We are seeking authors to contribute to an edited volume entitled Merchant Democracies: The Rise of Democracy in the Early Modern World. The collection will present case studies in democratization within the western European and northern Atlantic World from 1500-1800. Some of the topics that contributors may address include the role of merchant activity in the promotion of democratic institutions; the impact of merchant activity in fostering anti-authoritarianism or anti-aristocratic sentiment; the role of religion in the growth of merchant democracies; the role of women in the promotion of democracy; and the educational foundations of merchant communities.

The emergence of democratic societies was one of the most important features of the early modern age. Although there were many influences at work in the process of building democratic political systems and societies, it appears that areas with a strong and growing mercantile community were the first to resemble modern democracies.
Merchant Democracies: The Rise of Democracy in the Early Modern World seeks to explore the relationship between merchant-based economies and the growth of democracy. The question of what it takes to make a democracy has great pertinence today as the United States has embarked on a mission to promote democracy in the Middle East, and as it has become evident that democracy building is no easy task.

Any scholars interested in participating in this project should contact Creston Long (cslong@salisbury.edu or 410-548-5091) or Kristen Walton (kpwalton@salisbury.edu or 410-543-6502) as soon as possible and then submit a short C.V. and a 300-word abstract of his or her essay by June 15, 2007.