Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1842 edition. Excerpt: ...knew whether they were friends or enemies of their neighbours, whether they should direct their wishes this or that way, in every thing they awaited with passive servility the decision of their courts. England, since the house of Hanover had ascended the throne, maintained by circumspect policy its preponderance, founded upon its situation and commercial greatness, and the advantages gained by the peace of Utrecht. France, although it still felt the misfortunes of the reign of Louis XIV., recovered, principally through the power of its natural resources, under the administration of the politic regent, Philip of Orleans, and maintained its rank among the first powers of Europe. Spain endeavoured with more courage than force to restore its passed grandeur. Austria under the careless administration of Charles VI., appeared indeed proud as always, but weaker than ever. The gain of two previous, victorious wars against the Turks, was quickly lost in a third, and the emperor lost with equal rapidity the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, and at the same time the preponderance in Italy and Spain. The phantom of a German empire continued to exist: the independence of its members became more and more rooted. The power of Prussia increased perceptibly. Holland's brilliant part was played out; it accustomed itself gradually to a subordinate position. Sweden did the same. The Danish government labored silently and sagely to elevate its internal power. Russia, notwithstanding repeated and violent changes of rulers, defeated the enfeebled Ottoman barbarians, with its unenervated barbarian power, and placed, against the efforts of France, the elector Augustus III. upon the throne of Poland. THIRD SECTION. FROM THE DEATH OF CHARLES VI. TO THE FRENCH...
