Historian explores how Enlightenment shaped the modern U.S. state

Historian Sveinn Máni Jóhannesson's recently published book, "The Scientific-Military State: How Enlightened Engineers Reinvented Early American Government," delves into the profound impact of the Enlightenment and the revolutionary period on the formation of the modern state in the United States. The book, released by the University of Chicago Press, analyzes the period from the nation's founding in 1776 up to the mid-19th century.

Jóhannesson discusses how enlightened engineers played a crucial role in reshaping early American governance. His research connects these internal developments to the broader international landscape of the 18th century, which was characterized by fierce imperial rivalries. He highlights the intense competition, especially between the British and French empires, over trade, colonies, and territories across Europe and the globe.

The historian points to the Seven Years' War as a significant manifestation of this global power struggle. This extensive conflict, fought across North America, Europe, and India, is sometimes referred to as the first world war. Britain's ultimate victory led to the acquisition of vast territories from France, particularly in North America, further shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the era.

Jóhannesson's work suggests that the very concept of the state, and its evolving power structures, were deeply intertwined with the scientific, military, and engineering advancements of the time, all set against a backdrop of escalating international competition. The book offers a nuanced perspective on how these forces converged to forge the foundations of the modern American state.

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I have a great interest in trying to understand this phenomenon that we call the state or state power.