Routledge War and the State in Early Modern Europe - Routledge History

Explore the profound connection between military development and state formation in this scholarly work from Routledge. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, European rulers moved toward establishing permanent armies and navies, a shift that reshaped the political, social, and economic landscape of the continent. This study examines how these military changes served as a driver for the transformation of early modern Europe. By looking closely at Spain, the Dutch Republic, and Sweden, the text exposes the economic structures required to maintain permanent military organizations. It investigates how large armed forces relied on various interest groups that required protection and were willing to provide the necessary funding. This book provides a deep look at the rise of fiscal-military states and the economic realities of early modern warfare. It is an essential resource for students and historians interested in how military needs influenced the development of state power and economic systems across Europe.