The Sinews of Power: War, Money and the English State, 1688-1783

This is an unusual history book which narrates the strengthening of the English state through internal changes in state organs rather than through the external actions of the state. So instead of recapitulating its wars and royal succession, the author explains why taxation came to be carried out comparatively efficiently by the English state, and how political conflict could be centralized in England and political accountability thereby strengthened.

Anyone who understands that historical causality goes much deeper than the outcomes of warfare or the decisions of monarchs will appreciate this aptly titled book. The fundamental reasons why England was able to dominate much of the world in the 19th century did not lie in its muscular army show more or smart decision-makers, but in the sinews which connected the different parts of the state to each other. A relatively incorrupt state capable of taxing its citizens in a manner which was, if not fully consensual, at least participatory, was much more capable of coordinated and forceful action than its competitors.

True political history of this kind can help readers understand much more not only about 18th century political life, but modern politics as well. The basic dilemmas of good state administration will always be the same, and England managed to solve many of them earlier than any other state. Many problems which needed solving then are still acute in a multitude of countries today. show less