An Introduction to the History of Modern Europe (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from An Introduction to the History of Modern EuropeThe purpose of this volume is to view in their logical connection the chief groups of events which formed the groundwork of European history in the nineteenth century. Though historical in form, the book does not pretend to be a history, but aims only at presenting such a preliminary view of the immediate antecedents of modern civilization as will supply a sufficient basis for a comprehensive study of our age. To effect this object, it has been necessary to abandon the usual artifice of bringing all history under the head of politics, and to distribute the subject in the following manner.The introductory chapter endeavours to indicate as summarily as possible the evils of the monarchico-feudal system in the eighteenth century, and the ideas of reform which were generated by the contemporary intellectual movement. The second chapter reviews the work of the chief reforming monarchs and ministers, in order to exhibit the actual state of Europe in the latter part of the century, and to draw attention to the fact that monarchy by its good offices obtained over men's minds considerable influence, which survived the Revolution, and has played a prominent part in subsequent political history. The same chapter, however, shows how monarchy failed to meet all the urgent wants of the time; and the next chapter gives an account of the causes which precipitated the Revolution.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com