The Decay of Western Civilisation and Resurgence of Russia by Diesen Glenn;

Author:Diesen, Glenn;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Routledge

The rise of Britain

Britain and France led the European mercantilist era when Western Europe rose to global primacy. The mercantilist policies entailed formidable support for domestic manufacturers with subsidies, high tariffs, and wage suppression, while gold and silver were primarily accepted for payment to develop skills in return for accruing wealth. The promotion of asymmetrical interdependence to climb up the value-chain was supported by opening up exclusive markets with staple ports and colonies. Britain and France competed for primacy, with the former eventually taking the lead.

Britain rose to dominance with government intervention in industries and the mercantilist policies advocated by James Steuart (1770). Cunningham (2008 [1905]: 133) argued:

For a period of two hundred years [1600–1800], the English nation knew very clearly what it wanted. Under all changes of dynasty and circumstances the object of building up national power was kept in view; and economics, though not yet admitted to the circle of the sciences, proved an excellent servant, and gave admirable suggestions as to the manner in which this aim might be accomplished.

A strong manufacturing base was built with the support of the state, as high tariffs protected domestic producers. England enjoyed geographical advantage as an island state in terms of getting a head start on the industrial revolution Unlike European continental powers with more adversaries within proximity, England did not require a large standing army during peace time. The government therefore had less coercive power that could be used to subdue its population, which made the authorities more vulnerable and therefore more disposed to accept greater diffusion of power (Quigley 1961). Parliament’s strength vis-à-vis the monarch led to greater land rights and enclosures, which contributed to intensifying the efficiency of the agriculture industry. Excess labour and capital could therefore be directed towards urban manufacturing, providing Britain with a lead in the race to industrialise. The repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 became one of the final acts to open the British market to agricultural competition as its economy was making its transition into manufacturing. Exclusive access to markets through colonisation developed strong British banks with global reach and a trusted international currency, producing both favourable conditions for its manufacturers and social stability at home. British banks remained dominant long after the US economy had surpassed it.

Control over transportation corridors was achieved in a rivalry between the English and the French by building powerful navies to ensure privileged access to natural resources and exclusive markets for its manufactured goods. The emergence of the powerful nation-state in Europe and maritime power in the early 1500s began the gradual progress of re-establishing Eurasian and then global economic connectivity through maritime corridors. As a maritime power, an offshore balancing strategy was more efficient that deploying large land-based armies. The lack of a requirement for a large standing army meant that the funds could instead be diverted to construct a powerful navy with both military and economic advantages. During conflict, the British could block transportation corridors to stun mobility of troops or starve an adversary’s population.

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