In the 17 th and 18 th century few people are able to afford travelling through their own or a foreign country. At first only children of the rich nobility travel in the framework of their education: These t ravels are called “The Grand Tour” and comprise visits of Italian and French cities. Later, especially in the 18 th century, also people of the lower classes, the middling ranks and the bourgeoisie can afford travelling. 1 In the 18 th century England takes France’s place as the European model due to changes in economy and society, due to progresses in science and politics. England becomes more and more interesting to people on the continent and the number of travellers grows constantly. Many of them write diaries or letters about their experiences and publish them. One thing the travellers write about is the English society, its state and its changes. England’s society and system of estates are of interest due to its differences towards societies on the continent. Its society is more liberal and open although the hierarchy is nearly the same. What the differences and similarities exactly are, shall be discussed in this paper with the help of German travel reports. I will discuss the details as mentioned by German travellers and try to find reasons, why they emphasized certain aspects, and why there are different opinions on these aspects. But first it seems useful to get a general overview of Germany and England and its societies in the 18 th century because this background information will help to understand the travellers’ opinions and remarks. Additionally, a definition of the term “system of estates” could be useful. [...]
Table of Contents
- Contents
- Introduction
- The term "System of estates"
- Germany in the 18th century
- England in the 18th century
- The basic system of estates in Germany and England
- The contact of the estates with each other
- The king and the people
- The contrast of rich and poor, of the high and the low
- The right to vote
- Law and justice in the 18th century
- Education and sciences
- Conclusion
- Appendix
- Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the system of estates in 18th-century England and Germany, using German travel reports as primary sources. It seeks to identify similarities and differences between the two systems, exploring the reasons behind the travelers' observations and the varying perspectives presented in their accounts.
- The definition and characteristics of the "system of estates" in the early modern period.
- Comparison of the social and political structures of 18th-century England and Germany.
- Analysis of German travelers' perceptions and interpretations of English society.
- Examination of the role of class, wealth, and privilege in shaping social relations.
- Discussion of the influence of the system of estates on aspects such as law, justice, and education.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper, explaining the context of 18th-century travel, particularly the increasing number of German travelers to England and their writings on English society. It highlights the significance of examining the English system of estates in comparison to its continental counterparts and lays out the methodology of the paper – analyzing German travel accounts to understand their observations and interpretations of English social structures. The chapter emphasizes the unique position of England as a model for continental Europe during this period, owing to its economic, social, scientific, and political advancements, thereby justifying the focus on German travel accounts to England. The chapter concludes by noting the need for a general overview of the societies of both England and Germany in the 18th century, as well as a clarification of the term "system of estates" to better interpret the travelers' accounts.
The term "System of estates": This chapter defines the term "system of estates," explaining its historical context in the Middle Ages and early modern era. It details the hierarchical structure of society, with the three main estates – clergy, nobility, and common people – further subdivided into groups based on factors like wealth and social standing. Rousseau’s distinction between natural and political inequality is introduced, highlighting the role of privilege in creating the system of estates. The chapter further explores the dualism of power between the sovereign and the estates, emphasizing the estates' role in matters of public welfare and taxation. The chapter concludes by portraying the system as a pyramid, with “outcasts” outside its structure, and discusses the perpetuation of inequality through birth and the eventual decline of the system with the rise of the bourgeoisie and industrialization.
Germany in the 18th century: This chapter provides a crucial background on the political landscape of 18th-century Germany, contrasting it with the centralized states of France and England. It emphasizes the decentralized nature of the Holy Roman Empire, composed of numerous small and often autonomous territories. The chapter describes the fluctuating borders and the varying levels of influence held by different territories, with larger states like Prussia and Austria playing dominant roles in international politics. It also offers a demographic snapshot, illustrating the largely rural population and the uneven distribution of population density across the Empire. The chapter ultimately sets the stage for a comparative analysis by presenting a picture of a politically fragmented and diverse society in contrast to the relatively unified England.
Keywords
System of estates, 18th-century England, 18th-century Germany, German travel reports, social hierarchy, class, privilege, political structure, social comparison, travel literature.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of the System of Estates in 18th-Century England and Germany
What is the main focus of this text?
This text analyzes the system of estates in 18th-century England and Germany, using German travel reports as primary sources. It compares and contrasts the two systems, explores the reasons behind travelers' observations, and examines the varying perspectives presented in their accounts.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the definition and characteristics of the "system of estates," a comparison of the social and political structures of 18th-century England and Germany, analysis of German travelers' perceptions of English society, the role of class, wealth, and privilege, and the influence of the system of estates on law, justice, and education.
What sources does the text utilize?
The primary sources are German travel reports from the 18th century. These accounts provide insights into the travelers' observations and interpretations of English society, offering valuable comparative perspectives.
How does the text define the "system of estates"?
The text defines the "system of estates" as a hierarchical social structure prevalent in the Middle Ages and early modern era. It typically consisted of three main estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners, further subdivided based on wealth and social standing. The text also considers Rousseau's distinction between natural and political inequality and the system's eventual decline with the rise of the bourgeoisie and industrialization.
What is the significance of comparing England and Germany in this context?
England, due to its economic, social, scientific, and political advancements, served as a model for continental Europe. Comparing it to the decentralized and diverse political landscape of 18th-century Germany provides a valuable contrast and allows for a deeper understanding of the system of estates in both contexts.
What is the structure of the text?
The text includes an introduction, a detailed explanation of the "system of estates," individual chapters on 18th-century Germany and England, an analysis of the interaction between the estates, and a discussion of law, justice, education, and the contrast between rich and poor. It concludes with an appendix and bibliography.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the text?
The text provides summaries of the introduction, which sets the stage for the paper and introduces its methodology; a chapter defining "system of estates"; a chapter on 18th-century Germany, highlighting its decentralized political landscape; and further chapters delving into specific aspects of the system of estates in both countries.
What are the key words associated with this text?
Key words include: System of estates, 18th-century England, 18th-century Germany, German travel reports, social hierarchy, class, privilege, political structure, social comparison, and travel literature.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Kellner (Author), 2004, A Description of the System of Estates in England and Germany in the 18th Century on the Basis of German Travel Reports, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/25439
