The Merchant Republics: Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg, 1648–1790
Cambridge University Press, 12/11/2014
EAN 9781107074439, ISBN10: 1107074436
Hardcover, 374 pages, 22.8 x 15.2 x 3 cm
Language: English
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.