What is the definition of political history?

Political history is defined as the narrative and survey of political events, ideas, movements, organs of government, voters, parties, and leaders. It is closely related to other fields of history, including diplomatic history, constitutional history, social history, people's history, and public history. Essentially, political history studies the organization and operation of power within large societies.

How has the prominence of traditional political history changed in academic circles since the mid-20th century?

Since approximately the 1960s, traditional political history has seen a decline in prominence within academic circles. This shift is attributed to the rise of competing subdisciplines, particularly social and cultural history, which led to a greater focus on different aspects of the past. For instance, between 1975 and 1995, the proportion of history professors in American universities identifying with social history increased from 31% to 41%, while the proportion identifying as political historians decreased from 40% to 30%.

What does the political history of the world examine?

The political history of the world examines the history of politics and government on a global scale, encompassing international relations. It is closely linked to the history of political thinking.

Who is credited with writing the first "scientific" political history, and what was its impact?

The first "scientific" political history was written by Leopold von Ranke in 19th-century Germany. His methodologies profoundly influenced the way historians critically examine sources, a concept further explored in historiography.

Why is the study of ideology considered an important aspect of political history?

The study of ideology is crucial to political history because it is seen as a powerful force for historical change. According to one assertion, political history cannot truly exist without examining ideological differences and their implications.

What is the typical focus of studies in political history?

Studies in political history typically center on a single nation, examining its political changes and development over time.

How did social history and cultural history challenge traditional political history starting in the 1970s?

Starting in the 1970s, social history and cultural history emerged as movements that challenged traditional approaches to political history. Social history shifted the focus away from leaders and national decisions towards the role of ordinary people, especially marginalized groups like outsiders and minorities. Younger scholars increasingly focused on issues of race, class, and gender, often with less emphasis on elites.

What happened to social history after 1990, and what approaches replaced it?

After 1990, social history itself began to decline in prominence. It was largely replaced by postmodern and cultural approaches, which tended to reject grand narratives in historical analysis.

What characterized "traditional political history" in the United States before the "new political history" emerged?

Traditional political history in the United States primarily focused on major leaders and their activities. Before 1950, these studies constituted about 25% of scholarly books and articles by American historians, and this proportion rose to about 33% into the 1960s, alongside diplomatic history.

What was the "new political history" that emerged in the US during the 1960s and 1970s?

The "new political history" emerged in the US during the 1960s and 1970s, driven by a new interest in social history. Young scholars associated with this movement placed greater emphasis on the behavior and motivations of voters, rather than solely on politicians. This approach heavily utilized quantitative methods and integrated social themes, particularly concerning ethnicity and religion.

What factors contributed to younger scholars moving away from traditional political history in the US after 1990?

According to James T. Patterson, contemporary events, specifically the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, alienated younger scholars, diverting their interest away from the study of politicians and their actions.

How did the status of political historians change within the American academic profession, according to William Leuchtenburg?

William Leuchtenburg humorously described the diminished status of political historians, suggesting their standing within the profession had sunk to a level comparable to that of a faith healer or a chiropractor, implying they were perhaps acceptable but not central or highly esteemed.

What was the "Primat der Innenpolitik" concept in German historiography?

The "Primat der Innenpolitik," meaning "Primacy of Domestic Politics," was a concept suggested by German historians like Hans-Ulrich Wehler in the 1960s. This idea proposed that domestic insecurities and policies were the primary drivers behind a state's foreign policy decisions.

How did the French Annales School influence historical approaches, and what did it downplay?

The French Annales School emphasized the roles of geography and economics in history, focusing on broad, slow cycles of change rather than the "history of events" associated with high politics. Consequently, it tended to downplay politics and diplomacy in historical analysis.

What was the primary focus of Fernand Braudel's influential work, *The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II*?

While *The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II* by Fernand Braudel did contain a section on Philip II's Mediterranean policy, its primary focus was on the broad, long-term cycles of history, known as the *longue durée*. The traditional diplomatic history formed only the third and shortest part of the work.

How did social historians in the 1960s and 1970s view political history?

Social historians during the 1960s and 1970s often disdained political history, viewing it as elitist, shallow, outdated, and irrelevant to understanding the experiences of everyday life.

What is the MaxRange data project, and what does it define?

The MaxRange data project defines and details the political status and development of institutional regimes for all states globally, starting from 1789. It also describes the background, development, external sources, and major causes behind all political changes.

