The Impact of Napoleon: Prussian High Politics, Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Executive, 1797-1806

by Brendan Simms

Overview

This book examines Prussia's response to Napoleon and Napoleonic expansionism in the years before the crushing defeats of Auerstadt and Jena, a period of German history as untypical as it was dramatic. Events are analyzed at the level of high politics, foreign policy and the reform of the executive. The book also addresses matters of general theoretical concern such as high politics, geopolitics and the "primacy of foreign policy". In doing so it goes beyond anything that has been attempted before, and presents a comprehensive and nuanced picture of Prussia before 1806.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521453608
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/09/1997
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.29(h) x 1.18(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; Part I. The Structures: 2. The structure of Prussian politics during the early reign of Frederick William III; 3. Problem areas of Prussian policy and politics: the centres of attention abroad, 1797–1804; 4. Problem areas of Prussian policy and politics: the centres of attention at home, 1797–1804; Part II. The Events: 5. The failure of neutrality: Prussian policy and politics, October 1804–September 1805; 6. Delayed decisions: Prussian policy and politics, October 1805–February 1806; 7. The Hanoverian crisis: Prussian policy and politics, March–June 1806; Part III. The Responses: 8. Facing Napoleonic France: Prussian responses to the French threat, 1804–1806; 9. The search for decision: Prussian Reform attempts immediately before Jena; 10. Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"...this study's first-rate account of the mechanisms of politics and foreign affairs in old regime Prussia makes Simm's work a welcome contribution to the historical to the historical literature." Steinhoff, H-Net Reviews

"Simms has certainly provided much food for thought and his challenge to the current interpretation is likely to provoke a lively response." Peter H. Wilson, International History Review

"This book has many strengths, among them thorough research in printed and archival sources; excellent discussions of the relevant historiography and significant contributions to its debtates; a clear, sound exposition and justification of the topic and the problems involved; a smooth, readable style; an orderly...organization; and an important, controversial interpretation forcefully presented." Paul W. Schroeder, Central European History

From the Publisher