Die Politik des Schweigens und die Herrschaft der Debatte im Europa des langen 19. Jahrhunderts / The politics of silence and the dominance of debate in Europe in the long 19th century

Between the revolutionary era and the First World War, the idea that politics was primarily carried out through words became established, an idea that still characterises politics today. In turn, silence – as a means of power for the rulers or as the immaturity of the powerless – fell into disrepute. But even under the rule of debate, silence never completely disappeared from political practice. On the contrary: in many respects, it only became a political issue in the first place.

From a comparative perspective, this study examines the forms and functions of silence in European politics in the long 19th century – from parliaments to backrooms, from court politics to street protests. It thus provides new insights into the changing conditions of political communication and the changing expectations of political speech.