The Merchant Republics : Amsterdam, Antwerp, and Hamburg, 1648–1790

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. 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 -- A Topographical Perspective -- Political Dynamics And Dilemmas -- Discord -- Merchants And Republicans -- Virtuous Commerce -- Virtue Bankrupt -- Conclusion. Mary Lindemann. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "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"-- Provided by publisher Cover 1 Half title 3 Frontispiece 4 Title 5 Copyright 6 Dedication 7 Contents 9 Acknowledgments 10 List of illustrations 13 Abbreviations 14 Introduction: A tale of three cities 19 1 A topographical perspective 36 2 Political dynamics and dilemmas 92 3 Discord 133 4 Merchants and republicans 190 5 Virtuous commerce 232 6 Virtue bankrupt 284 Conclusion 328 Bibliography 337 Index 365