FRANCE. 



621 



Louis XIV. Maria Theresa, wife of Louis XIV. Louis XV. 



the power of France was developed, 

 and lier influence upon the aflairs of 

 Europe began lo display itself in the 

 conquest of Italy by Charles the 

 Eighth. From this period, the 

 kingdom gained jjower and ascen- 

 dancy in the political sy stem of Eu- 

 rope. Louis the Fouiteenth main- 

 tained great armies, and carried on 

 wars for the amusement of the ladies 

 ofhiscoiu't. Coalitions arose against 

 him, and the power of France was 

 crippled for half a cent;iry. Louis 

 the Sixteenth espoused the cause of 

 American Independence, and intro- 

 duced liberal notions of government 

 among his people. The finances 

 became embarrassed, all ordinary 

 methods of retrie^'ing them were 

 found inellbctual, and the Stales Gen- 

 eral, or ancient assembly of the repre- 

 sentatives of the people, were summon- 

 ed. From discussing fiscal afl'airs, they 

 passed to debates upon the principles 

 of government, and the French Revo- 

 lution began. 



A new ei'a commenced, maiked by 

 a political fanaticism, of which histo- 

 ry aflbrds no other example, and by 

 crimes, the recital of which fills the 

 mind with horror. Louis the Six- 

 teenth, and his wife Marie Antoinette, 

 fell upon the scallbld, and Fi-ance was 

 governed by a few pei'sons, who estab- 

 lished the most sanguinary despotism, 

 under the name of liberty. A crusade 

 against revolutionary France was raised 

 among the powers of Europe ; but though anarchy reigned niihin, France repelled foreign 

 armies, while the difl"erent parties in the National Convention prosciibed, banished, and massa- 

 cred each other. The government of the Directory succeeded, but was overthrown by Bona- 

 parte, who became consul of the French Republic. He ])ut an entl to factions, added new 

 glory to the national arms, closed the gulf of the revolution, and £;ave a short peace to France. 



In 1S04, the Consul converted his 

 laurels into an imperial diadem. Wars 

 and coalitions against him only served to 

 increase his power, and add territories to 

 the French emjjire. Napoleon ruled over 

 the greatest part of Europe. When Con- 

 sul, he changed kingdotns into republics. 

 When Emperor, republics were changed 

 into kingdoms. He founded monarchies 

 in Germany ; he gave crowns to his gen- 

 erals. Twice he saw the crown of 

 Prussia at his feet without seizing it, but 

 lavished the best blood and treasure of 

 the empire to place his brother on the 

 throne of Spain. In 1812, he marched 

 Bonaparte s Retreat from .Moscow. wilh an army of 400,000 men into Russia, 



Lows XI' I. Mane Antoinette, iDife of Louis XI I. Louts AF///. 



