Sons and Heirs (Succession and Political Culture in Nineteenth-Century Europe)

During the century that followed the defeat of Napoleonic France, Europe experienced its last monarchical age. In spite of profound changes in almost every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life, monarchical systems survived in rude health across the continent and only the First World War would put a dramatic end to many of them. By focusing on the role played by heirs to the throne, this volume offers an original perspective on the ability of monarchies to flourish under the radically altered conditions of the nineteenth century. The contributions consider the place of royal heirs within their families, their education and accommodation, their ability to overcome succession crises, the consequences of the death of an heir and finally the roles royal heirs played during the First World War. Ranging across Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Prussia, Württemberg and Denmark the international team of specialists contributing to this volume paints a portrait that is both analytical and truly European.