Espionage and Intelligence in Pre-Modern Europe (HI2L3)
Module Convenor: Penny Roberts
HI2L3: Espionage and Intelligence in Pre-modern Europe | University of Warwick
This second-year early modern option module will investigate the development of espionage and intelligence-gathering in various settings, geographically and chronologically, across pre-modern Europe
It will explore how espionage was used and understood as well as its relationship with diplomacy and the development of communication and information-gathering more broadly from the ancient world to the Enlightenment. In particular, it will focus on the extensive historiography on spying in early modern Europe (c.1500-1800), which has primarily concentrated on Elizabethan England, comparing and contrasting this example with developments in other times and other places. It will interrogate the definition of espionage and consider its correlation with the activity of rulers and their ambassadors as well as other agents linked to military, religious and socio-economic or commercial considerations. It will make use of a rich variety of case studies and engage with the associated primary sources in order to bring these activities, and our understanding of them, to life.
Syllabus
Week 1) What is a Spy?
For the first seminar, please look at a selection of the introductions to the general works listed on Talis Aspire reading list for Week 1 and reflect on definitions of spying that we can use as a foundation for our later discussions. There will be further guidance on reading in the lecture.
Week 2) Espionage and intelligence in the Ancient World and the Middle Ages
Questions: What are the challenges with looking to the Ancient World (pre 500 CE) for the origins of espionage and intelligence?
What can medieval (c. 500-1500 CE) examples tell us about the nature of espionage and intelligence in this period?
Please read the relevant chapters in Andrew and the article by Musco and choose one or two case studies from the rest of the reading list that you can refer to in answer to the questions.
Week 3) Espionage and diplomacy during the Renaissance
Questions: Why is Renaissance Italy so closely associated with the development of European diplomacy and espionage?
How has the 'new diplomatic history' changed how we view the role of diplomacy and espionage?
Please read chapter 8 in Andrew, some Machiavelli, and the articles or book by Iordanou; on the 'new diplomatic history', see the intros in Early Modern European Diplomacy. A Handbook, and the special issues on early modern intelligence of The Journal of Intelligence History (2022) and History (2023)
Week 4) The Elizabethan paradigm of the Spymaster
Question: Why has the Elizabethan regime (c. 1570-1590) been the focus of so much historical study on early modern espionage?
There is lots of scope in the reading for delving deep into this topic. Try to read something general about the regime, and about Walsingham or Cecil or Mary Stuart, as well as one or two of the articles looking at a particular spy or agent employed by them.
Seminar preparation: Based on your reading, imagine that you are either Francis Walsingham or Mary Queen of Scots and consider what characteristics you would look for in a potential spy/agent. Imagine that you are seeking employment with Walsingham or Mary, how would you persuade them to employ you? You need not limit yourself to Anglo-Scottish relations and can cross the Channel if required.
Week 5) Diplomats, women and other agents
A chance to consider the topic thematically rather than chronologically...
Questions: Who are the Spies? Are there common characteristics or does it change according to the context of time and place?
To what extent was there a distinct 'female' experience of espionage and intelligence?
Please read Tremml-Werner, 'A Multitude of Actors', some of Malcolm, Agents of Empire, and dip into some of the extensive recommended reading on diplomacy.
On women, read Drumhiller, 'Women in Intelligence', and either of the pieces by Akkerman.
Week 6) Reading Week
Do email to make an appointment to discuss your proposed module essay topic.
Week 7) Religious and other considerations in information-gathering
Questions: To what extent was religion a primary consideration in early modern information-gathering and intelligence? Can its importance be overstated?
How did religious considerations shape espionage and counter-espionage networks?
What role did the development of news and postal networks have on the world of intelligence?
Please read: any of the items looking at aspects of confessional diplomacy or intelligence
On news: News Networks or The Invention of News; on postal networks, the books by Allen or Caplan or one of the articles
Week 8) Ottoman and other non-European networks
Questions: Did Ottoman diplomatic and intelligence networks develop independently from or in response to European developments?
What do comparisons between European and non-European networks demonstrate?
Reading: on the Ottomans, especially works by Gürkan, but there are others to consult too, and then choose between China, India, Russia...etc to broaden your knowledge
Week 9) The material culture of espionage
Week 10) Espionage and intelligence in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
Assessment
- Seminar Contribution (20%)
- 3000 Word Essay or Applied Task (80%)