Germanic power structures: the early English experience
Patrick Wormald
I will begin this paper, and open a conference that seems designed to provoke, as provocatively can. This Realm of England is now the most enduring polity in recorded history. Significantly disturbed by mere two decades ultimately largely abortive revolutionary change from 1640 1660, little affected essence additions or subtractions 1284, 1536, 1603, 1707, 1801, 1922 1998, its longevity such unmatched even China Japan. Rather than further defend proposition, however, shall devote my time no less teasing question: not whether but how ? Our debate, take it, about way power was exercised series societies through space, extent which reflected any sort ‘national’ will. Regrettably, therefore, paper must reviewing definitions – perhaps should say, understandings ‘power’ historical study, effect leave ‘nation’ others. only hope I, indeed those others, prove able contribute bit more semantic discussion debate. Power staple modern discourse within family, village, religious community, itself. It falls naturally our lips datum . Yet, when asked quite what they mean power, historians can look shifty.
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