How does MaxRange quantify the level of democracy and institutional structure?

MaxRange uses a 100-graded scale where each value represents a unique regime type. These values are sorted from 1 to 100 based on the level of democracy and political accountability.

What time period does the MaxRange dataset cover?

The MaxRange dataset covers all states and every month from 1789 to 2015, and it is continuously updated.

What is the primary focus of the "new political history" in the United States, as opposed to traditional political history?

The "new political history" in the United States shifted the focus from the activities of politicians (traditional focus) to the behavior and motivations of voters. It also incorporated social themes, particularly ethnicity and religion, often using quantitative methods.

What statistical trend is noted regarding history professors in American universities between 1975 and 1995?

Between 1975 and 1995, the proportion of history professors in American universities identifying with social history rose from 31% to 41%, while the proportion identifying as political historians fell from 40% to 30%.

According to Paul Readman's discussion of British political history, why did scholars initially ignore 20th-century history?

According to Paul Readman, British scholars initially ignored 20th-century history due to several factors: its temporal proximity to the recent past, the unavailability of primary sources, and the potential for bias in studying such recent events.

What methodological changes have allowed for greater scholarly interest in 20th-century British history?

Transitions in scholarship that have fostered greater interest in 20th-century British history include less reliance on traditional archival sources, methodological shifts in historiography, and the flourishing of new forms of history, such as oral history.

What is the core idea behind the "Primat der Innenpolitik" in German historiography?

The core idea of the "Primat der Innenpolitik" is that domestic politics and insecurities are the primary drivers that shape and compel a nation's foreign policy.

How did the Annales School's focus on "longue durée" affect its treatment of political events?

The Annales School's focus on the "longue durée" (long term) meant that political events and diplomatic history, while sometimes included, were often treated as secondary or less significant compared to broader, slower-moving economic and environmental trends.

What is the significance of Leopold von Ranke's contribution to political history?

Leopold von Ranke's contribution was writing the first "scientific" political history in 19th-century Germany, significantly impacting historical methodology through his emphasis on critical source examination.

What specific social themes were integrated into the "new political history" in the US?

The "new political history" in the US integrated social themes, with a particular emphasis on ethnicity and religion, especially in relation to voters' behavior and motivations.

What were some of the criticisms leveled against traditional political history by social historians?

Social historians criticized traditional political history for being elitist, shallow, altogether passe, and irrelevant to the drama of everyday lives.

What is the primary purpose of the MaxRange dataset?

The primary purpose of the MaxRange dataset is to define and detail the political status and development of institutional regimes for all states from 1789 onwards, explaining the background and causes of political changes.

How did the focus of historical study shift from traditional political history to social history?

The shift from traditional political history to social history involved moving the focus from the activities of political elites and national decisions to the experiences and roles of ordinary people, including outsiders and minorities.

What were the primary concerns of younger scholars who moved towards race, class, and gender studies in history?

Younger scholars focusing on race, class, and gender were often concerned with issues related to these social categories, which sometimes left little room for the study of political elites that characterized traditional political history.

What specific examples are given of historians whose work or status is discussed in relation to the shifts in political history?

The text mentions Leopold von Ranke, Hans-Ulrich Wehler, Fernand Braudel, William Leuchtenburg, Hugh Davis Graham, and James T. Patterson in discussions related to the evolution and status of political history.

What is the core subject matter analyzed by political history?

Political history analyzes the organization and operation of power within large societies.

What is the main article referenced for the "Political world history" section?

The main article referenced for the "Political world history" section is "History of political thinking."

How did the "new political history" in the US differ from earlier approaches in its methodology?

The "new political history" in the US differed by heavily utilizing quantitative methods and integrating social themes, particularly ethnicity and religion, into the analysis of voter behavior, moving beyond the focus on politicians' actions.

What specific events are cited as alienating younger scholars from the study of politicians in the US?

The Vietnam War and Watergate are cited as contemporary events that alienated younger scholars away from the study of politicians and their deeds.

What was the general sentiment expressed by William Leuchtenburg regarding the status of political historians?

William Leuchtenburg expressed a sentiment that the status of political historians had significantly declined, humorously comparing them to faith healers or chiropractors.

What does the term "political history" encompass according to the definition provided?

The term "political history" encompasses the narrative and survey of political events, ideas, movements, government structures, voter behavior, political parties, and leaders.

