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The Age of Revolution 1789 - 1848

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Eric Hobsbawm's 'The Age of Revolution 1789 - 1848' delves into the profound transformation of the world during this period, attributing it to the 'dual revolution' - the French Revolution of 1789 and the preceding British Industrial Revolution. The book provides a detailed analysis of the social and economic changes brought about by these revolutions, covering aspects such as the emergence of a capitalist society, the rise of the bourgeoisie, the urbanization of the working class, and the impact on global regions beyond Europe.

Hobsbawm's writing style is described as dense and intellectually stimulating, offering a magisterial blend of historical facts within the context of significant historical events. The book not only focuses on political and economic developments but also delves into the arts and sciences of the time, shedding light on the birth of modern sciences and the cultural dimensions of the revolutions. Through meticulous research and polyglot mastery of diverse sources, Hobsbawm provides a comprehensive account of the transformations in the 18th and 19th centuries, essential for understanding subsequent historical developments.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dense and analytical, blending poetic elements with statistical analysis to enhance the reader's understanding of complex historical developments.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around the impact of the French and Industrial Revolutions on modernity, emphasizing their historical significance and transformations in society and economy.

Setting:

The setting is primarily Europe, focusing on France and Britain, while also reflecting on the impact of the revolutions on global regions and various social settings of the time.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with some sections dense in statistics, while others flow more understandably, allowing readers to engage selectively with the text.
THE first thing to observe about the world of the 1780s is that it was at once much smaller and much larger than ours. It was smaller geographically, because even the best-educated and best-informed m...

Notes:

The book focuses on two significant revolutions: the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.
Hobsbawm argues the French Revolution had a more profound social impact than the American Revolution.
Hobsbawm contrasts how the American Revolution maintained many social structures while the French Revolution dismantled them.
The Industrial Revolution fundamentally changed economies from agrarian to capitalist systems.
New social classes emerged, including a bourgeoisie who thrived in the changing markets.
The period saw a rise in living standards, but many urban workers faced poor conditions in slums.
The revolutions prompted global changes, influencing nations such as India and parts of Africa and Latin America.
Hobsbawm acknowledges intellectual developments in religion, art, and science during this time.
The terms like 'capitalism', 'socialism', 'proletariat' and 'industrial' emerged from this period and gained modern meanings.
The book is more analytical than narrative, focusing on themes and outcomes rather than detailed events.
Hobsbawm's writing blends small historical facts with broader historical contexts.
The book is structured in two parts: developments and their results.
Hobsbawm's Marxist perspective emphasizes class relations and economic interpretations.

From The Publisher:

Eric Hobsbawm traces with brilliant anlytical clarity the transformation brought about in evry sphere of European life by the Dual revolution - the 1789 French revolution and the Industrial Revolution that originated in Britain. This enthralling and original account highlights the significant sixty years when industrial capitalism established itself in Western Europe and when Europe established the domination over the rest of the world it was to hold for half a century.

 
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