Lineages of the Absolutist State: A Review

Perry Anderson's Lineages of the Absolutist State is a magisterial work of historical scholarship that traces the origins and development of the absolutist state in Europe from its medieval roots to its culmination in the early modern period. Anderson argues that the absolutist state was not simply a product of the rise of the bourgeoisie, as many Marxists have argued, but rather a complex and contradictory phenomenon that emerged from a variety of factors, including the decline of feudalism, the growth of trade and commerce, and the rise of new social classes.

The Origins of the Absolutist State

Anderson begins his analysis by examining the origins of the absolutist state in the medieval period. He argues that the absolutist state did not emerge fully formed, but rather developed gradually over time through a process of accretion and consolidation. The first step in this process was the rise of the feudal monarchy, which was characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler who was able to command the loyalty of his vassals. The feudal monarchy was then transformed into the absolutist state through a series of crises and conflicts, including the Hundred Years' War, the Black Death, and the Peasants' Revolt. These crises led to the decline of feudalism and the rise of new social classes, such as the bourgeoisie and the peasantry, who challenged the power of the monarchy.

The Development of the Absolutist State

In the early modern period, the absolutist state reached its zenith. This was a period of great economic growth and social change, which saw the rise of capitalism and the decline of feudalism. The absolutist state played a key role in this transformation, providing the political stability and infrastructure necessary for the development of capitalism. The absolutist state also played a major role in the religious wars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, which resulted in the establishment of the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation.

The Crisis of the Absolutist State

The absolutist state reached its crisis point in the late eighteenth century. This was a period of great political and social upheaval, which saw the French Revolution and the American Revolution. These revolutions overthrew the absolutist state and established new forms of government, such as the republic and the constitutional monarchy. The crisis of the absolutist state was caused by a number of factors, including the rise of the bourgeoisie, the decline of the feudal aristocracy, and the spread of Enlightenment ideas.

The Legacy of the Absolutist State

The absolutist state left a lasting legacy on European history. It created the centralized state system that is still in place today, and it played a key role in the development of capitalism and the modern world. The absolutist state also had a profound impact on European culture and society, shaping the way people thought about politics, religion, and the economy.

Conclusion

Lineages of the Absolutist State is a brilliant and insightful work of historical scholarship that offers a new understanding of the origins and development of the absolutist state. Anderson's book is a must-read for anyone interested in European history, political theory, or the development of the modern world.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you are interested in any of the following topics, then you should read Lineages of the Absolutist State:

• European history
• Political theory
• The development of the modern world
• The rise of capitalism
• The decline of feudalism
• The religious wars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
• The French Revolution
• The American Revolution
• The legacy of the absolutist state

Lineages of the Absolutist State is a challenging but rewarding book that will change the way you think about European history. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in today.