History of Europe (from 1789 to 1815).

TO THE SECOND EDITION.

In this Edition a great quantity of new matter has been added, principally in relation to the external transactions of Europe during the early years of the Revolution; and a variety of details have been supplied, drawn chiefly from the works which have been published since the First Edition passed through the press. A list of the authors referred to in the whole work is given at the commencement of the first volume, so far as it can as yet be made up, and many errors in the former edition corrected, though, the Author regrets to say, several are still to be found, which have escaped notice, from the printing having been unavoidably carried on at a diɛ

tance from his residence. He takes this opportunity of returning his sincere thanks to the Public, for the favourable manner in which they have received this work, and the indulgence which they have manifested towards its many imperfections. The labour consequent on the extraction of materials from so great a variety of authors in different languages, must plead his apology for many of these faults, but for others he has no such excuse to offer; and he can in perfect sincerity affirm, that he has never yet heard a criticism on any part of his composition, of which he did not feel the justice, and from which he does not hope in the concluding volumes to profit.

POSSIL HOUSE,

Lanarkshire, May 8, 1835.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.

INTRODUCTION.

Importance and Splendour of the Subject-Great Diversity of Character and

Event which it exhibited-Causes in the state of Society which first led to

Freedom-Difference between Liberty in Ancient and Modern Times-Origin of

the Representative System-Feudal System-Causes which led to its decay in the

Northern Monarchies of Europe-Urban Civilisation in Italy-Causes of its

Decline Circumstances which restored general Freedom after the Extinction of

Feudal Securities against arbitrary Power- Combination of these Causes in

producing the French Revolution.-P. 1-49.

CHAPTER I.

COMPARATIVE PROGRESS OF FREEDOM IN FRANCE AND ENGLAND.

Parallel of the English and French Revolutions-Early Freedom acquired by
the People in the former country-Great and beneficial Effects of the Norman
Conquest-and of the Religious Contests of the Seventeenth Century-Modera-
tion and Clemency of all Parties in the Great Rebellion-Early History of France
-Its striking difference from England-Disastrous Effects which there resulted
from the English Wars-Causes which prevented the growth of a free Spirit in
France and rendered nearly absolute the Power of the Crown-Causes which
ultimately induced a political Ferment, and induced the savage Character of the
Revolution.-P. 51-113.

CHAPTER II.

CAUSES IN FRANCE WHICH PREDISPOSED TO REVOLUTION.

Proximate Causes of the Revolution-Progressive Increase of Wealth among the

lower Orders-Decline of Power among great Feudatories-Philosophy and Lite-

rature-Abuses which existed in the Church, Government, State, and Rural

Districts-Inordinate Passion for Innovation which succeeded-Character of Louis

XVI., Marie Antoinette, and his early Ministers-Turgot, Neckar, Malesherbes,

Vergennes, Calonne-Assembly of Notables-Contests with the Parliament-Con-

vocation of the States-General-Duplication of the Tiers Etat-General Elec-

tions-Difference between the Love of Freedom and Passion for Power-Causės

which rendered the Revolutionists triumphant.-P. 114-178.

CHAPTER III.