Date: February 3rd, 2005 01:03 pm (UTC)From:white_hart
Although we did cut our monarch's head off once, don't forget...
This is something I've noticed before. I think it's all to do with the relative status of the middle classes and the fact that the bourgeoisie gained power far more easily in a trading economy like England's rather than a predominantly agricultural society like France. Also, the power of the Church in the countries that remained Catholic held the bourgeoisie down, whereas i think the Protestant church has historically had more scope for self-improvement.
I suspect that as well as the Scandinavian countries, a lot of the German states made relatively easy progress towards democratic or partially-democratic societies. Of course, the unification process there is a whole 'nother kettle of fish...
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chiming
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Date: February 3rd, 2005 01:03 pm (UTC)From:This is something I've noticed before. I think it's all to do with the relative status of the middle classes and the fact that the bourgeoisie gained power far more easily in a trading economy like England's rather than a predominantly agricultural society like France. Also, the power of the Church in the countries that remained Catholic held the bourgeoisie down, whereas i think the Protestant church has historically had more scope for self-improvement.
I suspect that as well as the Scandinavian countries, a lot of the German states made relatively easy progress towards democratic or partially-democratic societies. Of course, the unification process there is a whole 'nother kettle of fish...