War, State and Society in Wurttemberg, 1677 1793 - Paperback

by Peter H. Wilson (Author), John Elliott (Editor), Olwen Hufton (Editor)

This book examines the role of war and the development of the smaller German territories in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries through the example of the duchy of WÜrttemberg. It reappraises traditional interpretations of German history that emphasize the role of Prussia and play down the significance of the smaller states. This is also the first comprehensive investigation of the relationship between developments within such territories and the structure of the Holy Roman Empire of which they formed a part. It reveals the Empire as a flawed but functioning political system and sheds new light on the reasons for its collapse in 1806.

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This book provides a radical new interpretation of the aims of the lesser German princes during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries through the examples of the duchy of Wurttemberg. Arguing that the princes' political ambitions were fundamental in shaping the internal development of their territories, the author sheds new light on the political importance of the notorious German 'soldier trade' and its role in international diplomacy.