A Diversion: New Economy and Familiar Business in 17th Century Europe

It was very hard to come up with a title for this episode because it spans two very related but also difficult to explain topics. One centers on a look at Franz Mehring's essay "The German Reformation and its Consequences"and the other being the life and times of one Louis De Geer. John offers Mehring's explanation of the Reformation as a different framework for looking at the 30 Years War and its context, to be paired and contrasted with those offered by Wedgewood and Wilson in their more political/military histories of the time period. This context, the changing nature of economic conditions and conflict between classes and states, drives the career of Louis De Geer from humble Calvinist "refugee" in the Netherlands to the father of both Swedish industry and Swedish involvement in the slave trade. Suprisingly, there is less information available regarding the latter than the former. Come, as John purges his demons so he can finish the rest of the dang war already.  Rage Against the Machine- Ashes in the Fall Horse the Band- Octopus on Fire Ensiferum- Slayer of Light Tears for Fears- The Prisoner