Keir Martland - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Uploads

Conference Presentations by Keir Martland

In this essay, I argue that the Whig view of the Revolution of 1688 is faulty on two levels. Firs... more In this essay, I argue that the Whig view of the Revolution of 1688 is faulty on two levels. First, the facts do not support the view that the Revolution was even necessary to relieve England of a Catholic Absolutist tyranny. Second, the motives of the revolutionaries and what followed the Revolution suggest that it was anything but a conservative, restoring revolution. The essay is from a Hoppean-libertarian perspective.

Book Reviews by Keir Martland

London with the titled 'How do historians prove their arguments? Answer in relation to a history ... more London with the titled 'How do historians prove their arguments? Answer in relation to a history book you have read.' The following is what I sent. They then offered me a provisional place.

Drafts by Keir Martland

Eleanor of Aquitaine has undoubtedly suffered more than most historical figures from excessive my... more Eleanor of Aquitaine has undoubtedly suffered more than most historical figures from excessive mythologising, and as a result has “inspired some of the very worst historical writing devoted to the European Middle Ages”. In the 1940s and 1950s Frank Chambers and H.G. Richardson made the first sallies in attempting to dispel the more lurid parts of the legend surrounding Eleanor, one which was (and would continue to be) widely propagated by scholars and those involved in the less factually conscionable spheres of literature, film and painting in which Eleanor has proved so perpetually fascinating. Chambers, however, argued that “these stories, false as they are, generally have some basis in fact”. This demonstrates the problem of disentangling the fact from the fiction when it comes to the study of Eleanor. However, these early attempts to “dismantle the mythic scaffolding that has encased her for centuries” did not initially attract much attention. This is testimony to the lasting power and endurance of Eleanor’s legend which has continued to influence modern historians. However, it would be fair to state that in recent decades historians have made important re-appraisals of Eleanor, rehabilitating her reputation and dismantling the mythology which surrounds her.

There has been considerable debate amongst historians regarding the nature of the role that Italy... more There has been considerable debate amongst historians regarding the nature of the role that Italy played during the Commercial Revolution . Some have argued that Italy was to the Commercial Revolution what England would be to the Industrial Revolution and that therefore Italy effectively spearheaded sets of changes that would ultimately be adopted by a majority of countries of Western Europe . However, others are far more critical of the Italian contribution, arguing not only that it did not represent a major or revolutionary change, but also that the Italian contribution to Western Europe during this period was undermined and diluted in a number of important ways. This essay will enter into the debate, exploring the complexities and nuances that characterised the Italian contribution during this period. The essay will begin by highlighting the factors that led to the rapid growth of the Italian economy and by assessing the Italian contribution to Western Europe in a range of different areas. These areas include innovations in company structures, banking, and trading. The analysis will then move on to consider the case of the critics, both at a conceptual and evidential level.

Conceptual criticisms include the idea that the Commercial Revolution in Italy was caused by external factors and was built upon sets of pre-existing processes rather than being revolutionary in character on their own merit. At an evidential level, delays and problems with new Italian banking and trading techniques will be outlined. The final part of the essay will concentrate upon the longer-term, showing how the Italian contribution morphed and was moulded into change that would ultimately culminate in the financial revolution of the seventeenth century in Holland and England. The ways in which German, English, Dutch and Belgian traders built upon innovations emanating from Italy was pivotal in facilitating this process. The conclusion will argue that it is important to take note of some revolutionary changes in banking, finance, company structures, and trade that emanated from Italy during this period, but also that it is necessary to recognise the limits to both the Commercial Revolution at a broader level and, more specifically, to the Italian contribution.

While there is an argument that the failure of the Great Rebellion was due to the weaknesses of t... more While there is an argument that the failure of the Great Rebellion was due to the weaknesses of the opposition, such as their poor leadership, division, strategic weaknesses, and lack of support, it was due more to Henry II's strengths. Henry's strengths include military strengths and the loyalty of his men, both brought about ultimately by his reforms to government and administration.

Ostensibly a conflict over principles, the root cause of the Becket affair was political, i.e. a ... more Ostensibly a conflict over principles, the root cause of the Becket affair was political, i.e. a power struggle over the Church. At most, the affair was exacerbated by a clash of personalities, but not caused by it.