In the Heyday of Cameralism: The State of Württemberg, 1781–1819

The state of Württemberg provides an interesting example for the evolution of economic doctrines. Between 1781 and 1819, in an age of unrelenting reform, Cameralism was enforced here—as the career of Friedrich List shows: starting as a clerk in the administration of Württemberg, he was promoted to a chair at the new Staatswirtschaftliche Fakultät of the university in Tübingen. However, he lost his prestigious position soon. Whereas List praised the systematic appeal of Cameralism and tended to consider it an end in itself, the Kings of Württemberg used Cameralism as a means of reforming the state and advancing their power. The contemporary success of Cameralism can be traced back to its political functions. Cameralism did not outperform other systems of political economy as regards to its content, but it was serving important political interests in Württemberg.