How did the rise of postmodern and cultural approaches affect social history after 1990?

After 1990, social history itself began to decline in prominence, being replaced by postmodern and cultural approaches that generally rejected grand historical narratives.

What is the relationship between political history and other fields of history mentioned in the text?

Political history is closely related to diplomatic history, constitutional history, social history, people's history, and public history. It shares common ground with these fields as they all contribute to understanding the broader context of power and societal organization.

What does the "Primat der Innenpolitik" suggest about the relationship between domestic and foreign policy?

The "Primat der Innenpolitik" suggests that domestic politics and insecurities are the primary drivers that shape and compel a nation's foreign policy decisions.

What was the impact of the Annales School on the study of political history?

The Annales School's emphasis on geography, economics, and long-term cycles led to a turning away from political history and diplomacy towards broader trends in economic and environmental change.

What is the "MaxRange" dataset, and what kind of information does it provide about states?

The "MaxRange" dataset is a project that defines and details the political status and development of institutional regimes for all states from 1789 onwards. It provides information on regime types, levels of democracy, and political accountability, along with the background and causes of political changes.

What specific factors contributed to the decline of traditional political history in favor of social history in American universities?

The rise of social history, with its emphasis on ordinary people, race, class, and gender, challenged the elite-focused approach of traditional political history. Additionally, events like the Vietnam War and Watergate alienated younger scholars from studying politicians.

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Definition

Core Concepts

Political history, as an academic discipline, is dedicated to the narrative and analysis of political events, ideas, movements, governmental structures, electoral behaviors, political parties, and leadership figures.^[1] It fundamentally examines the organization and exercise of power within complex societies.

Interdisciplinary Connections

This field is intrinsically linked with various other historical sub-disciplines. It shares significant overlap with diplomatic history, constitutional history, social history, people's history, and public history, drawing upon their methodologies and insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of political phenomena.

Scope of Study

At its heart, political history seeks to understand how political systems are structured, how they evolve, and how they influence the broader societal landscape. It delves into the dynamics of governance, policy-making, and the forces that shape political change across different eras and regions.

Evolution of the Discipline

19th Century Foundations

The foundations of modern political history were significantly shaped by figures like Leopold von Ranke in 19th-century Germany. His emphasis on critical source examination and rigorous methodology profoundly influenced the discipline's approach to historical inquiry.

Mid-20th Century Dominance and Shift

For much of the mid-20th century, traditional political history, often focusing on elites and national narratives, held a dominant position. However, beginning in the 1960s and accelerating through the 1970s, the ascendancy of social and cultural history began to challenge this centrality.

This transition marked a significant reorientation, moving the focus away from the activities of political elites towards the experiences and roles of ordinary people, including marginalized groups, minorities, and the underclasses. Scholars increasingly explored themes related to race, class, and gender, often employing quantitative methods derived from the social sciences.

Post-1990 Trends

Following the peak of social history's influence, the discipline saw further diversification. Postmodern and cultural history approaches gained traction, often questioning grand narratives and emphasizing the subjective nature of historical interpretation. While political history never disappeared, its traditional dominance waned, making way for more nuanced and interdisciplinary studies.

Methodological Approaches

Rankean Influence

The methodological rigor established by Leopold von Ranke, emphasizing empirical evidence and critical analysis of primary sources, laid a crucial groundwork for the study of political history. This approach prioritized objectivity and detailed reconstruction of past events.

The "New Political History"

Emerging prominently in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, the "new political history" represented a significant methodological shift. It moved beyond solely focusing on politicians and institutions to analyze voters' behavior and motivations, often utilizing quantitative methods and drawing from social science theories to explore themes like ethnicity and religion.

This approach integrated social themes by applying statistical analysis to historical data, aiming for a more comprehensive understanding of political participation and ideology. It represented a departure from earlier, more narrative-driven political histories.

Contemporary Approaches

Modern political history often incorporates insights from cultural studies and postmodern theory, leading to a greater appreciation for the role of ideas, symbols, and discourse in shaping political landscapes. This has led to a more complex and multifaceted understanding of political phenomena, moving beyond purely structural or event-based analyses.

Shifting Focus

From Elites to the Masses

A defining trend in the evolution of political history has been the gradual shift in focus from the actions and decisions of political elites (kings, presidents, ministers) to the broader participation and experiences of ordinary citizens, including previously overlooked groups.

