, is a historian whose research focuses on patriotism and national identity in early modern Europe.
Acknowledgements

Introduction

Part 1
Seven Years’ War (1756–1763)
  Introduction to Part 1: General Themes, 1756–1763

1  Justifying the War

2 Heroism

3 Protestant Patriotism

4 Frederick’s Kingship

5 Subjects and Citizens


Part 2
Between the Storms (1763–1786)
  Introduction to Part 2: General Themes, 1763–1786

6 Looking Back at the War

7 War of the Bavarian Succession and the League of Princes

8 Preaching Patriotism to the People

9 Monarchy and the State

10 Citizen and Merit

11 Cosmopolitanism and Luxury

12 Patriotic Education

13 Patriotic Toleration


Part 3
From Frederick’s Death to Jena (1786–1806)
  Introduction to Part 3: General Themes, 1786–1806

14 Frederick’s Death and His Successors

15 Defining the Prussian Spirit

16 New Debates on Cosmopolitanism

17 Comparisons of Prussianness

18 Prussia’s Uniqueness

19 Early Reactions to the French Revolution

20 Enlightenment and Revolution

  Conclusion


Bibliography

Index

This book will be especially relevant for research institutes, scholars, and post-graduate and advanced undergraduate students interested in the history of early modern Germany, patriotism, nationalism, or the Enlightenment.
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Publisher:
Brill
Language:
English
Pages:
viii, 316 pp.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004710818

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