This book provides a history of Prussian state patriotism from the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) until the Battle of Jena (1806). It argues that Prussian patriotism was not merely a prelude to German nationalism or a personality cult of Frederick the Great; rather, it was an inclusive and non-ethnic movement promoting ideals of citizenship, merit, and empowerment. Appealing to patriotism became a central method of promoting reform in a state governed by an absolute monarchy.
Covering a turning point in early modern European intellectual history, this book provides a historical perspective for modern discussions on the relationship between patriotism and nationalism.
Jaakko Sivonen, Ph.D. (2020), University of Helsinki, is a historian whose research focuses on patriotism and national identity in early modern Europe.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Part 1 Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) Introduction to Part 1: General Themes, 1756–1763
1Justifying the War
2Heroism
3Protestant Patriotism
4Frederick’s Kingship
5Subjects and Citizens
Part 2 Between the Storms (1763–1786) Introduction to Part 2: General Themes, 1763–1786
6Looking Back at the War
7War of the Bavarian Succession and the League of Princes
8Preaching Patriotism to the People
9Monarchy and the State
10Citizen and Merit
11Cosmopolitanism and Luxury
12Patriotic Education
13Patriotic Toleration
Part 3 From Frederick’s Death to Jena (1786–1806) Introduction to Part 3: General Themes, 1786–1806
14Frederick’s Death and His Successors
15Defining the Prussian Spirit
16New Debates on Cosmopolitanism
17Comparisons of Prussianness
18Prussia’s Uniqueness
19Early Reactions to the French Revolution
20Enlightenment and Revolution
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
This book will be especially relevant for research institutes, scholars, and post-graduate and advanced undergraduate students interested in the history of early modern Germany, patriotism, nationalism, or the Enlightenment.