The “Prussian Path,” Militarism, and Late Capitalist Agriculture

Xinyu Lu
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Xinyu Lu: East China Normal University

Chapter Chapter 4 in Neoliberalism or Neocollective Rural China, 2024, pp 125-141 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter explores the intricate connections between the “Prussian Path”, militarism, and late capitalist agriculture, centering on Max Weber’s analysis of German agricultural evolution. Contrary to neoliberal views, it highlights state intervention and structural influences on agricultural development. Weber’s comparison of European and North American farming illuminates capitalist transformations, particularly in Britain where landownership divorced from farming practices facilitated capitalist expansion. This chapter scrutinizes the Prussian path’s impact on Germany’s agricultural and socio-political landscape, emphasizing state-led industrialization and militarization. Drawing parallels with Japan’s economic history, it underscores the multifaceted nature of growth narratives, critiquing oversimplified interpretations. By applying Weber’s framework to historical contexts, this chapter offers a nuanced perspective on capitalist agriculture, challenging neoliberal paradigms and stressing the role of state intervention and structural dynamics.

Keywords: Max Weber; “Prussian path”; Capitalist agriculture; State intervention; Militarism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-981-16-4791-8_4

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DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-4791-8_4

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