Broader Societal Themes

The inclusion of race, class, and gender as critical analytical categories has broadened the scope of political history. These lenses allow for a more inclusive and nuanced examination of power structures, social movements, and political identities, challenging earlier, more narrowly defined narratives.

Impact of Contemporary Events

Major historical events, such as the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, have influenced the direction of political history scholarship. These events sometimes alienated younger scholars from the traditional study of politicians and their actions, contributing to the diversification of historical inquiry and a move towards different thematic areas.

Regional Perspectives

United States

In the U.S., the "new political history" emphasized voter behavior, quantitative methods, and the influence of ethnicity and religion. This approach emerged partly as a reaction against traditional political history and was influenced by social science methodologies. Major events like the Vietnam War and Watergate also impacted scholarly focus, leading some younger historians away from studying politicians directly.

Britain

British political history scholarship in the 20th century was initially affected by temporal proximity to events, limited access to primary sources, and concerns about potential bias. However, shifts in historiographical methods, including greater reliance on oral history and methodological innovations, have fostered increased scholarly interest in this period.

Germany

German historians, notably Hans-Ulrich Wehler and his contemporaries, challenged the notion of foreign policy solely driving domestic affairs. They advocated for the "Primacy of Domestic Politics," arguing that internal political insecurities often motivated a state's foreign policy, leading to extensive work on the interplay between domestic conditions and international conduct.

France

The influential French Annales School prioritized geography, economics, and the concept of the *longue durée* (long term), often downplaying the significance of political events and high politics. Works like Fernand Braudel's *The Mediterranean* exemplify this approach, focusing on broader societal cycles rather than the immediate movements of political actors.

The Academic Field

Political History within Academia

Political history occupies a vital space within the broader academic landscape, bridging the disciplines of history and political science. It provides the historical context necessary for understanding contemporary political structures, ideologies, and behaviors.

Data and Analysis

Scholarly work in political history often relies on extensive archival research, quantitative data analysis, and theoretical frameworks from political science. Projects like the MaxRange dataset, which details the political status and institutional regimes of global states from 1789, exemplify the detailed analytical work undertaken in this field.

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References

Richard J. Jensen, Historiography of American Political History. In Jack Greene, ed., Encyclopedia of American Political History (New York: Scribner's, 1984), vol 1. pp 1-25

Allan G. Bogue, "United States: The 'new' political history." Journal of Contemporary History (1968) 3#1 pp: 5-27. in JSTOR

Allan G. Bogue, "The new political history in the 1970s." in Michael G. Kammen, ed., The Past Before Us: Contemporary Historical Writing in the United States (1980) pp: 231-251.

Hugh Davis Graham, "The stunted career of policy history: a critique and an agenda." The Public Historian (1993): 15-37. in JSTOR

Mark H. Leff, "Revisioning US political history." American Historical Review (1995) 100#3 pp: 829-853, quote p 829. in JSTOR

A full list of references for this article are available at the Political history Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional academic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for in-depth academic research or consultation with qualified scholars in the field of history or political science. Always refer to primary sources and consult with experts for comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Evolving Landscape of Power

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Definition ℹ️

🏛️ Core Concepts

🔗 Interdisciplinary Connections

⚖️ Scope of Study

Evolution of the Discipline 📈

📜 19th Century Foundations

👥 Mid-20th Century Dominance and Shift

postmodern Post-1990 Trends

Methodological Approaches 🔬

🧐 Rankean Influence

📊 The "New Political History"

💡 Contemporary Approaches

Shifting Focus 🎯

👑 From Elites to the Masses

🌍 Broader Societal Themes

📉 Impact of Contemporary Events

Regional Perspectives 🌍

🇺🇸 United States

🇬🇧 Britain

🇩🇪 Germany

🇫🇷 France

The Academic Field 🎓

📚 Political History within Academia

🗂️ Data and Analysis

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Definition

Core Concepts

Interdisciplinary Connections

Scope of Study

Evolution of the Discipline

19th Century Foundations

Mid-20th Century Dominance and Shift

Post-1990 Trends

Methodological Approaches

Rankean Influence

The "New Political History"

Contemporary Approaches

Shifting Focus

From Elites to the Masses

Broader Societal Themes

Impact of Contemporary Events

Regional Perspectives

United States

Britain

Germany

France

The Academic Field

Political History within Academia

Data and Analysis

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice