John Murphy company ?m\zi\m 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Clia]). P^^J Copyright No. 

Shelf _^K..^.3 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THE 



FIRST 



CLASS BOOK OF HISTORY, 



DESIG.NKD FOR 



Pupils Commencing llie Slndy of History; 
With Questions, Adapted to the Use of Schools. 

By M. J. KERNEY, A. M., 

Author uj ibrnpendium of Aiicic/if anil Modern History ; 
Abridgment of Mar ray's Grammar, &c. 



REVISED AND ILLUSTRATED EDITION. 



JOHN MURPHY COMPANY, 

PU BLIS HERS : 

Baltimore, Md. : New York : 

44 W. Baltimore Street. 70 Fifth Avenue. 

I. 



18522 

— 

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1 VKO Copies Received 
JUL 12 1900 

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OROLH DIVISION, 



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CoPYRKJiiT, 18'J:>, uY John Mi'uphv it Co. 



C'OPYRHiiiT, i;mjo, by John Mikphy Co. 



PUBLISHERS' PREFACE. 



History being au indispensable part of an education, 
it is of the highest importance that only reliable and 
well tested books on this study should be used. The most 
desirable qualities are clearness, precision, and attractive- 
ness. In this book these throe cardinal points have always 
received especial attention, which, in a measure, explains 
its great success in the class-room. 

Many rapidly occurring events in the world's constantly 
changing history decided the publishers to issue this new 
edition, bringing the continuation of history down to the 
present year. For this reason this little book, that has 
passed through more editions than it has years of existence, 
is again offered to its patrons revised, enlarged, and in 
every respect improved. 

In order to make it conform in character with the 
author's larger work, the "Compendium of Ancient and 
Modern History," a synopsis of Sacred and Ancient History 
has been introduced ; and in Modern History many new 
chapters are added, embracing the most important recent 



Publishers' Preface. 



events that have transpired in the civilized countries of 
the world. The chapters on Asia, Africa, Italy, Spain, 
Portugal, Greece, and Switzerland, and portions of the 
others are new — the whole being brought up to date. 

The publishers trust that in its improved form the book 
will find a place in a still wider circle of schools than that 
in which it has been heretofore known and appreciated, 
and thev^ invite a careful review of this edition. 

Baltimork, ,V«rc/i, 1900. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Pkeface, V 

Introduction, xi 

Chapter I. — Division of History, 1 

Chapter II. — Sacred History, 3 

ANCIENT HISTORY. 

Chapter HI. — The Egyptians, - - . . . 14 

Chapter IV. — The Phoenicians, ------ 20 

Ch.\pter V. — The Assyrians and Babylonians, - - - 22 

Chapter VI. — The Medes and Persians, - - . - 2G 

Chapter VI I. — India, -------- 31 

Chapter VIII. — Greece, -.--.. 34 

Chapter IX. — Rome, 50 

MODERN HISTORY. 

Chapter X. — Discovery of America, 85 

Chaptkr XI. — Discoveries made by ofeher Navigators, - - 96 

Chapter XII. — Discovery and Conquest of Mexico, - - 98 

Chapter XIII. — Discovery and Conquest of Peru, - - - 111 

THE AMERICAN COLONIES. 

Chapter XIV. — Settlement of Virginia, - - . - 115 
Chapter XV. — Settlement of New York, New Jersey, and 

Delaware, - -- 124 

Chapter XVI. — Settlement of Massachusetts, - - - 130 

vii 



viii Contents. 



PAGE. 

Chaptp:r XVII. — Settlement of New Hampshire, Connecticut, 

and Rho.le Island, 135 

Chapter XVIII.— Settlement of Maryland, - - - 138 

Chapter XIX — Settlement of Pennsylvania, ... 143 

Chapter XX — -Settlement of tlie Carolinas and Georgia, - 145 

Chapter XXI. — The Indian Wars, 147 

Chapter XXII.— The French War, 153 

THE UNITED STATES. 

Chapter XXIII.— The Revolution, 161 

Chapter XXIV. — Declaration of Independence, - - 174 
Chapter XXV. — BattleoflJrandywine, Surrender of Burgoyne, 

Destruction of Wyoming, 178 

Chapter XX VI.— Gates's Defeat, the Trcacliery of Arnold, the 

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, 183 

Chapter XXVII.— The Formation of the Constitution, - - 190 
Chapter XXV'III.- War with (ireat Britain. Causes of 

the War, &c., - 195 

Chapter XXIX.— Perry's Victory, Battle of the Thames, Ac, 198 
Chapter XXX. — The War with Mexico. Causes of tlie 

AVar, Ac, ----- 204 

Chapter XXXI.— From the Reducti(m of Vera Cruz to the 

Surrender of the City of Mexico, 209 

Chapter XXX 1 1. —American Civil War, - - - . 212 

ENGLAND. 

Chapter XXXIIL— From the Conquest by the Romans, A. C. 

55 to A. D. 827, 227 

Chapter XXXIV. — From the Foundation of the Monarchy to 

the Norman Conquest, A. D. 827 to lOtiG, - - - - 234 



ConienU. ix 

PAGE. 

Chapter XXXV. — The Kings of the Norman Family — From 

A.D. 1066 to 1154, - - 243 

Chapter XXXVI.— Family of Plantagenet— From A. D. 1135 

to 1399, 245 

Chapter XXXVIL— The Lancaster Family— From A. D. 1399 

to 1461, 255 

Chapter XXXVIII.— The House of York— From A.D. 1461 to 

1485, 257 

Chapter XXXIX.— The Tudor Family— From A. D. 1485 to 

1603, 261 

Chapter XL.— The Stuart Family— From A. D. 1603 to 1714, 271 
Chapter XLL— The House of Brunswick— From A.D. 1714, 276 

FRANCE. 

Chapter XLH.- The Kingdom of the Franks, - - - 283 
Chapter XLIII. — The Capetian Race of Kings of France — 

From A.D. 987 to 1328, 287 

Chapter XLIV. — The House of Valcis — Philip the Sixth — 

From A. D. 1328 to 149S, 291 

Chapter XLV. — From the Accession of Louis XII. to the 

Reifjn of Henry III.— From A. D. 1498 to 1589, - - 300 
CHAPTf:R XLV I. — House of Bourbon — From A. D. 1589 to 

1774, 306 

Chapter XLVII. — Louis the Sixteentii — The Revolution — 

Bonaparte — The Reotoration — Napoleon III. — Republic, 311 

IRELAND. 

Chapter XLVIII. — The V.\n\y Inhaliitants — The Introduction 

of Christianity by St. Patrick, 328 

Chapter XLIX. — Ireland Invaded by Henry II. of England, 333 



X Contents. 

PAGE. 

Chapter L. — The lasurrection of 1798, .... 340 

Chapter LT. — Italy, 347 

Chapter LII. — Spain, - - .... 358 

Chapter LIII. — Portugal, - oC4 

Chapter LIV'. — Poland, 366 

Chapter LV.— Russia, 370 

Chapter LVI. — Prussia and the German Empire, - 379 

Chapter LVII. — The Austrian Empire, . . . . 386 

Chapter LYIII. — Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, - 3S9 

Chapter LIX.— Holland and Belgium, . . - . 393 

Chapter LX. — Switzerland, 397 

Chapter LXL— Greece (Modern), 400 

Chapter LXII.— Asia, 404 

Chapter LXIII.— Africa, ... ... 413 

Chapter LXIV. — The Middle Ages, . - . . 420 

Chapter LXV. — The Crusades, 426 

Chapter LXVI. — Progress of Civilization, - - - 431 



INTRODUCTION. 



1. My young friends, you are about to enter upon a study 
which will unfold to you the secrets of the past, and lay open 
before you a wide field for the cultivation and improvement 
of your minds. 

2. From History you will learn to commune with the 
past, and to converse with people who have long since disap- 
peared from the theatre of the world ; you will learn the 
manners and customs of kingdoms and nations, which have 
arisen and flourished, and then fallen to ruin and decay. 

3. From the pages of history you will gather the sad story 
of those great cities of old, whose mouldering ruins alone 
attest at the present day their former grandeur and power. 

4. You will, moreover, find your task a pleasing and 
delightful one. Every step of your progress will open to you 
something new — something entertaining. Your little history 
will prove an interesting companion, with whom you can 
retire and converse on the events of bygone days. 

5. The advantages to be derived from the study of history 
are numerous, and should always be kept in view. In the 



QrESTioxs.— 1. What study are you about to enter upon? 2. From 
history what will you learn? 3. From the pages of history what will 
you gather? 4. AViiat pleasures will you derive? 



xii Introduction. 



first place, it will enable you to profit by the writings of those 
already acquainted with the events of the past, and at the 
same time it will render you capable of entertaining others 
less informed than yourselves. 

6. In the second place, you will learn from this study, 
experience, without undergoing the sad reality. AVhen you 
read of those who have been wicked, and of the punishments 
with which they were afllicted for their crimes, learn also to 
avoid their example, lest perhaps you share in their mis- 
fortunes. 

7. On the other hand, let the example of the great and 
good of whom you read, influence your actions; let their 
virtues shine before you as a burning light by which you 
may direct your course in the stormy sea of life, so that the 
evening of your days may be as calm and tranquil as your 
youth is happy and joyous. 

8. In perusing the pages of history your hearts will often 
become sad, and your eyes will grow dim with the tear of 
sorrow, while contemplating the misguided zeal of particular 
individuals in matters of religion. But, my young friends, 
when you read of the intolerance which has sometimes been 
exercised by this class of persons, remember that this is to 

Questions. — 5. Wliat is the first advantage to })e derived from his- 
tory ? 6. In the second place, what is said ? When you read of those 
who have been wicked, what sliould you learn ? 7. On the other hand, 
what is said ? 8. In perusing the pages of history, what will you see 
to regret? 



Introduction. 



be attributed to the perversity of men, as persecution is not 
the spirit of Christianity. The spirit of true religion is a 
spirit of charity, which inculcates love for all men without 
distinction. It is to the happy influence of this spirit that 
we owe all the blessings we enjoy. 

9. If then, my young readers, you be of diflferent opinions 
in matters of religion, entertain towards one another the 
kindest feelings ; and never make use of any expression that 
might, in the slightest degree, wound the religious sensibili- 
ties of your companions. Remember that we are all jour- 
neying forward to another and better world, where we hope 
to meet and dwell together in the bosom of our God. 



Questions. — 8. Wliat should we remember? 9. If then you be of 
diflferent opinions? What should we remember ? 



First Class-Book of History. 



CHAPTER I. 
Division of History. 



1. History is a written account of the events that have 
taken place in the workl, of facts concerning nations, their 
origin and their progress or decay. It is divided into two 

periods: 

2. First:— A^ncient History which comprises the events 
that have occurred from the creation of the world to the 
early days of Christianity ; 

3. Second .—yiodern History, which extends from that 

time to our days. 

4. That period of Modern History, extending from the 
middle of the Fifth Century to the middle of the Fifteenth, 
is called the Middle Ages. 

5. According to the nature of the subjects treated, His- 
tory is also designated as Sacred, Profane, Ecclesiastical, 
or Civil. 



Questions.— 1. What is History? How is it divided ? 2. What is 
Ancient History? 3. Modern History? 4. The History of the Mid- 
dle Aires? 5. By what other names are the divisions of History 
niesignated ? 



Division of History. 



6. Sacred History is the narrative of events contained 
in the Scriptures or Bible, the only record we have of the 
creation and of the few thousands of years that followed. 
It is confined especially to the history of the people of Israel, 
and only mentions the other nations of antiquity incidentally. 

7. Profane History, the earlier part of which is clouded 
in obscurity, is the history of the ancient Heathen peoples. 

8. Ecclesiastical History commences with the birth of our 
Saviour ; it is the history of His Church. 

9. The Civil or Political History of a nation is that which 
concerns its laws and government, and the changes caused 
therein by revolutions and wars. 

10. The History of the Middle Ages shows to us the 
barbarous customs of the Heathens giving way to the civil- 
izing influence of Christianity ; the idols and false gods 
crumbling before the victorious cross ; and the word of the 
true God 2:)enetrating alike into the palaces of the kings and 
the hovels of the poor. 

11. The remarkable circumstances of that period are the 
advent of Mohammedanism, the establishment of Monastic 
Institutions, the Feudal system, the Crusades, and Chivalry. 

12. Modern History is extensively known, thanks to the 
invention of the art of printing. Among the important 
events of this period, are the discovery of America, which 
opened a new world to enterprise; the Protestant Reforma- 
tion, which divided the Christian world ; and the American 
and French Revolutions — the former giving birth to a 

Questions. — 6. What is Sacred History? 7. Profane History? 

8. Ecclesiastical History? 9. Civil History? 10. Tell us about the 

Middle Ages. 11. What are the remarkable circumstances of that 
period? 12. What of Modern History ? 



Sacred History. 



new people and proving a blessing to mankind ; the latter 
convulsing the old world, steeping the French people in 
blood, and bequeathing to Europe a spirit of disorder and 
discontent. 

13. The progress made in the arts and sciences in our own 
days, is truly wonderful: and steam navigation, the magnetic 
and the submarine telegraph, the telephone, electric lighting 
and locomotion, &c., are evidences of the genius of man, while 
iliey proclaim the greatness of God, who endowed man with a 
thinking mind — a soul. 



CHAPTER II. 

Sacred Histoky. 



1. When the world was created cannot be exactly deter- 
mined. But nature as we know it was formed in six epochs, 
called days in the Bible. 

2. God alone is a Creator. Whatever man may invent 
or make, he must use an already existing substance; but 
the Almighty created the universe, that is, made it from 
nothing. He willed, and the world was. 

3. The universe in its admirable details, from the tiniest 
blade of grass to the most brilliant planet, thus came into 
existence. On the sixth day, God made man from the dust 
of the earth, and breathed into him an imperishable soul. 

Questions. — 13. Tell us about more recent wonders in arts, &c. 
1. When was the world created ? 2. Explain the meaning of the word 
Creator. 3. In how many days was the world created ? 



Sacred History. 



Thus, man was made superior to all the animals of the 
earth, over which he was given power. The first man 
was named Adam, which means terrestrial, or " from the 
earth." 

4. Having contemplated His work and judged it perfect, 
God rested on the seventh day, which He sanctified and 
reserved as the day upon which all creatures should worship 
Him. 

5. God, in His admirable goodness, deemed that a com- 
panion similar in perfection should be given to man ; and 
having cast Adam into a deep sleep, He took from His side 
a rib, out of which He formed the first woman, to whom He 
gave the name of Eve, which means Life, because she was 
destined to give life to the human race. 

6. The Almighty having thus provided for man's happi- 
ness, placed him with his companion in the Garden of Eilen, 
situated in Armenia, probably, and through which flowed the 
rivers Tigris and Euphrates. 

7. Eden was a terrestrial paradise in which the most 
delicious fruits abounded and nature was clothed in per- 
petual verdure. Peace and harmony reigned in that delight- 
ful spot, — the lion })layed with the lamb. Such was the home 
given to our first parents by a bountiful God. He made one 
reservation only : in the middle of the garden \v;.s a tree 
called the Tree of Knowledge, and the fruit of this tree, 
God commanded Adam and Eve not to taste. 



Questions. — 3. Who was the first luau? 4. What was clone on the 
seventh day? 5. Whom did Adam get for his companion ? 6. Where 
did God i)i:ice Adam and Eve? 7. Describe the garden of Eden. What 
was God's command to Adam and Eve? 



Sacred History. 



8. God also created the Angels, spiritual beings who do 
not live in the flesh like man. Some of the Angels, led by 
Satan, the proudest of them all, rebelled against the Lord, 
who in punishment of their crime, shut from them the light 
of Heaven, and sentenced them to live in eternal banishment 
frotu Him. When Adam and Eve were put in the Garden 
of Eden, Satan, jealous of the happiness of these newly 
created beings, resolved to tempt them to do evil. 

9. The Lord permitted this, because having given man 
an intelligent mind capable of distinguishing good from evil. 
He left him free to do or avoid wrong. 

10. Satan persuaded Eve to taste of the forbidden fruit, 
and she induced her husband to partake of it. For this act 
of ingratitude and disobedience, God banished them from 
Eden, and ordained that they should be subject to disease 
and death. 

11. Adam and Eve now reaped the bitter fruits of dis- 
obedience. They felt the pangs of hunger, and had to labor 
to obtain the food that the earth had hitherto yielded them 
spontaneously; the animals fled their approach or rebelled 
against them ; they suffered from cold and heat. They suf- 
fered bodily pain, and were soon to experience sorrow : they 
had children, and Cain, their first-born, killed his brother 
Abel in a fit of jealousy. 

12. The descendants of Adam became so wicked that they 
provoked the anger of the Almighty. Ten generations only 
had succeeded our first parents, and mankind was already 

Questions. — 8. What about the Angels? What did Satan resolve? 
9. Why did God permit this? 10. IIow was Eve tempted, and what 
resulted? 11. What was the condition of our first parents after their 
fall? 12 How did the descendants of Adam behave? 



6 



Sacred History. 



deemed unfit to live. There was, however, one just man, the 
patriarch Noah, who tound favor in the eyes of the Lord, 
and was excepted with his family from the general ruin. 
13. God commanded Noah to build a large vessel called 
an ark, and to give shelter in it to several of each kind of 
beasts, birds and reptiles. Noah obeyed this command, and 



^<v~--n»j,V 




following the Lord's instructions, shut himself up in the ark 
with his family. 

14. God then caused heavy rains to fall for forty days, 
and the rivers and seas to overflow their boundaries. The 



Questions. — 12. What just man found favor with tlie Lord? 
13. What did Noah, by command of God? 14. Wliat followed? 



Sacred History. 



earth was covered with water, and all creatures perished, 
except those in the ark. This event is termed the Deluge, 
and occurred at least 3,000 years before the birth of Christ. 

15. The flood having subsided, the ark rested on a moun- 
tain called Ararat, and Noah and his family went forth, 
followed by the animals. 

16. Noah, his three sons, Shem, Cham and Japhet, with 
their numerous descendants, all lived together as one people, 
speaking the same language. About a hundred years after 
the Deluge, they resolved to build a tower reaching to the 
skies, which should render their name famous, and afford a 
safe retreat in case of another flood. 

17. They commenced the execution of this project, and 
the tower had already attained a great height, when God, 
to punish their presumption, struck them with confusion. 
The workmen commenced speaking different languages, and 
could no longer understand one another. They therefore 
separated, and went in every direction. Shem's descendants 
remained in Asia ; Japhet's settled in Europe, and Cham's 
spread over a portion of Asia and into Africa. The unfinished 
tower received the name of Babel, which means eovfusion. 

18. Thus the different nations originated. Those descend- 
ants of Noah, who forgot the teachings of their fathers and 
gradually became idolaters and pagans, disappear in the 
night of time ; and when we find them again under the 
name of Egyptians, Phoenicians, and others, their traditional 
history is lost. The posterity of Shem, who remained faithful 

Questions. — 15. What became of those in the ark? 16. "VVliat of 
the descendants of Noah? 17. What was the result of this undertnlc- 
ing? What name was given to tlie uiifini-htd tower? 18. What became 
of tlie descendants of Noah ? 



8 



Sacred History. 




.,■1" ■ " ■■ ^ ' ^' 



Wu^ 



l^-vg^ PALESTINE 
n the t me of 
the Judges 



to the true God, preserved theirs, and it is this traditional 
history, beginning with the creation, that has been trans- 
mitted to us by the sacred writer Moses. It is to be found 
in the Bible, the only authentic record of those early times. 
19. Abraham, the ninth lineal descendant of Shem, went 

by command of God 
into the land of Ca- 
naan or Palestine, 
and became the fa- 
ther of the Hebrew 
nation; a people des- 
tined to preserve the 
true knowledge and 
worship of God, until 
the coming of the 
Messiah. They took 
the name of Israel- 
ites, also, from Jacob, 
called Israel, the son 
of Isaac and grand- 
son of Abraham. 

20. Jacob had 
twelve sons, who be- 
came the patriarchs 
of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Israelites left the land of 
Canaan and in 1923 B. C. moved into Egypt, where they 
were at first prosperous, but the Egyptians, jealous of their 
growing numbers, oppressed them. 



Questions. — 19. Who settled in Canaan? From whom did the 
Israelites take their name ? 20. Tell us about the sons of Jacob. 



Sacred History. 



21. They were at last, with the help of God, delivered 
from the Egyptians, by Moses, 1493 B. C. Crossing the 
Red Sea dry-shod, they entered into what is now the desert 




KxoDUs OF Israel. 



of Arabia, and fifty days after their departure from Egypt 
received the Divine Law, communicated upon Mount Sinai 
to their leader. The idolatry they had learned from the 
Egyptians, and their other infidelities to God, brought upon 



Question. — 21. Who led the Israelites out of Egypt? 



10 Sacred History. 



them a severe punishment. He detained them wandering 
for forty years in the desert, before they were allowed to 
enter the promised land of Canaan. Moses died within 
sight of it, and his successor, Joshua, put them in pos- 
session. 

22. The Israelites, after their arrival in Canaan, were for 
three hundred years governed by Judges under the wise 
laws framed by Moses. Had they always observed those laws, 
they would have been happy; but they transgressed them, 
and God permitted that they should be persecuted and even 
subjugated by their enemies, the Madianites, the Ammonites, 
and the Philistines. 

23. But the Lord, who wished to punish and not to 
destroy His chosen people, gave them from time to time, as 
they repented of their errors, some great man for Judge, 
who delivered them from the oppression of their enemies. 
The most illustrious of these Heaven inspired chiefs were 
Gideon, Deborah, Jephtha, Samson, and Samuel. 

24. At last, the people of Israel became tired of being 
governed by judges, and they clamored for a king. The 
difference between a judge and a king in Israel was, that the 
judge only enforced the execution of the laws bequeathed 
by Moses, whereas the king could make new laws. The 
venerable Samuel, their last judge, was inspired by the 
Lord to select the king whom He had consented to give His 
people. Samuel anointed Saul, a young man of the tribe 
of Benjamin, 1095 B. C. 



Qttestions — 22. Did the Israelites respect the laws? 23. What 
great men did the Lord send them ? 24. What change took place in 
their rulers? 



Sacred History. 11 



25. King Saul gained great victories over his enemies, 
but becoming disobedient to God, the divine favor was 
withdrawn from hira. David, a youth of the tribe of Judah, 
was at this time anointed by Samuel for the office of king, 
but did not begin to govern until after the death of Saul, 
who reigned for forty years, and then put an end to his own 
life, 1055 B. C. 

26. David established the seat of his kingdom at Sion or 
Jerusalem, which lie captured from the Jebusites. During 
his reign of forty years, he was engaged in many wars, but 
was always successful ; and at his death left his people pros- 
perous and happy. After his death, the kingdom passed 
into the hands of his son, the wise Solomon. This prince 
signalized his reign by building tlie Temple of Jerusalem, 
one of the most magnificent structures ever dedicated to the 
glory of God, 1011 B.C. 

27. After Solomon's death, his kingdom was divided by 
the revolt of ten tribes against the authority of Roboam, his 
son and successor, 975 B. C. The tribes of Judah and 
Benjamin alone remained faithful to him, and formed the 
kingdom of Judah, whose people were the Jews properly so 
called. They were afterwards joined by the tribe of I^evi, 
and by some families from other tribes. 

28. Jeroboam, the successful leader of the revolt, estab- 
lished for himself and his successors the kingdom of Israel. 
These Israelites soon became idolaters, but their kingdom 
endured for two hundred and fifty-four years, and in 721 



Questions. — 25. "What is said of Saul? 26. Who succeeded Saul? 
Who was David's successor? What did he do? 27. What happened 
after Solomon's death ? 28. Wiiat became of the followers of Jeroboam ? 



12 



Sacred History. 



B. C. was overrun by the Assyrians, The people were 
carried captives to Nineveh, and were replaced by Assyrians, 
who afterwards became the Samaritan nation. 







29. The royal family of David, wiiich was destined to 
give to the world a Saviour, governed the Jews during 387 
years. In 606 B. C. Jerusalem was taken by Nabucho- 
donosor II., king of Babylon, and again in 587 B. C, when 

Questions.— 29. J low long did the family of David govern the Jews V 
What happened after tliat time ? 



Sacred History. 18 



the city, as well as the great Temple built by Solomon, was 
razed to the ground. 

30. Then commenced the captivity of the Jews in Baby- 
lon. It lasted seventy years, and it was only when Cyrus 
the Great, king of Persia, conquered the Babylonian empire, 
that these unfortunate people were permitted to retain to their 
country, and to rebuild the city and temple of Jerusalem, 
536 B.C. 

31. But the Jews, so often blessed by the manifest pro- 
tection of God, as often incurred His displeasure by their 
ingratitude, and were successively subjugated by the Per- 
sians, the Egyptians, the Syrians, the Macedonians, and 
finally by the Romans, 63 B. C. 

32. Judea was still a Roman province when God, fultil- 
ing His promise, sent a Saviour to mankind. But even 
this proof of His divine love did not open the eyes of the 
Jews. They crucified our Lord Jesus Christ ; according to 
His prophecy, Jerusalem was completely destroyed by the 
Romans, in the year 70 of the Christian era ; and the Jews, 
dispersed all over the world, remain to this day a peonle 
without a country. 



QrKSTiONs.— 30. Tell us about the captivity of the Jews. 3t. What 
\v;is tlie subse(|uent fate of the Jews? .S2. What great event happened 
after .Tudea had become a Roinau ))rovinc('? ITow w;is tlie ])r()i)licc'v 
of our Lord Jesus Christ fultilled? 



14 The Egyptians. 



CHAPTER III. 
Ancient History — The Egyptians. 

1. Although the history of the Assyrians can be traced 
back to an earlier period than that of the other Heathen 
nations, we give precedence to the Ejjyptians because they 
were the most advanced in civilization, and in the knowledge 
of various sciences, which they introduced into otiier countries 
by means of their colonies. 

2. Egypt is situated on the north-eastern coast of Africa, 
and is connected with Asia by the isthmus of Suez Its soil 
is sterile, with the exception of the low lands through which 
the River Nile has its course. This river has periodical 
overflows which last three months, and the alluvial deposit, 
with which the soil remains covered after the water has 
retired, is a great fertilizer. 

3. The early history of this country is very obscure. 
Various dynasties succeeded each other in its government, 
the first of which is said to have been founded by INIizraini 
or Menes, a son of Cham, 2788 B. C. 

4. Another dynasty, founded by Arabian con(juerors, 
was that of the Shepherd Kings. It was one of these who 
made Joseph his vice-gerent. Joseph, with the consent of 
Pharaoh (a name borne by most of the Egyptian kings), 
gave lands to his father Jacob, and all his family, in Egypt. 

(^>iKSTlOXs. — 1. "Which is the first iitnong Heathen nations? '_'. Tell 
us al)out Egyjit. .'!. What about the early history of the Egyptian-s? 
4. Who conquered the Egyptians ? 



The Egyptians. 



15 



The Shepherd Kings continued in power for two hundred 
and sixty years, when they were expelled, about 1600 B. C. 

5. A line of native princes succeeded. These oppressed 
the Israelites, the descendants of Jacob, until their deliver- 
ance by Moses, 1493 B. C. 

6. Sesostris, who ascended the throne about the year 1490 
B. C, was one of the most remarkable kings of Egypt, both 
as a conqueror and a 
legislator. He made 
several warlike expe- 
ditions, in the course of 
which he subdued the 
Ethiopians, overran a 
large part of Asia, and 
left colonies in Greece 
and elsewhere. He di- 
vided the people into 
classes, according to 
their callings, protected 
and encouraged the arts, and constructed some of the great 
monuments that embellished interior Egypt. 

7. Towards 670 B C, the historical data concerning the 
Egyptians become niore precise. Psammeticus, who then 
reigned in Egypt, opened its ports to the Greeks for the 
purposes of commerce. His son and successor, Pharaoh 
Necho, undertook to connect the Nile with the Red Sea, 
bv means of a canal. He failed in this enterprise, but 




AN<I1-,NT I'LOLUII 



Qtjestioxs.— 5. "What kings succeeded the Shepherd Kings? 0. Tell 
us about Sesostris. 7. When does the history of Egypt become more 
precise? What about Psanimeticus? About his successor? 



16 The Egyptians. 



signalized his reign by sending Phoenician navigators on 
a voyage of exploration, which lasted three years. They 
started from the Red Sea, went around the continent of 
Africa, and arrived at the mouth of the Nile. 

8. The son of Necho was dethroned by Amasis, who 
extended considerably the commercial intercourse between 
Egypt and Greece. It was then that Solon and Pythagoras 
visited Egypt to study her civilization. They returned to 
their country, the former to publish his laws, and the latter 
to spread his doctrines. 

9. Towards the year 525 B. C, Cambyses, King of Persia, 
conquered Egypt and made it a Persian province. Cambyses 
rendered himself odious to the Egyptians by destroying, with 
his own hands, the ox Apis, which they venerated as one of 
their gods. 

10. Two hundred years later, Egypt again changed 
juasters, and became part of the dominions of the famous 
Macedonian conqueror, Alexander the Great. Ptolemy, a 
Macedonian general, was appointed governor, who, after 
Alexander's death, took the title of king. Thus was founded 
the dynasty of the Ptolemies, which occupied the throne 
until the death of the renowned Queen Cleopatra, the last 
lineal descendant of Ptolemy, 30 B. C. 

11. After the battle of Actium, Egypt became a Roman 
province. The country that had been the cradle of arts and 
science, and which had stood at the head of civilization, fell 

QI'ESTIOXS — 8. Who dethroned the son of Necho? Who visited 
Egypt about that time? 9. Who conquered Egypt? What did Cam- 
byses do? iO. What ha|>pened two hundred years later? How 
was a now dynasty founded? 11. What occurred after the battle 
of Actium ? 



Tke Egyptians 



17 



into insignificance, and bore the yoke, successively, of the 
Arabs, the Turks, and the Mamelukes. It was, and still is 
subjected to the Ottoman Empire, at least nominally. The 
prophecy of P^zekiel that Egypt should never again be ruled 
by native monarchs, has been lulfilled during the last 
twenty-three centuries. 

12. 1 he Egyptians were not habitually a warlike people, 
but principally devoted themselves to the peaceful pursuits 
of agriculture and com- 
merce, and to the study 
of the sciences. They 
were idolaters, and wor- 
shipped the ox, the dog, 
the cat, the crocodile, &c. 
They even counted a 
number of lesser divini- 
ties in the vegetable 
kingdom. 

13. They had, how- 
ever, many wise laws and 

interesting customs. Their kings, after death, were publicly 
tried — the people having the right to accuse their memory 
of the faults committed during their lifetime — and, if found 
guilty, they were denied honorable burial. The soldier who 
showed cowardice was degraded, but could redeem his honor 
by good conduct afterwards; those who falsely accused others, 
suffered the same punishment that the alleged criminal 
would have received. 




Egyptian House. 



Questions — 12. Describe flie characfer of the Eeryptians ; their 
religion. 1.'^. Tell us about the laws and customs of Kgypt. 
9 



The Er/ypikms. 19 



14. The three principal cities of Egypt, Heliopolis, Mem- 
phis, and Thebes, each elected a number of judges, in pro- 
portion to their respective population. These judges, thirty 
in number, composed the tribunal or court of justice. To 
avoid the seductions of eloquence, contending parties had to 
submit their case in writing. When a decision was rendered, 
the presiding judge touched the party gaining the suit with 
a small figure representing truth ; thus implying that truth 
alone had dictated the judgment. 

15. The Egyptians wove fine cloths, and manufactured 
elaborately painted vases, long before these articles were 
known in other countries. They have left stupendous monu- 
ments of their architectural skill, among which are the 
famous pyramids, and the lofty obelisks cut of one piece. 
Some of these obelisks were carried to Rome during the 
reign of the Roman emperors, and still adorn that city; 
another was shipped to Paris, in 1836 ; and one was brought 
to New York and placed in Central Park in 1880. 

16. The Egyptians were skilled in astronomy and other 
sciences, and in agriculture. Their large commerce was 
carried on by the Phoenicians. They invented the art of 
embalming dead bodies; and the mummies prepared by 
them three thousand years ago, are still in a fine state of 
preservation. 

QrKSTioxs. — 14. What capital cities were there in Egypt? How did 
thejudjri's render justice? 15. Tell us about tlie industry of Egypt. 
About tlie pyramids and obelisks. 16. AVhat is said of the knowledge 
of the Egyptians? 



20 The Phoenicians. 



CHAPTER IV. 

The Phctcnicians. 

1. The Phoenicians were hardy navigators who lived in 
Asia, on the Mediterranean coast. Without any other com- 
pass than the polar star, they undertook distant voyages for 
the purposes of trade. They founded colonies in the islands 
of Cyprus and Rhodes ; in Greece, Sicily, and Sardinia. Their 
barks even braved the perils of the ocean, and they visited 
several European ports. They established a mart at Cadiz, 
in Spain ; and it is believed, even left a colony in Ireland. 

2. The Phoenicians were instrumental in propagating the 
discoveries in the sciences and arts, made by the nations 
with which they trafficked ; and yet, very little is known of 
their own history. They founded several flourishing towns, 
three of which were famous for wealth and splendor — Sidon, 
Tyre and Carthage. The first of these is said to have been 
founded by Sidon, the great-grandson of Noah. 

3. Tyre is celebrated in part for its well-known dye. This 
discovery was accidental. A hungry dog seeing a small shell- 
fish on the sea-beach, proceeded to eat it. As he crushed the 
shell between his teeth, his jaws were dyed a bright and 
beautiful color. Some Tyrians, who had witnessed this 
incident, were so struck with the richness of this new 
color, that they collected a quantity of these shells, and 

Qtestioxs. — 1. Who were the Phoenicians? 2. What is known of 
tlieir history ? What cities did they found? 3. How was the purple 
dye discovered ? 



The Fhcenieians. 21 



succeeded in extracting from them the precious liquid. It 
was successfully applied to dyeing, and Tyrian purple, on 
account of its beauty and rarity, became the color worn by 
kings. 

4. Tyre preserved all the advantages of a capital city and 
great commercial mart until the rise of Carthage, in Africa, 
founded in 880 B. C, by a colony from Tyre, under Queen 
Dido. 

5. Carthage became so powerful as to rival Rome and to 
arouse her jealousy and hatred. Thirty-one years after the 
death of Hannibal, her most renowned general, the famous 
Roman general Scipio, surnamed the African, destroyed the 
city, and ended the power of the Phoenicians, B. C. 146. 

6. To this seafaring peoj^le we owe one of the greatest 
inventions of ancient times — the letters of the alphabet. 
Previously to this invention, people made use of hieroglyphics, 
that is, of pictures, instead of letters and words ; a slow and 
imperfect mode of conveying thought. The alphabet is 
ascribed, perhaps justly, to the Egyptians, but the Phoenician, 
Cadmus, first introduced it into Greece, whence it has been 
transmitted to us after some modifications. 



Questions. — 1. What city surpassed Tyre? 5. Tell us about Carthage, 
(j. For what invention are we indebted to the Phceuiciaus ? 



22 The Assyrians and Babylonians. 

CHAPTER V. 
Thk Assyrians and Babylonians. 

1, The Assyrians and Babylonians inhabited Mesopo- 
tamia; a fertile country situated between the rivers Tigris 
and Euphrates, and favored by nature with a great variety 
of productions. 

2. Their two empires, the first known in Asia, became 
united under Ninus, King of Assyria, about 1267 B. C. 
Nineveh became the capital of the united kin.dom, but 
Babylon, as enlarged and embellished by Semiramis, the 
wife of Ninus, was considered the most magnificent city, not 
only of the empire, but of the world. 

3, Semiramis reigned alone after her husband's death, 
and increased her dominions by several conquests. The 
failure of her last expedition against India, in which she 
lost one hundred thousand men, shortened her life, and she 
died soon after her return to Babylon. She had reigned 
forty-two years, and was one of the greatest sovereigns of 
ancient times. 

4. Her son, Ninyas, who succeeded her in the government 
of the empire, was as contemptible as his mother had been 
great. He led a life of idleness and pleasure ; and, unworthy 
of the love of his subjects, forced their submission by means 
of a standing army. Little is known of his deeds or those 

Questions. — I. What people lived in Mesopotamia? 2. How were 
the two empires united? Tell us about the two great cities. 3. Tell 
us about Semiramis. 4. Who was her successor? Tell us of this 
prince's reign and of his successors. 



The Assyrians and Babylonians. 



23 



of his successors, for thirty generations, until we come to Sar- 
(lanapalus, whose disastrous end made him famous in history. 
5. This effeminate prince led a most shameful life. The 
people conspired to overthrow the tyrant; and Arbaces, 
governor of Media, and Belesis, governor of Babylon, became 




IJahyi.ox. 



their leaders. At the first news of this revolt, Sardanapalus 
hid himself in his palace, but his officers compelled him to 
march against the rebels. His army was vanquished, and 
pursued to the very gates of Nineveh, where the fugitive 
king sought refuge. 

6. The city was besieged ; and Sardanapalus, finding it 
impossible to resist, caused a funeral pyre to be built in the 

Question. — i>. What happened during the reign of Sardanapalus ? 



24 The Assyrians and Babylonians. 



palace court ; and after placing himself on it, with his wives, 
his eunuchs and his treasures, had it fired, and perished in 
the flames. 

7. By the death of Sardanapalus or Saracus, 746 B. C, 
an end was put to the first Assyrian empire. Media, under 
Arbaces, and Babylon, under Nabonassar, became distinct 
kingdoms. The second Assyrian 'empire begins with the 
series of the kings of Nineveh, whose reigns cover a period 
of one hundred and forty years. In 606 B. C , Nineveh was 
destroyed by the Medes and Babylonians under Cyaxares, 
and Babylon became the seat of the empire, until its destruc- 
tion by Cyrus, 538 B. C. This event ended also the seventy 
years' captivity of the Jews. 

8. Nitocris, one of the queens of Babylonia, gave her 
successors a good lesson on avarice and the thirst for wealth. 
She caused her tomb to be built over the principal gate of 
the city, and a report to be spread that a great treasure 
would be buried with her. On the tomb was an inscription 
warning her successors not to disturb her aslies. Darius, 
one of her successors, instead of respecting her last wishes, 
broke open the tomb ; but the only thing he found near the 
body was a tablet upon which these words were engraved : 
"If thou wert not thirsting for vain lucre, and the prey of 
the basest avarice, thou wouldst not have desecrated the 
abode of the dead." 

g. The last king of Babylon was Baltassar, under whose 
reign lived the prophet Daniel, who had enjoyed so much 



Qfestions.— 6. What was his fate ? 7. What followed? What oc- 
curred during this period? S. Tell us the anecdote about the queeu's 
tomb. 9. Who was the last king of Babvloii ? 



The Assyrians and Babylonians. 



25 



consideration at the court of King Nabuchodonosor II. 
Baltassar was tiie impious and dissolute king whose down- 
fall was foretold by the mysterious writing on the wall, 
interpreted by Daniel. He was killed at the taking of 




Captive .Tkws led into Babylonia. 



Babylon by Cyrus the Great, King of Persia, by which 
event Babylon became a Persian province. 

10. The Babylonians or Chaldeans cultivated the sciences, 
and gave much attention to the study of astronomy. They 



Questions. — 9. AVhat is said of him? 10. Describe tlie character 
of the Babyluniaus. 



26 The Medes and Persians. 

discovered the solar year to be composed of 365 days and 
6 hours. They were the inventors of the sundial, and 
of astrology, or divination by means of the planets. The 
Chaldean doctors were called Magi : thence is derived the 
word Mao-ic. 



CHAPTER VI. 
The Medes and Persians. 

1. The Medes, who, like the Persians, lived beyond the 
river Tigris, threw off the yoke of the Assyrians during the 
reign of Sardanapalus, and about 708 B. C. elected Dejoces 
for their king. 

2. Dejoces was a wise and peaceful prince, who, during 
thirty years that he reigned, labored to soften the natural 
fierceness of his people, and to inspire them with the love 
of peace. His successor, Phraortes, was more warlike and 
ambitious. He conquered the Persians, and having joined 
their forces to his own, overran Asia. He even dared to 
attack the Assyrians ; but was defeated by Nabuchodonosor 
and killed. 

3. His son, Cyaxares, continued the war ; and finally took 
Nineveh and destroyed it, 606 B. C. Astyages, the son of 
this king, governed the kingdom after his father's death 
for thirty-five years, with great wisdom, dying in 560 B. C. 

Questions. — 1. How did the Medes form a kingdom? 2. Tell us 
about Dejoces and his successor. 3. What followed? 



The Medes and Persians. 27 

Astyages left a son and a daughter, the former of whom 
succeeded him as Cyaxares II., and the other, Mandana, by 
her marriage with Cambyses, Prince of Persia, became the 
mother of the future king, Cyrus. 

4. Cyriis gave early signs of his future greatness ; when 
quite young he commanded the army of his father Cambyses. 
At the head of the Persian allies he gained for his uncle 
Cyaxares two glorious victories over the Babylonians and 
the troops of Croesus, king of Lydia. 

5. The name of this Lydian king, who was immensely 
wealthy, has become proverbial, and " as rich as Croesus" is 
a familiar expression everywhere. A touching incident is 
reported concerning his only son, who was dumb. At the 
storming of Sardis, a soldier was about to deal a fatal blow 
to the king; the young prince's emotion upon seeing his 
father's danger was so great that it burst the bonds that held 
his tongue captive, and he exclaimed aloud: "Soldier! do 
not kill Croesus ! " 

6. Cyrus followed up his victories. From Lydia, he 
marched upon Babylon, which he took by stratagem, 538 
B. C. After this, Babylon fell into decay, and its site is 
now only a heap of ruins. These events had all been pre- 
dicted by the prophets Isaias and Jeremias. Thus fell the 
Babylonian or second Assyrian Empire, two hundred and 
seven years after its formation, and sixty-eight after the fall 
of Nineveh. 

7. Cyrus, by his marriage with the only child of his 
uncle, Cyaxares, became the heir of the kingdom of Media, 

Questions. — 4. Tell us about Cyrus the Great. 5. Eelate the anec- 
dote about Croesus. 6. What did Cyrus after his victory over Croesus? 



28 The Medes and Persians. 



as he was already heir to that of Persia through his father 
Cambyses. By their decease he ascended the throne as king, 
and founded the Persian Empire, 536 B. C. The first year 
of the reign of Cyrus the Great was made memorable by his 
generous treatment of the Israelites, who had been held cap- 
tive in Babylon for seventy years. He set them free, per- 
mitted them to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem, and restored 
to them all Judea. 

8. Cambyses the Younger, in 529 B. C, succeeded his 
father Cyrus, whom he was far from resembling, being vin- 
dictive and cruel, and possessing none of the noble qualities 
which had earned for his predecessor the surname of Great. 
The conquest of Egypt, 525 B. C, waa the only remarkable 
event of his reign. He had unjustly put to death his sister 
and brother. During his absence in Egypt, an impostor 
assumed the name of this brother, Smerdis, and usurped the 
throne. Cambyses died in Egypt, 522 B. C. In the follow- 
ing year the imposition was discovered, and the pretended 
Smerdis was slain by the lords of the court. 

Q. Darius Hystaspes, one of these lords, was proclaimed 
king. The Babylonians revolted, but through the self-devo- 
tion of one of his officers, Zopyrus, Darius obtained possession 
of the city, and then demolished its brazen gates and other 
defences. Darius invaded Scythia without result, but added 
India, Macedon, Thrace, and numerous islands to his empire. 

10. Hippias, an exile from Athens, having stirred up the 
Persian governor of Sardis against the Athenians, the Athe- 



QUESTIONS. — 7. What more in regard to Cyrus ? 8. Who succeeded 
Cyrus? What is said of Cambyses? 9. What is said of the reign of 
Darius Hystaspes ? 



The Medes and Persians. 29 

nians in revenge assisted the Greeks of the Persian empire 
in a revolt, and destroyed Sardis, 500 B. C. Darius there- 
fore lormed an expedition against Athens, but was defeated 
at the celebrated battle of Marathon, 490 B. C, Thus began 
that long contest between the Greeks and the Persians, which 
was to end in the destruction of the Persian empire. 

11. At the death of Darius, in 485 B. C, Xerxes, his son, 
succeeded to the throne. Pie invaded Greece with more than 
two millions of men, but was defeated at the battle of Sala- 
mis, 480 B. C, and in the following year at Platsea and 
Mycale. His reign is supposed to have lasted twelve years, 
and ended in his violent death. 

12. Artaxerxes I., called Longiraanus from the length of 
his hands, succeeded his father Xerxes. The defeats suffered 
by him from the Greeks occasioned him to conclude a peace 
with them, 449 B. G. Three sons of this king succeeded 
him, one after the other, the third of whom, Darius Nothus, 
reigned for nineteen years, leaving for successor Artaxerxes 
IL, his son, 405 B. C. 

13. This prince, called Mnemon from his remarkable 
memory, intrusted his brother, Cyrus the Younger, with 
important commands. Cyrus, being desirous of supreme 
])ower, advanced with Greek allies upon his brother, but was 
killed in battle. The Greeks, although not unsuccessful, 
were obliged to return to their own country through great 
dangers. This retreat is known in history as the Retreat of 
the Ten Thousand, 399 B. C. 



Questions.— 10. Of the Greeks during his reign? 11. Who suc- 
ceeded Darius? 12. Who succeeded Xerxes? 13. Tell us about the 
successor of Xerxes. 



30 The Medes and Persians. 



14. The Persian empire endured under three more kings, 
the thirteenth and hist king being Darius Codomanus. In 
the battle of Arbela, 331 B. C, he was vanquished by Alex- 
ander the Great, and an end was put to the Persian empire, 
after it had lasted two hundred and seven years from its 
foundation by Cyrus the Great. 

15. The Persians at first adored the Spirit of God, but 
afterwards became worshippers of the sun and of fire. They 
built no temples, saying that to enclose the Deity between 
walls would be an insult. 

16. The Persian provinces were governed by ofiicers called 
satraps, over whom were three superintendents, who reported 
to the king. The prophet Daniel was for a time one of these 
three. The Persian laws were excellent, and the judges were 
just. The morals of the young were watched over, and their 
diet and exercise prescribed by law. The strength of mind 
and body thus acquired gave the Persians great advantages 
over the surrounding nations, until wealth and luxury 
enfeebled them. 

(iUESTlONS. — 14. Wluvt was the fiiiiil end of tlie Persian empire? 
1.">. Tell us about the religion of the Persians. 16. About their gov- 
• rnrnent and laws. 



India. 31 

CHAPTER VII. 

India. 

1. Very little is known about the origin and early history 
of the various tribes who inhabited the country named India, 
the principal part of which lies between the two rivers Indus 
and Ganges. That country abounded in the most valuable 
productions. Rice, the sugar-cane, the different varieties of 
spices, and the most delicious fruits grew there, and required 
little cultivation. Diamonds and other precious stones were 
also found in great abundance; and numerous herds of ele- 
phants inhabited the forests. 

2. So much wealth could not fail to awaken the cupidity 
of ambitious conquerors. Semiramis, more than 1200 B. C, 
had crossed the Indus, and invaded the country, as Sesostris 
had done previously. Neither of these held permanent pos- 
session. Seven hundred years later, Darius Hystaspes, King 
of Persia, fitted out a large fleet for the purpose of exploring 
the Indus ; and followed this up by an invasion of the coun- 
try beyond, of which he took possession, 500 to 521 B. C. 
The importance of this conquest may be judged from the fact 
that these new possessions brought Darius a yearly income 
of three hundred and sixty gold talents — over four millions 
of dollars. 

3. After achieving the subjugation of Persia, the great 
conqueror, Alexander of Macedon, organized an expedition 

Questions. — 1. Describe India. 2. What invasions were made? 
3. What other conqueror made an expedition to India? 



Indi 



38 



against its Indian provinces, 326 B. C. He gained great 
advantages, and pushed as far as the Hydaspes, which he 
crossed, gaining a signal victory over the Indian army under 
Porus, which defended the shores of that river, Alexan- 
der would probably have pushed his conquests beyond the 




Ganges, but his troops became disheartened at the prospect of 
penetrating into that unknown country, and the project was 
abandoned. Seleucus, who succeeded to part of Alexander's 
dominions, carried his arms to the Ganges or beyond. After 
this we know but little of the ancient historv of India. 



QUKSTION. — 3. With what result? 



34 Greece. 

4. The Indians believed in one God, creator of the world. 
They recognized the immortality of the soul, but believed in 
metempsychosis, which teaches that the soul, after death, 
passes into another body ; and that the souls of vicious and 
criminal men were condemned to live in the bodies of the 
vilest animals. 

5. The Brahmins were a privileged caste, who occupied 
the highest offices and filled the priesthood ; but agriculture 
was held in such great honor, that those who tilled the soil 
were exempted from all taxation. 



CHAPTER VI II. 

Greeck. 



1. This country, situated in the south-eastern extremity 
of Europe, and bounded by water on all sides except on the 
north, was formerly divided into several small kingdoms 
and states. These constituted ancient Greece. 

2. The Greeks, at first fierce and savage tribes, subse- 
quently advanced to such a degree of discipline and culti- 
vation as to occupy the first rank among nations. Their 
early history is entirely traditional and greatly mingled 
with fiction. 



Questions. — 4. AVhat were the religious notions of the Indians ? 
.'). What classes were ]>rivileged and honored? 1. Where was ancient 
Greece situated ? '1. What have you to say about the early history of 
the Greeks? 



Greece. 



35 



3. The first remarkable enterprise of the Greeks trans- 
mitted to us by tradition, was the expedition of the Argonauts 
in search of the Golden Fleece, 1254 B. C. This expedition 
was probably only a voyage of discovery, undertaken for the 
purpose of extending the commercial relations of the Greeks, 
and of establishing colonies on the Mediterranean coast. 




Ancient (iitEECK. 



4. Another celebrated enterprise was the siege of Troy, 
or Ilium, by the allied princes of Greece, to avenge the 
wrongs of Menelaus, a Grecian king, whose wife was carried 
off by Paris, son of Priam, king of Troy. This event has 
been rendered forever memorable in the admirable poetry 
of Homer. Troy was taken 1134 B. C. 

Questions.— 3. What first remarkable enterprise of the Greeks can 
you relate? 4. What other celebrated enterprise have the poets sung? 



36 Greece. 

5. Greece was originally settled by the descendants of 
Javan or Ion, son of Japhet and grandson of Noah. Its 
most ancient city was Sicyon, founded about 2000 B. C, by 
JEgialeus, a contemporary of Jacob and Esau. Argos, founded 
1856 B. C , Athens, 1852, Thebes, 1519, Sparta, 1516, and 
Corinth, 1376, were among the other ancient cities. 

6. The three great divisions of Greece were the Pelopon- 
nesus (now Morea), containing six states ; Hellas, north of 
this peninsula, containing nine, the third being composed 
of the two states of Thessaly and Epirus. To these was 
afterwards added Macedonia, at the extreme north. 

7. Lacedsemon, or Laconia, generally called Sparta, from 
its principal city, rose to the head of the first of these divi- 
sions, as Attica, whose capital was Athens, did in the second. 

8. Eleusis, celebrated for its temple of the goddess Ceres, 
where the Eleusinian mysteries (a certain form of worship) 
took place ; Mount Parnassus, where the Muses were supposed 
to dwell ; and Delphi, famous for its temple of Apollo, were 
all in Hellas, or Middle Greece. 

9. The events of Grecian history were reckoned by Olym- 
piads, periods of four years between the celebration of the 
Olympic games, in which all Greece took part, at Olympia, 
in the Peloponnesus. The first of these recorded was in 776 
B. C. In 1896 a successful attempt was made to revive these 
games, in which participated athletes from all parts of the 
civilized world. 

QUESTIONS. — o. By Avhoni was Greece originally settled? Which 
were its ancient cities? 6. "What were the great divisions of Greece? 
7. "What were the chief states of Greece? 8. What famous places 
in Greece? 9. How is Grecian history reckoned? What revival in 
1806. 



Greece. 



37 



10. About this time, Lycurgus gave laws to the Spartans, 
and their government of two hereditary kings was estab- 
lished. Athens, in 622 B. C, adopted the laws of Draco, but 
replaced them, twenty-eight years after, by the milder code 




Solon dictating his La\V3. 



of Solon. This provided archons as the chief rulers, and 
established the celebrated court of the Areopagus, the same 
body that was afterwards addressed by St. Paul the Apostle. 
With a few interruptions, Athens and Sparta continued these 



Question. — 10. Tell us about the laws and government of Sparta 
and Athens. 



H8 Greece. 

forms of government until absorbed in the Roman empire, 
146 B.C. 

11. The first of these interruptions was the usurpation of 
the government of Athens, for fifty years, by Pisistratus and 
his family. Hippias, his son, Avas expelled from Greece, and 
took refuge with Darius (Hystaspes), king of Persia, 510 
B. C Out of revenge against his countrymen, Hippias urged 
this king to make war on Greece. Darius had other reasons 
for undertaking this war, because, in a revolt against him of 
the Greek cities in his empire, they had been assisted by 
Athens. 

12. Darius landed in Attica with one hundred and ten 
thousand men, under one of his best generals, and advanced 
upon Athens. Miltiades, with ten thousand Athenians and 
one thousand Platicans, met the enemy at Marathon, and 
completely defeated him, 490 B. C. 

13. Xerxes, the son and successor of Darius, undertook a 
second invasion of Greece, ten years later, with two millions 
of men. From the point where, his forces landed, his way 
led to Athens, in part through the narrow pass of Ther- 
mopylie. This was guarded by about six hundred Greeks, 
one-half of whom were Spartans, all under the command of 
Leonidas, one of the Spartan kings, 480 B. C. 

14. The little band of heroes fought with desperation, and 
kept the enemy at bay for some days, making a dreadful 
slaughter among them, but were finally all killed, with the 
exception of one man, who carried the news to Sparta. The 

QrKSTlONS. — 11. What usurpation occurred in Athens, and what 
followed? 12. What is said of Darius? 13. Of Xerxes? 14. What 
is said of the battle of Thermopylse ? 



Greece. 39 

Persians overran Attica, and ravaged the country. They 
sacked and burned Athens, which had been abandoned by 
its inhabitants. 

15. Themistocles, the commander of the Athenians, in the 
same year encountered a Persian fleet of twelve hundred 
galleys, at Salamis, and, with one-fourth of that number of 
vessels, gained a complete victory. Xerxes, terrified at this 
destruction of the greater part of his naval forces, returned 
to Asia, leaving an army corps, under his lieutenant Mardo- 
nius, to carry on hostilities by land. Over these, the Greeks, 
under Pausanias, king of Sparta, and Aristides, the Athenian 
general, gained a brilliant victory at Platiea, in the following 
year. A similar success for the Greeks, both by land and 
by sea, occurred at Mycale, in Asia Minor, the same year, 
479 B. C. 

16. The Spartans erected a monument at Thermopylae in 
honor of Leonidas, and their other brave countrymen, on 
which was graven this inscription : " Go, traveller, and tell 
Sparta that we died here in obedience to her sacred laws." 

17. The continued successes of the Greeks over the Per- 
sians occasioned Artaxerxes I., the son of Xerxes, to propose 
terras of peace, which were adopted 449 B. C. In the same 
year, Cimon, the leader of the Athenians, died. He had 
been associated with Aristides and afterwards with Pericles 
in the government. All these, and many others of the great 
men of Athens, suffered more or less from the fickleness of 
their countrymen. The most remarkable example of this 



QrESTlONS.— 15. Of the victories that followed? 16. What honor did 
the Spartans render to the memory of Leonidas and his companions? 
17. What is said of Artaxerxes ? Of the fickleness of the Greeks ? 



40 



Greece. 



injustice occurred afterwards, in the case of the philosopher 
Socrates, one of the greatest men whom Athens or the worhl 
has produced, who was compelled by his countrymen to 
drink poison. 




The Gkkkk Assembly. 



1 8. The rivalry existing between Sparta and Athens, and 
the ambition of the former, which sought to rule the desti- 



Qt'KSTioN. — IS. What brought about the first civil war? 



Greece. ^^ 

nies of Greece, brought about the Feloponnesian war, iu 
which all the Grecian states took part. The Spartans were 
the a<.gressors,and invaded Attica, 431 B. C. Two years 
after "this died Fericles, under whom Athens arrived at the 
highest pitch of her glory. After ten years of continual civd 
warfare, during which victory favored alternately the two 
contending parties, a treaty of peace was concluded, called 
the Peace of Nicias, from the name of the Athenian who was 
instrumental in securing it. , , a .u 

IQ Hostilities were soon resumed, however, by the Athe- 
nians, under the influence of Alcibiades, a young general of 
brilliant talents, and continued for many years, during which, 
notwithstanding occasional reverses, the power of Sparta in- 
creased considerably. The Feloponnesian war, after lasting 
for twenty-seven years, was ended by the capture of Athens, 

404 B.C. , - . 

20 The Greek troops, being now unemployed in wai. 
were invited by Cyrus the Younger to assist him in wresting 
the throne of Fersia from his brother, Artaxerxes II. Ihe 
Greeks were victorious, but Cyrus having been killed in 
battle, there was no longer any motive for their stay in 
Fersia, and they retraced their steps to their own country 
This march of fifteen hundred miles was the famous " Ketreat 
of the Ten Thousand," 399 B. C. Besides meeting every 
variety of hardship, they had to fight their way both against 
the Persians and the native tribes through whose lands they 
passed. Their leader, Xenophon, has left us the history of 
this great achievement. 

"^FSTlONS.-lS. Iluwcliditeua? li.. Was the peace lasting? 20. 
Wh!t cTc'unstances occasioned the Retreat of the Ten Thousand? 



42 Greece. 

21. A combination of several of the Grecian states against 
Sparta, in 395 B. C, recalled the Spartan king Agesilaus 
from Persia, where he was meeting with great successes. He 
overcame the allies at Coronea, but his fleet was defeated at 
Cnidus at the same time. The Persians aided Athens on 
this occasion, but the Spartans afterwards gained them over 
by a dishonorable treaty, restoring the Greek cities in Asia 
Minor to Persia. For fear of Persia and Sparta combined, 
all the states were obliged to ratify this treaty, 387 B. C. 

22. Five years after, the Spartans unjustifiably seized the 
citadel of Thebes. Pelopidas and Flpaminondas, two eminent 
Thebans, with the assistance of Athenian and B(\?otian troops, 
retook the citadel, 378 B. C. Thus began the Theban war, 
in which the Spartans were defeated at Leuctra, 371 B. C., 
and at Mantinea, 3()o. By this last blow Sparta was per- 
manently humbled. Epaminondas lost his life at Mantinea, 
and Thebes, as a state, returned to its original obscurity. 

23. The next war in Greece was occasioned by an invasion 
of the precincts of the temple of Apollo at Delphi, by the 
people of Phocis, in whose state it was situated. This is 
called the Sacred War, 357 B. C. Philip, who had ascended 
the throne of Macedonia two years before, took part in this 
war, which agitated the whole of Greece, lasting eleven years. 

24. This gave Philip a foothold in Attica, and his ambi- 
tious schemes for the subjugation of Greece soon became 
apparent. The elocjuent Demosthenes roused his countrymen 
to a desperate resistance, but, weakened by their continual 

QrESTiONS.— 21. "What events then occurred in Greece? 22. How 
(lid the Tlieban war break out ? Tell us about its results. 23. Why was 
the Sacred War undertaken ? 24. Who schemed the Subjugation of 
(Jreece, and with what results? 



Gh'eece. 



43 



wars, they could not compete with the troops of the wily 
Macedonian. The victory of Cheronrea made Philip the 
ruler of Greece, 388 E. C. 




Thk AcKMC.r.i'- 



25. Philip was succeeded, two years after this, by his son 
Alexander, then but twenty years of age, to whom posterity 
has awarded the surname of Great, for his extraordinary suc- 
cess in war. This young prince undertook, with a very small 
army, the conquest of the world. In a few years he con- 
quered all Western Asia and Egypt, and put an end to the 
Persian empire, 331 B. C. 

QuESTioxs.— 25. Who succeeded Philip? What countries did he 
conquer? 



44 Greece. 

26. Alexander then made an expedition into India, and 
penetrated that country, concjuering all who opposed his 
march, including the Scythians of Northern Asia. But his 
troops having refused to advance further into these vast and 
unknown regions, he was compelled to abandon the project 
of ])assing beyond the Ganges. 

27. The young conqueror returned to Babylon to prepare 
new schemes for the aggrandizement of his empire ; but 
having given himself up to intemperate excesses, he died 
ingloriously, in the flower of his age, 324 B, C. After his 
death, his empire fell to pieces, Greece and Macedonia form- 
ing, under Cassander, one of its four divisions, 309 B. C. 
Greece did not recover her independence, but became a prey 
to revolutions and internal disturbances. 

28. In the midst of the reigiiing disorder, Macedonia and 
Thrace were invaded by the Gauls under Brennus, who even 
advanced into Greece and plundered the temple at Delphi. 
While they were engaged in this robbery there arose a fear- 
ful storm, accompanied with an earthquake. The darkness 
became so dense that the Gauls attacked one another, believ- 
ing the enemy was upon Uiem. Seized with a strange terror, 
they took to flight, crying that the god Pan protected the 
temple. It is from th's incident that the expression "panic 
terror," employed to designate uncontrollable fear, took its 
rise. The Gauls were repulsed, one part settling on the 
Danube, another in Thrace, and a third in a country in 
Asia Minor called, after them, Galatia. St. Paul afterwards 



Questions. — 2G. Wliat expedition did lie then make? 27. What 
was the ultimate fate of this famous conqueror? 2s. Tell us about the 
Gauls at Delphi. What became of them ? 



Greece. 45 

preached there, and aildressed one of his epistles to the 
Galaiians. 

29. Achaia, one of the states of the Peloponnesus, had, 
by its good government and its internal discipline, begun to 
rise in influence among the Grecian states. Many of these 
formed with it a confederacy for mutual protection, called 
the Achsean League, 251 B. C. Aratus, a distinguished citi- 
zen of Sicyon, was called to the head of affliirs. Athens and 
Thebes no longer possessed any political importance, and the 
Athenians had become weakened by luxury and effeminacy. 

30. Sparta also was sinking, from the decay of its ancient 
manly spirit, and from the hostility which its long course of 
aggressions had brought upon it from the other Grecian 
states. Its king, Agis V., endeavored to restore to their 
former vigor the laws of Lycurgus, but the effort cost him 
his life, and even that of his mother and grandmother, who 
were put to death with him by his degenerate countrymen, 
240 B. C. Cleomenes III., his warlike successor, gained re- 
peated advantages over the Achieans, who then called in to 
their assistance Antigonus Doto, or Doson, king of Macedon. 
These armies defeated the Spartans in their own territory, 
at Sallasia, by which defeat Sparta w'as nearly annihilated, 
222 B. C. 

31. Philip, king of Macedon, the sixth of the name, 
nephew and successor of Antigonus, provoked the Romans 
by joining an alliance against them which had been set on 
foot by Hannibal. In consequence, Roman troops invaded 

Questions.— 2it. What is said of Achaia? What is said of Athens 
and Thebes ? 30. What of Sparta ? Of its kings, Agis and Cleomenes ? 
31. What of Macedonia and the Romans? 



Greece. 47 

Macedonia and conquered it, but did not at once take away 
its liberties, 197 B. C. 

32. The days of Grecian independence now began to 
draw to a close. The Spartans, in a final struggle with the 
Achseans, were conquered by the successor of Aratus, Phili- 
poenion, called " the last of the Greeks," because Greece 
produced afterwards no other worthy of her ancient glory, 
191 B. C. Sparta then joined the Achaean League, and her 
eventful history of six centuries, beginning from the time of 
Lycurgus, closes. The glorious career of Athens, extending 
over a period of four hundred years from the time of Solon, 
is also at an end, and she is now only an undistinguished 
member of the Achaean confederacy. 

33. Perseus', king of Macedon, inheriting the animosity of 
his father, Philip, against the Romans, again draws down 
upon his country their victorious arms. By his defeat at 
Pydna, in his own dominions, an end is put to the Macedo- 
nian kingdom, after it had lasted one hundred and sixty-one 
years from the time of Alexander tlie Great, 14M B. C. With 
Thessaly and Epirus, it then formed the Roman province of 
Macedonia, with the capital at Thessalonica. 

34. The Achseans themselves, now the last surviving 
representatives of Grecian liberty, were so imprudent as to 
provoke Rome into aggressions. They had confidently 
reckoned on success, but on the first encounter with the 
Roman troops near Corinth (the capital at that time of the 



Questions. — 32. What is said of the last days of Grecian indciiend- 
eiice? Of Sparta? Of Athens? 33. Tell us about the events that j)ut 
an end to the ^[acedonian empire. What did it become under the 
Romans ? 34. What was the end of the Achiean League ? 



48 Greece. 

confederacy), were disastrously routed, in the one hundred' 
and fifth year of the confederacy, 146 B. C. The Koman 
forces captured Corinth and totally destroyed it: its male 
citizens were put to death, and its women and children sold 
into slavery. Thus, the subjugation of Greece, which the 
Persians had attempted, and the Macedonians had begun, 
was reserved for the Romans. Henceforth, all Greece south 
of Thessaly and Epirus bocanie a Roman province under the 
title of Achaia. Corinth, rebuilt under Julius Cicsar, became 
its capital. The capitals both of Macedonia and Achaia 
were afterwards the scene of the labors of St. Paul, who 
addressed two of his epistles to the former (Thessalonians), 
and two to the latter (Corinthians). 

35. No other country could ever boast of so many great 
men as did Greece in the days of her splendor. In science 
and arts, in warfare and literature, she held the first rank; 
and her influence, so great in the days of her independence, 
has survived her ruin, and is preserved in the imperishable 
literary treasures which she has be(jueathed to posterity. 

36. The striking contrast between the national traits of 
the two leading Grecian states, Sparta and Athens, was due 
principally to the different systems of civilization of the two 
great legislators of antiquity, Lycurgus and Solon. The 
former made of the Spartans a people of warriors. Every 
thing like luxury was banished from the state, and the 
young Spartans were subjected, from an early age, to a 
physical training that fitted them for a soldier's life. 

Qttestions. — 31. What, were the events at Corinth ? What is the 
subsequent history of Greece ? Tell us about St. Paul. 35. What is 
said of the great men of Greece ? 3G. Contrast Sparta and Athens. 



Greece. 49 

37. An anecdote is told of Lycurgus, to show the power 
and influence of education. He took two young hounds 
from the same litter, and had them carefully brought up 
upon two very different systems. One of the dogs was 
abundantly fed on choice viands, and left to follow his own 
instincts ; the other was allowed a spare diet, and trained 
daily for the chase. One day, when the people were assem- 
bled on the public place, as was customary, Lycurgus caused 
the two hounds to be brought out. Then, at some distance 
before them, a hare was let loose, and a dish of meat was 
placed on the ground. The trained dog at once started in 
pursuit of the hare, while his idle and pampered brother ran 
to the dish. 

38. " O Spartans," said Lycurgus ; " these two hounds 
are of the same uoble breed, come from the same litter; 
behold how different their tastes! So is it with your chil- 
dren ; train them early, and they will become useful citi- 
zens; but let them grow up in idleness and luxury, and 
they will become the degenerate victims of vice." 

39. Solon developed in Athens the notions of civilization 
he had brought from Egypt. The young Athenians were 
educated with the greatest care in every branch of study. 
The arts were cultivated, and Athens became the cradle of 
literature and science. 

40. The result of the two systems is found in the glory 
shed upon these two states by their respective citizens. If 
Sparta could boast of heroes and warriors like Leonidas, 

Questions. — 37. Tell us the anecdote of the two young hounds. 
.'58. What did Lycurgus say to the people? 39. What were the fruits 
of Solon's system? 40. What different results did these systems of 
education produce? 

4 



50 Rome. 

Agesilaus, Paiisanias, and others, Athens had a host of bright 
names to show in every career; statesmen, orators, philoso- 
phers, and warriors, such as Pericles, Demosthenes, Socrates, 
Aristides, Miltiades, Cimon — names that have become im- 
riHirtal ; besides artists, poets, and historians, the most of 
whose works have been handed down to our own day. 



CHAPTER IX. 

ROMK. 



1. The origin of Rome is lost in the obscurity of tradition 
and legend. The poets relate that Romulus and his brother 
Remus, abandoned in the woods, were fed by a she- wolf; 
that as they grew up, they gathered around them a band of 
hunters and shepherds like themselves ; then, having dis- 
covered that they were descended from the family of the 
kings of Alba, they re.«olved to build near Alba a city which 
should be the seat of their own power. The hill to be chosen 
for the site of the new city was a matter of dispute between 
the brothers. The result of the quarrel was, that Remus was 
killed by. his brother, and the Palatine hill chosen for the 
site. Here the city was laid out, and received the name of 
Rome from its supposed founder, 753 B. C. 

2. Adventurers were invited hither from all countries, 
and Romulus soon found himself at the head of a growing 
kingdom. Six kings succeeded Romulus, the whole period 

Questions. — 1. How and by whom was Rome founded? 2. What 
kino's succeeded Romulus ? 



Rome. 5 j 

of the monarchy embracing two and a half centuries. These 
kings were-Numa Pompilius, a wise legislator and the 
founder of the religion of the Romans ; TuUus Hostilius 
and Aneus Martius, both warlike princes, under the first 
of whom the kingdom of Alba was subdued, and under the 
second the city of Ostia built ; Tarquinius Priscus, who built 
the Cloaca Maxima, or great sewer, still in use, and con- 
quered the Etrurians and Sabines ; Servius Tullius, who 
improved the laws and extended the limits of the city so 
as to embrace Rome's seven hills; and finally, Tarquinius 
buperbus, or the Proud. The criminal actions of this king 
and of his son occasioned their banishment, 509 B. C. 

3. The Romans were at this time divided into two classes 
the patricians, men of free or noble ancestry, and the ple- 
beians, comprising all others. On the fall of the monarchy 
a republic was proclaimed with two Consuls at the head 
chosen from the patricians. One of the first two was Brutus' 
renowned for his just condemnation of his own son to death' 
Horatius Codes and Mutius Scavola were two other Roman 
heroes who performed about this time deeds of valor a-ainst 
Porsenna, king of Etruria. *' 

4. After several years of war caused by the attempts of 
the larquin family to regain its lost power, peace was restored 
•between Rome and her neighbors. Domestic troubles fol- 
lowed, however, arising from the oppressed condition of the 
plebeian classes. Tlie discord was quieted by the appoint- 
ment of five (afterwards ten) magistrates, called Tribunes, 



QuESTloxs._2. What change then took place? 3. How was the 
republic organized ? 4. What wars and troubles followe.l the forma- 
tion of the republic? 



52 Rome. 

chosen from among themselves, and elected yearly, like the 
consuls, 493 B. C. Their office was to protect the rights of 
the plebeians. They could annul a law of the senate by 
saying, Veto, " I forbid it." 

5. A new office was created shortly before, that of Dic- 
tator. In times of great public danger, the dictator was to 
have supreuie coinniaud for six months. The office had been 
filled by two persons up to this period; the third who held 
it was Cincinnatus, called from the plough to defend his 
country against the JCqui. Having defeated the enemy, he 
resigned the dictatorship after holding it for sixteen days, 
and returned to his farm, 458 B. C. His example had its 
parallel in modern times in the conduct of our own Wash- 
ington. Examples like this are rare, owing to the violent 
love of power among men. 

6. The need of a settled body of laws obliged the Koraans 
to send deputies to Greece to collect laws, chiefly from among 
those of Solon. On their return (452 B. C), ten commis- 
sioners were appointed, called Decemvirs, to draw up a code. 
During the year that they were so engaged, all the power of 
the state was placed in their hands. On various pretexts they 
contrived to retain their power for another year, and then 
for another. Their chief, Appius Claudius, attempted to 
carry off Virginia, the daughter of a plebeian, Virginias. 
Her father took her life to save her honor, and then aroused 
the peoj)le against the decemvirs, who were banished or put 
to death, and the consuls and tribunes restored to office, 
449 B. C. 



Q^ESTI0^■s. — 5. AVhat new office was created about this time? Who 
filled it? (i. What about the decemvirs? 



Rome. 53 

7. The office of Censor was created shortly after. The 
censor was to take the census every five years, and to strike 
from the list and degrade any citizen who had in the mean- 
time been guilty of gross offences. Two Qusestors or 
treasurers were appointed to take care of the finances of 
the city, and two others to follow the army. In })lace of the 
two consuls from the patrician order, three military tribunes, 
eligible either from the patricians or the plebeians, began to 
hold office, 444 B. C. Seventy-eight years after, the old 
order of consuls was restored. 

8. The army now began to receive regular pay, and its 
services became more valuable. Caraillus, elected dictator 
on account of a war with the neighboring Veii, led the 
troops against the wealthy city of that name, and took it. 
On account of an unjust charge made against him in con- 
nection with the spoils of Veii, Camillus quitted Rome. An 
invasion of the Gauls under Brennus took place in this 
interval. They defeated the Romans at the river Allia, 
entered the city, put to death its eighty aged senators, and 
sacked and burned Rome, 390 B. C. 

9. Camillus generously came to the relief of Rome, and 
expelled the Gauls. The city was rebuilt. The Latins, so 
called from the territory of Liitium around Rome, were next 
subdued, 338 B. C. War had also begun with the people 
of Samnium, an adjoining province. It was continued for 
about sixty years, and the Samnites were finally subjugated, 
282 B. C. The following year, war broke out with the 



QrESTloxs. — 7. What other offices were created? 8. AVhat is said 
of the army? Of Camillus? AVhat events followed ? 9. What happened 
to the Gauls and other enemies of the Romans ? 



54 Home. 

Tarentines of Calabria in southern Italy, and the llomans 
were victorious here also. Thus, all central and southern 
Italy became subject to Rome, 274 B. C. Pyrrhus, king of 
Epirus, one of the Grecian states, who had assisted the 
Tarentines, shared in the defeat of the latter. "With these 
flattering successes, Rome approached the completion of her 
five hundredth year. 

10. The Mamertines, or inhabitants of Messina, at a point 
on the island of Sicily nearest Italy, were attacked by Hiero, 
king of Syracuse, assisted by the Carthaginians, who also 
held Agrigentuni, both these cities being on the island. The 
Jlomans came to the succor of the Mamertines, and defeated 
the enemy, 264 B. C. Thus began the first Punic war, as 
the wars with Carthage were called. Rome formed a navy, 
and conquered the Carthaginians at sea in two separate 
engagements (260 and 256 B. C), and then sent her troops 
into Africa to subdue the city of Carthage. 

11. Regulus commanded the Roman forces. An enor- 
mous serpent, one hundred and twenty feet long, arrested 
the progress of his army for a time, and was only subdued 
and killed by hurling against it, with machinery, large rocks. 
Regulus defeated the Carthaginian army, and took a city 
now called Tunis, but was in turn completely routed, 255 
B. C. He was sent to Rome by the Carthaginians to obtain 
an exchange of prisoners, with the understanding that if his 
mission failed he should return. By his own advice the 
Romans rejected the request. In fulfilment of his promise. 



QrESTlONS.— 10. How (lid the wars with Carthage originate? What 
were the first steps taken l)y Rome? 11. What events followed the 
entering of the Roman armv into Africa? 



Home. 55 

Regulus courageously returned to Carthage, where he was 
put to death with much cruelty. The Carthaginians con- 
tinued to be successful until their encounter with a Roman 
army under the consul Lutatius. They were compelled by 
him to sue for peace, one of the terms of the treaty being 
that they should evacuate Sicily. Thus, after twenty-three 
years of continued hostilities, ended the first Punic war, 
241 B. C. 

12. All Sicily, except the dominions of Hiero, now fell 
under the Roman yoke. The Romans acquired also the 
island of Sardinia, Illyrieum on the Adriatic Sea, north of 
Macedon, and northern Italy, as far as the Alps. Peace 
now reigned, in sign of which the temple of Janus was closed 
for the first time since the days of Numa Pompilius, but it 
did not long remain so. Meanwhile, Carthage was advan- 
cing in power by her conquests over neighboring African 
states, and in Spain, where Hannibal was in command. He 
was the son of Hamilcar, the Carthaginian general defeated 
in the first Punic war. 

13. Hannibal had sworn to his father perpetual enmity 
against the Romans, and was well inclined to keep his vow. 
fie advanced from Spain into Italy, 218 B. C. Thus began 
the second Punic war, twenty-three years after the close of 
the first. The Roman troops were defeated by Hannibal 
four times within two years, the last battle being at Cannae, 
216 B. C. This was the worst defeat the Romans had ever 
yet suffered. Their loss, according to the most reliable 
account, was seventy thousand. 

QlTESTiONS. — 11. llow was the war brought to an end? 12. What 
advance were the Romans making at this time? The Carthaginians? 
i;i. What about the second Punic war? The first battles ? 



56 Rome. 

14. The Romans, notwithstanding these reverses, were 
able to punish the Capuans, who had abandoned them for 
Hannibal, and to send troops to Spain. Here they were 
successful for a time, but were afterwards defeated by As- 
drubal, brother of Hiumibal. The Syracusans, who, after 
the death of King Hiero, had imitated the example of Capua, 
met a like chastisement, and the Romans remained masters 
of the whole of Sicily, 21 2 B. C. 

15. Asdrubal, after his victories in Spain, endeavored to 
join his brother Hannibal in Italy, but was defeated on the 
way, at Placentia, in northern Italy, Meanwhile, Publius 
Scipio, the son of a Scipio who, with his brother, had been 
defeated and killed in Spain by the Carthaginians, succeeded 
in driving them out of that country, and then sailed for 
Africa. Here he met with such success that Hannibal was 
hastily recalled from Italy to defend his own country. At 
the battle of Zama the Carthaginian forces led by the latter 
were entirely defeated, and an end was thus put to the second 
Punic war, after it had lasted sixteen years, 201 B. C. 

16. Scipio, on his return to Rome, received, together with 
the usual magnificent entry granted by his countrymen to 
their successful generals, the title of Africanus, by which he 
is known in history. Some years after, his brother Lucius 
obtained a similar title, Asiaticus, on account of his victories 
in Asia. Even while the late war with Carthage was in 
progress, Macedonia, instigated by Hannibal, had joined an 
alliance against Rome. As soon as the close of the war in 

Qttestioxs. — 14. What were the Romans doing meanwhile? 15. 
Wliat events brought about the end of the second Punic war? 16. 
What honors did the Scipios obtain? What were the occurrences in 
.Macedonia ? 



Rome. 57 

Africa left the Roman troops at liberty to pursue their con- 
quests elsewhere, they therefore invaded Macedonia and 
defeated Philip, its king, the successor of Antigonus Doto, 
197 B. C. The Romans, however, generously restored the 
Macedonians their kingdom on the spot. 

17, Syria, a kingdom formed a century before out of a 
part of the empire of Alexander the Great, began to over- 
shadow with its power the whole of Asia ]\Iinor. Some of 
the states threatened by it called in the Romans to their 
protection. Hostilities thus arose between Rome and Syria, 
which were fanned by Hannibal, who was at this time present 
in person in Syria. The armies met at Magnesia, on or near 
the Syrian coast, and the contest proved fatal to the fortunes 
of the Syrian king, xVntiochus the Great. He was obliged 
to surrender to the king of Pergamos, an ally of the R jmans, 
a large part of his dominions, 190 B. C. This was the victory 
that gave Scipio Asiaticus his title. The Romans afterwards 
gained all this territory, and the luxury that prevailed there 
led the way to the final corruption of that people. Seven 
years after the battle of Magnesia, Hannibal was at the 
court of the neighboring king of Bithynia, assisting him 
against the king of Pergamos. Hearing of a plot, on the 
part of his ungrateful host, to deliver him to the Romans, 
Hannibal, to escape this fate, ended his life by poison, aged 
sixty-four years. 

18. The hostile attitude of Macedonia towards Rome 
again brought upon her the Roman legions. The famous 
Macedonian phalanx, with its long line of pikeraen, protected 



Questions.— 17. In Syria ? What became of Hannibal? IS. Describe 
the events in Macedonia. 



58 Home. 

by their bucklers, disconcerted for a time the Roman com- 
mander, Paulus ^milius; but, finding means to break 
through it, the enemy were defeated at Pydna, 148 B. C. 
Macedonia thereafter passed under the sway of the Romans, 
and became a province of their empire. 

19. Carthage, in her continued prosperity and with her 
population of seven hundred thousand inhabitants, revived 
the joalousy of her rival, Rome. A pretext was found by 
the latter for a third war, after an interval of fifty years 
from the close of the second. Scipio ^milianus, son of 
iErailius the conqueror of Macedonia, held command of the 
Roman army. At the close of an obstinate contest of three 
years, the Romans captured Carthage, and utterly destroyed 
this magnificent city, after it had existed seven hundred 
years, 146 B. C. Carthage was rebuilt a hundred years after 
by Caius Julius Ctesar, and flourished until the time of the 
Saracens, in the seventh century, who again laid it in ruins. 
Hardly a trace of it is now to be recognized. 

20. The same year witnessed the final subjugation of the 
Greeks. The Achssean League had brought upon itself the 
wrath of Rome. The opposing forces met near Corinth ; the 
Grecians were routed, and Corinth, their capital, was taken 
and destroyed. By this final blow, all Greece came under 
the dominion of Rome, and was known henceforward only 
as a province of the empire, under the title of Achaia, 
146 B. C. 

21. Although the Romans had driven the Carthaginians 
out of Spain, they had not entirely subdued the native tribes. 

Questions. — 19. Tell us about the third Punic war. What is said 
of Carthage? 20. What country was next subjected by the Romans? 
21. What is said of the native tribes in Spain ? 



Rome. 69 

The Lusitanians, a people inhabiting what is now Portugal, 
under their brave leader, Viriathus, offered a successful 
resistance for ten years. The Romans, by contriving the 
assassination of Viriathus, put an end to the war, 140 B. C. 
The Numantians, of the North of Spain, still proved refrac- 
tory, and gained so many successes that Scipio iEinilianus, 
the conqueror of Carthage, now consul, was obliged to repair 
thither. The city of Numantia was taken and destroyed, 
and the sway of the Romans firmly established in the penin- 
sula, 133 B. C. 

22. In the interest of the poorer classes, Tiberius Grac- 
chus, one of the tribunes, endeavored to revive an old statute 
called the Agrarian Law, the effect of which would have 
been to diminish the possessions of great landed proprietors, 
and distribute the lands anew. The land-owners resisted, 
and tumults arose, in one of which the agitator lost his life, 
133 B. C. His brother Caius, twelve years after, in a like 
office, made the same attempt, and met a similar fate. The 
brothers are known in history as the Gracchi. No change 
in the law followed, but a greater bitterness arose between 
rich and poor. 

23. This bad example of civil discord met with frequent 
imitation afterwards. With the increasing possessions of the 
republic, wealth also flowed in more abundantly, and the 
rich were growing corrupt, while the poor remained envious 
and discontented. In fact, the many noble traits that had 
distinguished the Romans were disappearing. Bribes began 
to be taken by high officials. Office was eagerly sought, for 

Questions. — 21. What is said of the Lusitanians? The Numantians? 
22. Relate the events connected with the Gracchi ? 23. What is saicj 
of the declining virtue of the Romans? 



Rome. 61 

office now enriched its possessor. The numerous slaves held 
by the Romans were so oppressed that a large body of them 
in Sicily rose ngainst their masters, and for three years held 
the island, being only subdued at last through great blood- 
shed, 132 B. C. 

24. Immorality in all forms crept in, and divorce, unheard 
of in the first five hundred years of Rome, was now not 
unusual. It became more common than it had ever been 
before to see men use violent and unprincipled means, either 
to gain power or to hold it. The people easily followed a 
leader who flattered or feasted them. In short, the strength 
of the republic, which, like that of every other republic, lay 
in the virtue of its citizens, began to fail it, and the way was 
being prepared for imperialism. The violence to which 
party spirit was carried contributed to this result. An 
illustrious victim of this intolerance was found in Scipio 
/Emilianus, the conqueror of (^'arthage and of Sj)ain (some- 
times called Scipio the Younger). He was opposed to the 
Agrarian party, and was secretly murdered by its adherents, 
129 B. C. 

25. Foreign wars again succeeded. Jugurtha, heir with 
others to the throne of Numidia in Africa, had put to death 
all the members of the royal family of that kingdom who 
might lessen his power by dividing it with him. As this 
family had been friendly to the Romans, the latter declared 
war against Jugurtha. Marius, originally an obscure soldier, 
but now occupying high military rank, managed by unfair 
means to supplant his superior, Cecilius Metellus, in the 

Questions. — 23. What is said of the slaves ? 24. What were other 
signs of this decline? What of Scipio? 25. What war arose in Africa? 
Who were Marius and Sylla, and what is said of them? 



62 Rome. 

command of the Roman army. Marius was himself, how- 
ever, outwitted by Sylla, his lieutenant, who took to himself 
all the credit of ending the war hy his capture of Jugurtha, 
which he effected by stratagem, 105 B. C, 

26. This was the origin of the rivalry between Marius 
and Sylla, which was afterwards to occasion so many mis- 
fortunes to their countrymen. Jugurtha was starved to 
death in prison. Marius afterwards delivered Rome from a 
dangerous invasion of the Teutones and Cimbri, northern 
tribes who were advancing through Gaul into Italy. He 
met them in Gaul, and first overthrew the Teutones, and the 
following year the Cimbri, 101 B. C. 

27. An occasion now arose at home that required the 
services of both Marius and Sylla. The inhabitants of the 
Italian states that had been subdued at different times by 
the Romans clamored to be admitted to the rights of Roman 
citizenship. Their claim being rejected, they took up arms 
to support it. This became the Social War, so called. 
Marius for the sixth time obtained the consulship, on the 
plea of this war. Still, in conducting it, Sylla eclipsed him 
in feats of arms. Then Marius resigned, and Sylla was 
appointed consul. After three years of warfare, in which 
three hundred thousand Romans lost their lives, and victory 
declared sometimes for them and sometimes for the enemy, 
the contest was ended by the triumph of the Romans, 89 
B. C. They afterwards granted some of the concessions 
asked for. 



Questions. — 20. Continue the subject. What invasion did Marius 
next prevent? 27. Tell us about the Social War, The .share Marius 
and Sj^lla took in it. 



Rome. 63 

28. Mithridates, king of Poutus, a state in Asia Minor 
on the Euxiue (now Black) Sea, provoked the resentment 
of the Romans by his attacks on their allies in that part of 
the world, and by the massacre of a vast number of Italians 
living in Asia Minor. In his career of conquest, he even 
advanced into Greece. Here he was met and defeated, losing 
all the new territory he had acquired, but still allowed to 
retain his kingdom of Pontus, 86 B. C. 

29. When Sylla was leaving Rome to go to this war, 
Marius entered the city to dispute his power, but Sylla 
returned and drove him out, putting to death many of his 
partisans besides. During Sylla's continued absence in the 
East, his rival again entered Rome, usurped the civil power, 
and put to death great numbers of the friends of Sylla 
throughout Italy. Then he died, partly from the effect of 
drink, indulged in to quiet an uneasy conscience. His party, 
however, survived. 

30. These events at home did not force Sylla to return 
before his victories were completed. When he did, he found 
the party of Marius in power, and himself declared a public 
enemy. To re-enter Rome he was obliged to fight a desperate 
battle under its walls. He proved victorious, and thereupon 
occasioned himself to be declared Dictator. He now caused 
torrents of blood to flow by the revenge he took upon the 
partisans of Marius. Strange to say, when he had secured 
himself in power, he resigned his office and retired to private 
life. He died shortly after, from the effect of his private 
excesses, 78 B. C. The party of Marius still had supporters 

QrESTioxs. — 28. What account is given of the first MithridatieWar? 
29. What is said of Marius at this time? 30. What is said of Sylla, 
and of the party of Marius in Spain? 



64 



Rome. 



outside of Rome, those in Spain, under Sertorius, being the 
most formidable. Pompey was sent against them and defeated 
them, the death of their leader aiding in this result, 73 B. C. 




)i' Human IIul'se. 



31. About this time also another great insurrection of 
slaves occurred. Many of these were captives from Thrace, 
or Gaul, or Germany, who were kept as gladiators to fight 
for the diversion of the people. Their leader, Spartacus, 
was a gladiator. He took his stand in a strong position on 
Mount Vesuvius, where one hundred and twenty thousand 



t^UESTION. — 31. What great insurrection occurred? 



Rome. 65 

slaves flocked to his standard. He met with successes at 
flrst, but was finally defeated by the pra3tor Crassus, and 
himself, with a large portion of his followers, put to the 
sword, 71 B. C. 

32. Mithridates, profiting by the absence of the Roman 
armies engaged in Spain against Sertorius, had again mus- 
tered troops and recaptured his former possessions. The 
consul Lucullus was sent against him and defeated him, 
taking from him now even his own kingdom of Pontus, 68 
B. C. Lucullus will be remembered by the young with 
gratitude, as having introduced to the rest of the world the 
cherry-tree, which he found growing at Cerasus in Pontus. 
Had not the army refused to go further, Lucullus would 
have taken possession of Armenia, whose king, Tigranes, had 
assisted Mithridates, and been defeated with him. Six years 
before, the king of Blthynia, dying without family, left his 
kingdom to the Romans. Thus the possessions of Rome in 
the East began to grow in extent and importance. 

33. Mithridates, undismayed by defeat, brought about a 
third struggle with the Romans. Lucullus had retired to 
private life and Pompey was placed in command. This 
general had just before again distinguished himself by 
sweeping from the Mediterranean a vast number of pirates, 
who infested it in every part, threatening even the mouth of 
the Tiber. Tigranes, although the son-in-law of Mithridates, 
refused the latter further assistance, and for this was con- 
firmed by the Romans in his kingdom of Armenia. A former 

Ql'ESTIONS. — 31. What was the result? 32. What were the events 
of the second Mithridatic war? What will Lucullus be remembered 
for? What of Bithynia? 33. Who conducted the third Mithridatic 
yr&r ? What of the kings of Armenia aud Syria ? 

5 



66 Rome. 

ally of Tigranes, however, the king of Syria, lost his, which 
became henceforth a Roman province. As to Mithridates, 
his defeat this time was final, and he put an end to his life, 
64 or 63 B. C. 

34. "While Pompey was still in Asia Minor, a dispute 
arose between two brothers of the Jewish royal family, the 
descendants of the famous Machabees. The Romans were 
called in to settle the difficulty, and being obliged to use 
force to retain the rightful heir in power, took occasion to 
exact the j^ayment of a tribute to them thereafter. Thus an 
unhappy family quarrel prepared the way for the final subju- 
gation of the Jews. Not long after, the Jewish sceptre was 
transferred by the Romans to the family of a stranger, 
Herod the Idumiean. This circumstance is worthy of notice, 
as it was one of the signs predicted by the patriarch Jacob 
of the near approach of the Messiah, whose birth actually 
took place before the end of Herod's reign. 

35. Pompey returned to Rome in great triumph, after 
his victories over Mithridates, having overcome one who had 
proved the most obstinate single foe the Romans had ever 
encountered, and who, in more than twenty years of warfare, 
had made it necessary to employ three of the ablest generals 
of Rome against him. By his conquests, Pompey doubled 
the revenues of the republic, and brought with him from the 
East, besides, spoils valued at twenty millions of dollars. 

36. During Pompey's absence, Catiline, an ambitious 
senator, formed a plot to overturn the government. His 

QrESTioNs. —:;.',. What of Mithridates? .34. Wiiat took place among 
the Jews? ^Vilat important event was foreshadowed? 3"). What is 
said of Pompey's triumpii, &c. 3f). What dangerous conspiracy was 
discovered in Rome about this time? 



Home. 



67 



designs were exposed by the celebrated orator Cicero, who, 
being elected consul, succeeded in crushing out the conspiracy. 
Catiline fled, but was pursued by the Roman armies, and, 
with many of his followers, died fighting bravely, 62 B. C. 
Cicero thereupon received the title of Father of his Country. 




The Roman Korum. 



yj. The change in the government of Rome, to which so 
many circumstances prepared the way, was now at hand. 
Julius Ci?esar, a Roman of distinguished family, aspired, like 
Catiline, to the supreme power, but without resolving to use 
the same violent means. His first step was to make a private 
agreement with Pompey and Crassus, consuls, that they 
should with himself contrive to retain the chief direction of 

Questions. — 37. What is said of the approaching change ? Of Julius 
Caesar and the first triumvirate ? 



68 Rome. 

affairs in the state. Thus was formed what is known as the 
First Triumvirate, 60 B. C. Although his designs were sus- 
pected by Cato and other senators, he succeeded in obtaining 
the consulship; also the government of Gaul for five years 
as proconsul ; and he immediately set about subduing the 
M'hole of that country. 

38. The triumvirs made a further agreement that Ciesar 
should continue in command of Gaul for five additional 
years ; that Spain and Africa should be placed under Pom- 
pey, and Syria under Crassus. These arrangements were 
ratified by the senate and the people. Crassus set out for 
his province, expecting to carry the Roman arms to the 
remotest i)iirts of Asia, but was miserably defeated by the 
Parthians, a nation living beyond the Euphrates, and killed, 
60 B. C. This is the same Crassus who had dispersed the 
bauds of Spartacus. He was also the richest citizen of Rome, 
aiul it was partly the desire of adding to his wealth that led 
to his unhaj)py end. 

39. Meanwhile, Csesar achieved the most extraordinary 
triumphs in Gaul, of all which he has left us the account in 
his Commentaries, written by himself He not only subdued 
the savage tribes of Gaul, but also those of part of Germany, 
and even landed an expedition in England, and obliged the 
Britons to pay tribute. In less than ten years, he conquered 
three hundred nations or tribes, and defeated three millions 
of men, of whom one-third were slain on the field of battle, 
and another third made captives. Gaul made its final sub- 
mission, 50 B, C. 



Questions.— 37. What offices did Ciesar obtain? 38. AVhat was the 
next division of power among tiie triumvirs? What is said of Crassus ? 
39. Ilelate the achievements of Ciesar in Gaul. 



Borne. 69 

40. While these events were in progress, Pompey at Rome 
was at the head of affairs, and by unusual privilege held the 
consulship alone. Crassus being dead, his own power was 
now the only obstacle to the ambitious designs which were 
entertained by Ciesar. Pompey endeavored to oppose his 
rival, but it was too late. Caesar was advancing from Gaul 
at the head of his victorious legions, which were devoted to 
him and to his interests. He paused for a moment at the 
Rubicon, the limit of his province, and then boldly passed 
it, and made his way towards Rome. Pompey fled across 
the Adriatic Sea to Epirus in Greece, and Csesar entered 
Rome in triumph, 49 B. C. 

41. Pompey's party now represented the cause of the old 
government, and its followers in Spain obliged Csesar to 
leave Rome almost immediately to quell their resistance. 
After a short and successful campaign there, he proceeded 
to the east to attack P()m{)ey in person. The latter had 
gathered his armies together in Thessaly, the state adjoining 
Epirus. Here Csesar encountered him, and with a force 
one-half as large as his, defeated him on the plains of Phar- 
salia, 48 B. C. The defeated general fled to Egypt, where 
he was basely murdered on landing, by command of the 
Egyptian royal family. 

42. Ciesar had followed Pompey into Egypt ; on arriving 
at Alexandria, he learned the death of his former friend and 
late adversary, and could not help shedding tears over the 
sad fate of that truly great man. Ptolemy, king of Egypt, 

QrKSTloxs. — 40. What is said of Pompey? What was his course 
towards Cifisar ? What did the latter do? 41. What is said of roiuj)ey's 
party in Spain? AVhat is said of Pompey in the east? Of his fate? 
42. What events followed Ca;sar's entry into Egypt? 



70 Rome. 

and his sister Cleopatra, were disputing for the possession of 
the throne. Ciesar attempted to reconcile them, and gave 
offence to the king, who in consequence attacked him. Cresar, 
with greatly inferior forces, defeated the Egyptians and put 
them to flight. Ptolemy was drowned in the Nile and Cleo- 
patra proclaimed queen of Egypt, 48 B. C. 

43. The victorious Roman then passed into Asia, where 
he defeated Pharnaces, the son of Mithridates, who was 
endeavoring to regain the former possessions of his father. 
So rapid was his march, and prompt his success, that he 
expressed his triumph in the famous words: Vetii,vldt,iyici — 
" I came, I saw, I conijuered." With equal rapidity he now 
crossed into Africa, and gave the last blow in that country 
to the party of Ponipey, at the battle of Thapsus, which he 
gained over the combined forces of Cato, 8cij)io, and Juba, 
king of Mauritania, 46 B. C. This Scipio was surnamed 
Metellus, and was the father-in-law of Ponipey. All three 
put an end to their lives immediately after their defeat. 

44. Ctesar returned to Rome to enjoy his triumph, and 
was })r()claimed dictator for ten years, but was again called 
to the field in Spain. Here the two sons of Pompey had 
gathered a powerful army. Cajsar met them near Munda 
in the south of Spain, and, after narrowly escaping defeat, 
achieved a final victory, 45 B. C. 

45. On his return home, he was declared Imperator and 
perpetual dictator, and received other honors. Even religious 
rites were offered to him as to a god. He now gave full swiiy 

Questions. — 43. Where did Cfesar go next? How did he express the 
rapidity of his success? What occurred in Africa? 41. Wliat happened 
after Cfesar's returu to Rome? 45. What honors did raesar receive 

afterwards ? 



Rome. 71 

to his ambition, and planned vast schemes for the extension 
of the Roman empire and his own aggrandizement. His 
enemies abroad had all been crushed, but he little suspected 
that worse enemies surrounded him at home. It was evident 
enough that he aspired to the title, as he had already the 
power, of a king. A conspiracy was therefore formed against 
him by sixty persons, senators and citizens of distinction, at 
the head of whom were the prietors Cassius and Brutus. 
They murdered hira in the senate chamber, 44 B. C. Thus 
perished, in his sixty-fifth year, the greatest genius Rome 
had ever produced. 

46. Marc Antony, the former colleague of Csesar in the 
consulship, aroused the indignation of the people against the 
murderers, who then fled the city. But Antony himself 
aimed to succeed the fallen Caesar in power. His plans were 
defeated by the arrival in Rome of Octavius Ciesar, nephew 
and adopted son of the late dictator, who forced Antony to 
retire. After a first defeat, Antony gathered around him a 
large force in Gaul, and Octavius thought it best to make 
terms with him. Together with Lepidus, a man of wealth, 
but of no great capacity, they then formed the Second Trium- 
virate, 43 B. C. 

47. After the example of Marius and Sylla, the triumvirs 
drew up lists of the persons who were obnoxious to one or 
another of them. Among a great number of distinguished 
persons pursued or put to death under this proscription, the 
most eminent was the great orator Cicero, who was sacrificed 

QUESTIOXS. — 45. What is said of his enemies, and of theif conspiracy ? 
What was his end? 4G. What course did Antony take? Who now 
arrived in Rome? llow was the second triumvirate formed? 47. What 
violent measures did the triumvirs take? 



Rome. 73 

to the hatred of Antony for having opposed his usurpations 
before the triumvirate was formed. 

48. Brutus and Cassius, in the interests of republican 
liberty, had by this time gathered large armies in the east. 
Octavius and Antony set out against them, and the opposing 
forces met near Philippi on the eastern border of Macedonia. 
Brutus and Cassius were defeated one after the other, and, 
unable to bear their disappointment, put themselves to death, 
like many other illustrious heathens of that day, 43 B. C. 

49. Permanent command in the east was after this given 
to Antony, while Octavius retained the west. The latter 
crushed out the last effort at resistance made by the surviving 
son of Pompcy the Great, in a naval battle fought off the 
const of Sicily, 36 B. C. After this he made a pretext for 
setting aside Lepidus, and joining his forces to his own ; thus 
dividing the power with Antony alone. His vast armies, 
made up of the most discordant materials, he was obliged to 
keep employed in expeditions against the tribes on the 
eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. 

50. Meanwhile, Antony in the east met with failures and 
repulses in invading the territory of the Parthians. These 
events, in addition to his notorious misconduct in connecticm 
with Cleopatra, on whose account he had put away his wife, 
the sister of Octavius, caused his downfall. Octavius obtained 
from the senate without any difficulty a decree stripping 
Antony of all power, and declaring Cleopatra an enemy to 
Rome. 



Questions. — 48. What is said of Brutus and Cassius, and of their 
fate ? 49. What is said of Octavius and the son of Pompey ? Of Lepi- 
dus? Of the armies of Octavius? 50. What of Antony in the ea.st? 
His failures and misconduct? Of the consequences? 



74 Rome. 

51. Antony resolved to sustain himself, and therefore 
massed his armies in Acarnania, a province of Greece on 
what is now the Gulf of Arta. His fleet he assembled off 
the promontory of Actium, in view of his own, and indeed 
of the opposing array also. He resolved to give battle first 
with his fleet. While the conflict W'as in progress, Cleopatra's 
ship was seen to move off under full sail for Egypt ; the 
infatuated Antony, forgetting his honor, followed her with 
a number of his vessels. The consequence was that after a 
short contest the remainder of the fleet and the whole of the 
army of Antony surrendered to Octavius, leaving to him the 
undivided mastery of the Roman empire, the beginning of 
which as an empire usually dates from the battle of Actium, 
31 B. C. 

52. Antony was pursued into Egypt, where he killed 
himself on the approach of his rival. Cleopatra, to escape 
being taken to grace the triumph of the conqueror, followed 
his example. By the death of Cleopatra an end was now 
put to the second kingdom of Egypt, after it had endured 
for three hundred years. Egyi)t was then made one of the 
provinces of the Roman empire, oO B. C. 

53. Octavius now enjoyed undisputed sway, and his 
authority was cheerfully recognized wherever the Roman 
arms had conquered obedience. The senate confirmed him 
in power, and on his return from Egypt saluted him as 
Augustus, the name by which he is best known to us. 
Augustus still ])reserved the outward forms of republican 

QtTESTlONS. — 51. What did Antony do next? Describe the events of 
the battle of Actium. AVhat followed ? 52. What circumstances led to 
the suicide of Antony and Cleopatra? What is said of the kingdom 
of Egypt? 53. Describe the successful position of Octavius. 



Rome. 75 

government, but he was really a king; indeed the founder 
of a race of monarchs. 

54. Peace now prevailed everywhere, and the fitting 
moment had arrived for the advent of the Prince of Peace. 
The wide extent of the Roman empire, and the facility exist- 
ing of conmiunicating with all parts of it, were the means 
God had prepared for the more rapid extension of His own 
kingdom. Christ, our Lord, was born in the latter part of 
the reign ot Augustus, at Bethlehem in Judea. When thirty 
years old He began His public life of three years, during 
which He preached the Gospel for the redemption of man- 
kind. He closed His career on earth by establishing His 
Church. Having been falsely accused by the Jews of aiming 
to set up a temporal kingdom in opposition to the dominion 
of Rome, He was sentenced to death and crucified. Tiberius 
then reigned at Rome as emperor, and Pontius Pilate was 
the Roman governor of Judea. Immediately after His 
death, His resurrection from the, tomb and His ascension 
into heaven, the Church which He had founded began to 
spread rapidly, first among the Jews. Later on the doctrines 
of the Gospel were preached to the Gentiles, or pagan in- 
habitants of the Roman empire, by St. Paul, a converted 
Jew of the sect called Pharisees, who made great multitudes 
of converts. 

55. The history of the world for the next four hundred 
years and more is the history of the Roman empire, of its 
struggles with barbarian invaders from the north andnorth- 

QUESTIONS. — 54. What is said of peace ? What most important event 
occurred during the reign of Augustus ? What great event happened in 
Palestine during the reign of Augustus ? And of Tiberius ? How was 
Christianity founded? 



76 



Rome. 



east of Europe and the Parthian and a new Persian empires 
in Asia, and of the growth and persecutions of the Church. 
Tiberius died in the year oT A. D ; and most of the emper- 



f^f^^^ 










MKKTiNfi OF First Christians at Uomk. 

ors who succeeded him were weak and wicked men. Perhaps 
the worst and most cruel of them all was Nero (54-68 A. D.). 
It was he who ordered the first of the ten great persecutions 
of the Church (64-67 A. D.), during which St. Peter and 

Question. — 55. AVbat happeued ill Nero's reign ? 



Rome. 77 

St. Paul were put to death in Rome, the former being cruci- 
fied and the latter beheaded. In the first year of the reign 
of Vespasian (A. D. 69-79) the Jews revolted, but were 
conquered by Titus, who captured Jerusalem and completely 
destroyed it, including the Temple (A. D. 70). In 79 a 
volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius destroyed the cities of 
Pompeii and Herculaneum and other towns. In 93, under 
Domitian (81-96), the second great persecution of the 
Christians broke out. 

56. Two years after his death there began a succession 
of four great and good emperors, namely, Trajan (98-117), 
Adrian (117-138). Antoninus Pius (138-161), and Marcus 
Aurelius (161-180). Yet under the first and last the 
Christians suffered their third and fourth persecutions, in 
106 and 162. Towards the close of Adrian's reign, in 134, 
took place the last rebellion of the Jews, who were com- 
pletely conquered and dispersed in all directions (136). 
They were then forbidden not only to live in Jerusalem, 
but to approach within three miles of it; and since then 
nowiiere have they been strangers so much as in Palestine. 
Very soon after the death of Marcus Aurelius the empire 
began to decline rapidly under a succession of the worst 
rulers known to history. The fifth persecution of the 
Christians began in 202 (under Septimius Severus), the 
sixth in 235 (under Maximin), the seventh in 249 (under 



QiESTloNS.— 55. When and by whom was Jerusalem destroyed? 
How and when were Pompeii and Herculaneum ruined ? When was the 
second perseeution? 50. Who were the great emperors of the second 
century ? Which of them persecuted the Church ? When and why were 
the Jews finally dispersed ? Under whom were the persecutions of the 
third century? 



78 



Rome. 




Decius), the eighth in 257 (under Valerian, who was defeated 
and captured by the Persians, who treated him with great 



Borne. 79 

brutality and finally put him to death), the ninth in 275 
(under Tacitus), and the tenth, last and most severe of them 
all in 303 (under Diocletian). 

57. Diocletian was a great ruler, but a cruel man. His 
health failing, he resigned in 305, and was succeeded by 
Constantius Chlorus, whose wife, St. Helena, was a Christian. 
He died the following year and was succeeded by their 
eldest son Constantiue, known as the Great, who is commonly 
called the first Christian emperor, but who really became a 
Christian only on his death-bed (337). After conquering 
a rival, Maxentius, in 312, he gave full liberty to the 
Christians; and ten years later, in 323, when he had over- 
thrown another rival, Llcinius, he made Christianity the 
religion of the empire. In 330 he made Constantinople 
(previously Byzantium) his capital. When he died the 
empire was divided between his three sons, Constans, Con- 
stantius and Constantine II, but again became one under 
the last survivor of them, Constantius, who reigned until 
361. He was succeeded by his cousin, Julian, called the 
Apostate, because, on ascending the throne, he publicly 
proclaimed himself a pagan, which he had always been 
secretly, and began to restore paganism and persecute 
Christianity. But his reign was too short for him to suc- 
ceed. He was killed while fighting against the Persians 
in 363. 



Questions.— 56. What was Valerian's fate? When and under whom 
was the last of the ten persecutions ? 57. Who succeeded Diocletian ? 
Who is called the first Christian emperor ? Mention the leading events 
of Constantiiie's reign. Wlio succeeded him? What did Julian the 
A postate try to do ? 



80 Rome. 

58. After the very brief reign of Jovian the empire was 
again divided, in 364, between Valentiniau and Valens, the 
former ruling the West and the latter the East. In their 
time the encroachments of the northern barbarians became 
most serious and dangerous. The two sections were again 
and for the last time united under Theodosius the Great 
(379-395), who was really the first Christian emperor. 
He not only defeated rivals within his dominions, but often 
drove back the barbarians. On his death the empire was 
again divided, this time between his two sons, Honorius and 
Arcadius, and so remained until that of the West came to 
an end. Arcadius in the East had to contend against the 
Huns and the Isaurians, who invaded Thrace and Asia 
Minor. In the West, where Honorius reigned, the Goths 
and others invaded Gaul and Italy, and the Suevi, Alans 
and Vandals crossed the Pyrenees and occupied the north, 
west and south of Spain. In 410 the Goths, under Alaric, 
captured and sacked Rome. Then he passed through 
southern Italy into Sicily, whence he crossed over to Africa, 
where he died. These incursions were continued under the 
weak successors of Honorius. The Romans first withdrew 
from Britain, which then fell into the possession of the 
Jutes, Saxons and Angles, from a union of whose petty 
kingdoms Ensrland was formed four centuries later. The 
Franks occupied northern and the Burgundians eastern 
Gaul, thus laying the foundations of modern France. 



Questions. — 08. Under whom was the emi)ire first divided into East 
and West? Wiio was the last ruler of the whole empire ? Who were 
the chief enemies of Rome in the early part of the fifth eentury ? 



Rome. ' 81 

59. But the most terrible of these invaders were the 
Huns, who, under Attila, " the scourge of God," invaded 
Italy in 452, and were about to lay siege to Rome when 
Pope St. Leo I, the Great, persuaded hira to conclude a 
treaty with the emperor. He then retired to his own 
dominions on the Danube, where he died the following 
year. In 455 the Vandals, under Genseric, returned from 
Africa and entered Rome, but ere long retraced their steps. 
A succession of weak emperors prepared the way for the final 
catastrophe, and appropriately, under Romulus Augustulus, 
the empire came to an end from the assaults of the Heruli, 
led by their king, Odoacer (476). But ere long they were 
conquered by the Ostrogoths. In the meantime the Visi- 
goths had conquered Spain and made a kingdom of it for 
themselves. 

60. Thus was the western empire divided, but not per- 
manently. Changes were continually taking place for 
centuries afterwards. The Franks conquered the whole 
of Gaul and then divided it into several kingdoms. The 
Lombards invaded Italy and overthrew the Ostrogoths 
(in the sixth century); but a century later they themselves 
were subdued by the Franks, whose greatest leader, Char- 
lemagne (Charles the Great), became in the year 800 the 
ruler of a new empire of the West that included modern 
France, western Germany, northern Italy and northeastern 
Spain. The Visigothic kingdom in that country had been 
overthrown in 711 by the Moors and Arabs. On the death 
of Charlemagne's son, Louis the Good-natured (le Debon- 



Qttestions. — 59. When and liow did the Western empire come to 
an end ? 60. What were the divisions made of it ? 

6 



82 Rome. 

naire), the empire was divided between his sons; and out 
of this division have grown the modern countries of central 
Europe, which will be considered separately farther on in 
this book. 

6l. The p]astern empire was more fortunate than was 
that of the West. Sorely pressed as it was by the bar- 
barians in the reigns of Arcadius (395-408), Theodosius II. 
(408-450), Marcian (450-457), Leo the Thraeian (157- 
474), Zeno (474-4i)l), and Anastasius I. (491-518), it 
entered upon a new and glorious era under Justin I. 
(518-527), a great soldier who had risen from obscurity. 
Though illiterate, he was called to the throne when over 
sixty years old, because of his wisdom, prudence and ability. 
But he was far surpassed in every respect by his successor 
and nephew, Justinian (527-565), who was a great lawgiver 
as well as a great conqueror. He improved civil legislation, 
and enacted and codified laws that are still extant. And 
through his two great generals, Belisarius and Narses, he 
recovered many of the lost provinces, especially in Italy 
and Africa. He also forced Persia to conclude a treaty 
with him, and advanced his frontier on the north. The 
empire also prospered under his nephew, Justin II. (565- 
578). He defeated the Persians, but was not so fortunate 
against the Lombards in Italy. The emperor Maurice 
(582-602) also was successful not only against the Persians, 
but on the north repelled the Avari and the Gepidse, But 
his cruelty led to his deposition and to the elevation to the 

QrESTiONS. — 61. Name the early rulers of the Eastern empire. Who 
was Justin 1.? For what is Justinian noted? Wlio were his great 
generals? What conquests did they make? What happened under 
the early successors of Justinian ? 



Rome. 



83 



throne of another soldier, Phocas, who, proving a worse 
tyrant than his predecessor, was put to death and his place 
given to Heraclius (610-634). This emperor successfully 
conducted several campaigns against the Persians. But a 




St. Sophia, Constantinople. 

new and more terrible enemy was arising to the south 
of him. In the meantime Mohammed had (in 622) founded 
his new religion of military conquest at Medina, whither he 
had had to fly from his native city, Mecca. In a few years 
he conquered the whole of Arabia, and his successors within 
a century subjugated the greater part of western Asia and 
all of northern Africa. They then crossed over into Spain, 



QUESTlON.s— 61. For what is Heraclius noted? When and where 
did Mohammedanism arise and what were its early conquests? 



84 Rome. 

overthrew the Visigothic kingdom there and invaded France, 
where they met with a crushing defeat near Poitiers (732). 
For a time they gained a foothold in Sicily, and even on 
portions of the Italian peninsula. They made repeated 
attacks on the Greek empire, laid siege to Constantinople 
seven years in succession (673-679), but were repulsed by 
the emperor Constantine Pogonatus. Leo the Isaurian 
(717-730) also drove them away from his capital. The 
empire was now beset also from the north by the Bul- 
garians, who soon acquired extensive territory south of the 
Danube. It had intermissions of war and peace with the 
Mohammedans for centuries, and could have destroyed their 
power forever had it united heartily with the Crusades 
(1095-1270). A new enemy of the empire arose in Asia 
Minor in the fourteenth century, tlie Osmanli, or Ottoman 
Turks. Having subdued all their immediate neighbors, 
they crossed over into Europe under their second Sultan, 
Urchan, who made Adriano|)le his capital. He died in 
1360. In less than a century they were complete masters 
of the Balkan peninsula. Constantinople fell into their 
hands in 1453, and thus the once great empire of the East 
came to an end. 

But at a time when Christendom had lost so much in the 
Old World, it was about to acquire a much larger expanse 
of territory in the new, where many countries not yet 
dreamt of were to come into existence, among them this 
land of ours, now one of the greatest of the nations. 

Questions. — 61. When its early attacks on Constantinople?' When 
and where did the Turkish power arise' When and by whom was the 
Eastern empire brought to an end? 



MODERN HISTORY. 



CHAPTER X. 
Discovery of America. 

1. Whilst studying the history of other countries, we 
should be well acquainted with that of our own. It would 
be a great shame for our young readers if, whilst they were 
able to relate all the events that took place in Greece and 
Rome, they were ignorant of the story of their own conti- 
nent; if, while able to recount the battles of Alexander, 
Ciesar, and Pompey, they were ignorant of those fought in 
this land of ours, by which our happiness and freedom were 
secured. 

2. America, the favored continent on which we live, was 
discovered by Christopher Columbus. It had been visited 
by the Northmen in the tenth century and later; but they 
left no permanent colony in the land. There was another 
very rich region situated to the east of Europe, called the 
East Indies. The people of Europe frequently went to that 
country, and obtained silk, gold, and many other valuable 
articles. But the route by which they used to go to the 
East Indies was very long ; they therefore desired to find a 
shorter and less dangerous one. 

Questions. — l. Whilst studying the history of other countries, what 
is said of our own history? 2. By whom was America discovered? 
What other country was known ? AVhat did the people of Europe do? 
What is saitl of the route? 

85 



86 



Discovery of America. 




3. At that time they were obliged to go to the Indies by 
crossing Egypt and j)assing tlirough the Ked Sea, and then 
sailing across the Indian Ocean. In order to obtain an easier 

route, they were en- 
deavoring to find a 
passage by sailing 
along the western coast 
of Africa, until they 
reached the southern 
part, and then sailing 
northeast. 

4. While in pursuit 
of this object, it entered 
^ the mind of Columbus 
that a more direct pas- 
sage might be found 
across the Atlantic 
Ocean. Columbus was 
a learned man, and well 
skilled in navigation, having been engaged in a seafaring 
life from an early age. He made several voyages across 
the Mediterranean Sea, and sailed to the seas north of 
Europe. There are many striking incidents in his life, 
from which we select the following. 

5. On one occasion, as he was cruising near the coast 
of Portugal, the vessel in which he sailed took fire. The 
blaze spread from sail to sail, and in a few moments the 



'i^ 



Christopher Columbus. 



Questions.— 3. At that tiiuo how did they go to the Indies. What 
were they endeavoring to find ? 4. While in pursuit of this object, what 
entered the mind of Columbus? What is said of Columbus? What 
voyages did he make ? 5. On one occasion, what hap])ent'd him ? 



Discovery of America. 87 



whole vessel was enveloped in flames. To save themselves 
from this devouring element, Columbus and his companions 
were obliged to leap into the sea. They were six miles 
from land, and all perished except Columbus. He was 
an excellent swimmer, and with the assistance of an oar, 
which he found floating in the water, he reached the land. 

6. After many adventures, he arrived at Lisbon, where 
he married the daughter of an eminent navigator. He still 
followed the sea, and made several voyages to the Madeira 
islands, which had been discovered shortly before that time. 
In the meantime, his mind was actively bent on finding a 
passage to the East Indies. From the figure of the earth, 
which he supposed to be round, he concluded that he might 
reach the Indies by sailing westwardly from Europe. 

7. Being convinced of this theory, he was anxious to 
test it by experiment. He therefore applied for assistance 
to the senate of his native country, Genoa, but to his great 
mortification that body regarded his theory as absurd, and 
refused to assist him. 

8. He next applied to the king of Portugal, who listened 
attentively to his plans, and then secretly sent a vessel on 
a voyage of discovery, with the hope of being able to accom- 
plish the great object of Columbus. But the captain of the 
vessel was a man without experience, and soon returned 
without having made any discovery. 



QuKSTioxs.— 5. To save himself, what did he do ? How did Columbus 
reach the laud? (1. Where did ("olumbns arrive? What is said of him 
afterwards? Meantime what is said of his i)lans? From the figure of 
the earth what was concluded ? 7. Where did he apply for assistance? 
What was the result? 8. Where did he next apply? What did the 
king do? What was the result ? 



88 Discovery of America. 

9. Columbus, disgusted with this base artifice, sent his 
brother to solicit the aid of the king of England ; his 
brother, however, being taken by pirates, did not reach 
England for several years. In the meantime, Columbus 
applied to Ferdinand and Isabella, the king and queen 
of Spain. Here he met with a kind reception, and his 
project received a favorable hearing. 

10. But the counsellers of the king had little experience 
in naval science, and they could not appreciate the theory 
of Columbus. Some maintained that he could not be wiser 
than all those who lived before him ; others concluded that, 
if the world were round, he would find a constant and raj)!*] 
descent on the other side, and his vessel would either fall 
off, or, at all events, could never return to Europe. 

11. Such were the weak objections to the theory of 
Columbus : the king, however, deemed them sufficiently 
strong to induce him to reject the proposals of Columbus, 
and refuse to aid him in his great designs. 

12. Columbus remained five years in Spain, during which 
time he solicited, but in vain, the patronage of the Spanish 
sovereigns. He was about to withdraw in despair, when a 
change took place in his favor. " Isabella, the consort of 
Ferdinand, was an amiable and virtuous woman ; she con- 
sidered the glory that would arise from the accomplishment 
of so great an enterprise ; she was, moreover, desirous of 
spreading the Christian religion, by converting the inhabi- 

QXJESTIONS. — 9. Where did Columbus send his brother? To whom 
did he next apply? 10. What is said of the counsellors of the king? 
11. What is said of objections to the theory of Columbus? 12. How 
long did Columbus remain in Spain? What is said of Isabella? 



Discovery of America. 



89 



tants of these distant regions. She therefore resolved to 
assist Columbus. 

13. But the long war which the Spaniards had, previ- 
ously to that time, carried on with the Moors, left her 
without the means of accomplishing this noble design. 
This being the state of affairs, she resolved to pledge her 



^^'■' 



^ 






%. 




CONVKNT OK l>A KaBIDA. 

crown and jewels, in order to raise the amount necessary 
to defray the expenses of the expedition. From this embar- 
rassment, however, she was happily relieved by two Spanish 
noblemen, who generously advanced the required sum. 
Columbus was also encouraged by Fray Juan Perez, whose 
guest he was at the Convent of La Rabida, near Seville. 
14. Without delay, a small fleet of three vessels was made 
ready for sea, and Columbus was appointed commander of 



Questions.— 12. What did she resolve ? 13. How was she relieved ? 
14. What is said of the expedition ? 



90 Discovery of America. 

the expedition. On the 3d of August, in the year 1492, 
Columbus set sail from Palos, a port of Spain. 

15. He directed his course to the Canary Islands, where 
he remained a short time repairing his vessels, and then, 
taking a westwardly direction, he stretched forth upon the 
bosom of the unknown deep. In a short time the Spaniards 
lost sight of land ; they could see nothing but water around 
them, and the blue sky above their heads. They were at 
length seized with fear; they thought they should never 
again see land ; and in this state of mind they entreated 
Columbus to return to Spain. 

16. Columbus at first endeavored to calm their fears and 
silence their murmurs by gentle words and promises of great 
rewards ; but finding that they only increased in their 
clamors, he took a decided stand, and told them that the ex- 
pedition had been sent by the sovereigns of Spain, to find a 
passage to the Indies, and, with the blessing of heaven, he 
was determined to persevere until he should complete the 
enterprise. 

17. In their great anxiety to accomplish the object of 
the voyage, the Spanish mariners often thought they beheld 
some distant shore, and the joyful sound of land, land, was 
frequently heard ; but as they advanced, these delusive 
hopes were dispelled, and the fancied land disappeared from 
their view. 

18. Every evening the crews of the different vessels 
assembled upon deck, and as the sun disappeared behind 

Questions. — 15. Where did Columbus direct his course? What is 
said of the Spaniards? Iti. What was the conduct of Columbus? 17. 
What is said of their hopes and disappointments? 18. What did they 
do every evening? 



Discovery of America. 91 



the western waters, they chanted the Salve Regina, in honor 
of the Blessed Virgin, under whose patronage they sailed. 
Thus, surrounded by a thousand dangers, upon the bosom 
of the vast Atlantic, and far distant from home and kindred, 
they placed themselves under the protection of Heaven, and 
sought consolation in the practice of their religion. 

19. Columbus was almost constantly on deck overseeing 
everything himself. He carefully watched every change 
in the appearance of the sky, and noted every difference in 
the temperature of the weather. For some days the weather 
had seemed more mild than usual, and the sounding-line 
had touched the bottom. Birds of varied plumage were 
seen flying about the ships, and often resting upon them. 
Reeds, and different kinds of weeds, were observed floating 
in the water. From all these signs, Columbus concluded 
that land was not far distant. 

20. One night, while standing in the forecastle of his 
vessel, he beheld a light carried about from place to place, 
and shortly after midnight the joyful cry of land was heard 
from the crew of the Pinta. From this moment until the 
return of day, all on board were held in the deepest sus- 
pense; but, as the morning dawned, their doubts were 
removed, a beautiful island presenting itself to their view. 

21. The crew of the Pinta immediately broke forth into 
a hymn of thanksgiving to God, in which they were joined 
by the crews of the other vessels ; and as the notes of the 

Questions. — IS. What protection did they seek ? 19. What is said 
of Columbus? For some days how did the weather seem? What is 
said of birds, reeds, &c. ? From these what did Columbus couclude? 
20. What is said of the discovery of land? 21. What did the.crew of 
the Pintado? 



92 Discovery of America. 

anthem were wafted gently upon the morning air, tears of 
joy gushed from the eyes of those rough seamen. This office 
of gratitude to heaven was followed by an act of reparation 
to their commander ; they threw themselves at his feet, they 
kissed his hand, and in the humblest manner asked his for- 
giveness for their rashness and disobedience. 

22. On the 12th of October, in the year 1492, Columbus, 
in a rich dre^s, and with a drawn sword in his hand, landed 
upon the shores of the New World. His companions im- 
mediately followed, and falling upon their knees kissed ther 
ground with tears of joy and. gratitude. They next erected 
a cross, and, kneeling down, returned solemn thanks to God, 
whose benign hand had guided them safely through a 
thousand dangers, and had conducted their voyage to so 
happy an issue. 

23. They then took possession of the country, in the 
name of the king and queen of Spain. Upon landing, the 
Spaniards found the country inhabited by a race of people 
differing from any they had ever before seen. They were 
of a dark copper color, without beards, and their hair flowed 
loosely upon their shoulders. The natives were equally 
surprised at the appearance of the Spaniards, whom they 
regarded as the children of their god, the sun ; they sup- 
posed the ships were a species of animals, with eyes of light- 
ning and voices of thunder. 

24. The first land discovered by Columbus was one of 
the Bahama islands, called by him San Salvador, now 

QCESTIOXS. — 21. What act of reparation followed? 22. On the 12th 
of Oc;tol)er what did Columbus do? What did his companions do? 23. 
For whom did they take possession of the country ? What is said of 
the natives? What did they suppose the ships to be? 24. What land 
was first discovered ? 



Discovery of America. 93 

known as Watling Island, He afterwards discovered Cuba 
and Hayti, to which he gave the name of Hispaniola. As 
Cohinibus had reached these islands by a westward passage, 
he believed them not far distant from India; he therefore 
styled them the West Indies, and the inhabitants were 
called Indians, a name which they have retained to the 
present time. 

25. Columbus, after spending some time in exploring the 
country, and having collected a quantity of gold, j)repared 
to return to Spain. During the voyage his little fleet en- 
countered many dangers ; a violent storm raged for fifteen 
days, and every moment threatened instant destruction to 
the vessels. 

26. While the storm lasted, Columbus wrote a short 
account of his voyage and discoveries, and enclosed it in 
a cake of wax ; this he placed in a cask, and cast it into 
the sea, with a hope that it might fall into the hands of 
some navigator, and thus preserve to the world the benefit 
of his discoveries. The storm, however, abated, and on the 
15th of May, in the year 1493, after an absence of about 
nine months, he reached the port of Palos, from which he 
had sailed. 

27. He was received with the loudest acclamations by 
the people, who gazed with astonishment on the gold and 
the many curiosities which he had brought from the New 
World. From Palos he went to Barcelona, where he was 

QtTESTiONS. — 24. What did Columbus afterwards discover? What 
did lie call the country? The inhabitants? 2.5. What did Columbus 
do? During the voyage what haj>pened? 26. While the storm lasted 
what did Columbus do? 26. What port did Columbus rejicli ? 27. 
How was he received ? From Palos where did he go ? 



94 



Discovery of Aiyierica. 



kindly received by Ferdinand and Isabella. They listened 
to his adventures with the deepest interest. They asked 
many questions concerning the country he had discovered, 
and viewed, with delight and astonishment, the treasures he 
had brought. 




l>KATil III C'lllrMHl-; 



28. Coluini)us nnide three other voyages to the New 
World, during which he visited nuiny of the West India 
i.«;lands, and in his third voyage he discovered the continent, 
and touched at several places in the northern part of South 
America. But his success, and the many marks of respect 
shown him by the king, excited against him the jealousy 
of the Spanish courtiers. 



Questions.— 27. How did they listen to him, «fec. ? 28. IIow many 
voyages did Columbus make? In which did he discover the continent? 
What is said of liis success, «S:c. ? 



Discovery of America. 95 



29. They circulated against him many false and ground- 
less charges, in consequence of which he was deprived of the 
government of Hispaniola, and sent home in chains. The 
captain of the vessel in which he returned, through respect 
for his illustrious captive, offered to release him from his 
confinement. But the venerable Columbus replied: "No, 
I wear these chains in consequence of an order from their 
majesties, the rulers of Spain. They will find me as obedi- 
ent in this as in every other injunction. By their command 
I have been confined, and their command alone shall set me 
at liberty." 

30. On his return to Spain, a prisoner and in chains, the 
voice of indignation was heard from every quarter. The 
king himself seemed to feel a momentary remorse; he 
ordered Columbus to be set at liberty, but ungratefully 
retained him in Spain, until he had appointed another 
person governor of Hispaniola. 

31 Columbus never forgot this unjust treatment; dur- 
ing the remainder of his life, he carried about with him 
the chains with which he had been bound, and gave orders 
that they should be buried with him in his grave. His 
spirit of enterprise was not subdued ; he undertook a fourth 
voyage to the New World, during which he was shipwrecked 
on the isle of Jamaica; and after enduring a variety of dan- 
gers and sufferings, returned to Spain. 

32. He died shortly after his return, at Valladolid, in the 

Questions.— 29. What injuries did Columbus suffer ? What did the 
captain offer? What did Columbus reply? 30. On his return to 
Spain, what is said? What did the king order? 31. What is said of 
Columbus? What other voyage did Columbus undertake? 32. Where 
did he die ? 



96 Discovery of America. 



sixty-fifth year of his age. His last moments were devoted 
to prayer, and to the reception of the rites of that religion 
which he hud cherished and practised during his life; and 
his last words were tliose of the Royal Prophet: Into thy 
hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. 



CHAPTER XI. 
Discoveries made by other Navigators. 

1. Although Columbus discovered the New World, he 
has been unjustly deprived of the honor of associating his 
name with the country he discovered. In the year 1499, 
Americus Vtspucius, a native of Florence, made a voyage 
to the AVestern World, and discovered a part of South 
America. On his return to Spain, he published an account 
of his voyage, and claimed the honor of having been the first 
to discover the mainland ; and thus, from Americus, the 
continent gradually received the name of America. 

2. In the year 1497, John Cabot, under a commission 
from Henry VII. of p]ngland, sailed on a voyage of ex- 
ploration, and discovered the continent of North America 

Qfestions. — 32. AVhat is said of his last moments? What were 
his last words? — 1. Of what was Columbus tlei)rived? In 149!i, who 
made a voyage to the Western World ? On his return, what did he do ? 
From whom did the country receive its name? _. In 1497, what did 
Cabot discover ? 



Discovery of America. 



97 



a year before the main land of fiouth America had been 
reached by Columbus. His son, Sebastian, the next year 

sailed southward 



along the coast as 
far as the Chesa- 
peake Bay, erected 
crosses at various 
points as he passed, 
and took possession 
of the country in 
the name of the 
king of England. 
3. In the year 
1519, Magellan, a 
Portuguese naviga- 
tor, then in the 
service of Spain, 
sailed to the New 
World, on a voy- 
'r^>'j age of discovery. 
He passed around 
^^=^^^^ the coast of South 
" ""~ America, and sailed 
through the straits 

which now bear his name, and entered the Pacific ocean. 

Magellan lost his life on one of the Philippine islands, but 

his men proceeded on their voyage, and sailed around the 

globe. 

Questions.— 2. What did he do further ? 3. What is said of Magel- 
lan? What voyages did he make? Where did he lose his life? 3. 
Where did Magellan lose his life? 

7 




Cabot on the Coast 01^ Labrador. 



98 America. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Thk Discovery and Conqukst of Mexico by 
Hernando Cortez. 

1. At an early period after the discovery of America, 
the Spaniards were apprised of the existence of the rich 
and powerful empire of Mexico. The governor of Cuba, 
having conceived the design of subjugating Mexico to the 
power of Spain, fitted out a small fleet for that purpose, 
and placed it under the command of Hernando Cortez. 
On the 10th of January, 1519, Cortez sailed from Cuba 
with eleven small vessels, having on board six hundred men, 
sixteen horses, six pieces of artillery, and a few muskets. 
As soon as he reached the continent, he proclaimed himself 
independent of the governor of Cuba (who had already 
revoked the commission intrusted to him), and accountable 
to none but the monarch of Spain. 

2. Cortez laid the foundation of the colony of Vera Cruz, 
on the site where the present city of that name stands ; and 
the better to inspire his men in their arduous undertaking, 
by cutting off all hope of returning, he caused all his vessels 
to be burned on the coast. He next directed his march to 
the city of Mexico, the capital of the empire, then called 
Tenochtitlan. The country was under the dominion of 

Questions. — 1. What is said of Mexico at an early period? What 
did the governor of Cuba do? On the 10th of January, 1519, what 
did Cortez do? As soon as he reached the continent, what did lie do? 
2. What did Cortez next do? What did he do with his vessels? Where 
did he then direct his march? 



i 



Conquest vf Mexico. 



99 



Montezuma, a sovereign who ruled with despotic sway. 
Many of his subjects were dissatisfied with his government, 
and only waited for an opportunity to revolt against it. 
They regarded Cortez, as he passed through the country, as 
a deliverer, entered into an alliance with him, and supplied 
him with provisions. 

3- Cortez met with 
but little opposition, un- 
til he arrived at Tlas- 
cala. The inhabitants 
of this republic, which 
was independent of Mon- 
tezuma, united to oppose 
his progress. A number 
of battles were fought, 
in which many of the 
Tlascalans were slain ; 
but at length, finding 
themselves unable to 
cope with the superior 
skill and valor of the 
Spaniards, they con- 
sented to treat with them as friends, and from that time 
they became their most faithful allies. 

4. In the meantime, Montezuma was informed that 
strangers had entered the country, and that they were on 

QlKSTlOXS. — 2. Under whose dominion was the country? What is 
said of his subjects ? How did they regard Cortez? 3. What is said of 
Cortez? What is said of the inhabitants of this i)rovince? What 
followed, and what <Iid the Tlascalans do ? 4. In the nieanlinie, what 
is said of Montezuma? 




Hernando Cortez. 



Lore. 



100 America. 

their way to the capital. At first, the emperor sent a 
messenger to inquire why he and his followers had entered 
his dominions. Cortez replied that he could only deliver 
his answer to the monarch himself, and persisted in going 
on to the capital. To this Montezuma would not consent, 
and despatched another messenger forbidding him to ap- 
proach any nearer ; but at the same time he sent to Cortez 
magnificent presents. 

5. After a march of several days, the S])aniards arrived 
at the city of Tezcuco, near a lake of the same name, where 
they were kindly received by the inhabitants. Leaving 
this city, Cortez led his little army towards the capital of 
the Mexican empire. In the middle of a beautiful valley 
of great extent stood the vast and populous city of Mexico. 
It contained at that time, according to some historians, about 
sixty thousand houses, with a proportionate number of 
inhabitants. 

6. The city was built in the middle of a lake, but con- 
nected with the main land by bridges; it was well fortified, 
and adorned with a number of temples, palaces, and other 
public buildings. As the Spaniards approached the city, 
they were met at a distance by thousands of the inhabitants, 
who gazed in astonishment on the strangers. Shortly they 
beheld a company of about two hundred men, richly dressed ; 
these were the emperor's attendants; and, finally, Montezuma 
himself appeared. He was seated upon a chair of gold, and 
carried on the shoulders of four men, while others supported 

Questions. — 4. What did he first do? What did Cortez reply? 
What followed? 5. Where did the Spaniards arrive? Describe the 
city of Mexico. 6. Where was the city built? What more is said of it? 
How were the Spaniards met ? Describe the appearance of Montezuma. 



Conquest of Mexico. 101 



over him a canopy made of colored feathers. He was dressed 
in a robe of fine cotton, richly ornamented with gold and 
silver, and wore on his head a crown of gold. 

7. Cortez and Montezuma met, and saluted each other 
with the most profound respect, and, after some ceremonies, 
entered the city together. A large palace was assigned to 
Cortez and his troops, and they were abundantly supplied 
with provisions. 

8. At the time the Spaniards first visited Mexico, the 
people were entirely ignorant of the true God, and worshipped 
numerous idols or false gods. To these they erected s[)lendid 
temples, which were attended by a multitude of priests. They 
sacrificed thousandsof human victims to their deities. These 
victims were generally prisoners taken in war; the priests 
could put them to death at any time, in honor of the gods. 

9. The Spaniards had not remained long in the city 
before an attack was made by a Mexican chieftain on their 
colony at Vera Cruz. No sooner was Cortez informed of 
this circumstance than he formed the bold and dangerous 
design of arresting Montezuma himself Taking with him 
a small band of resolute men, he entered the imperial 
palace, and compelled the monarch to return with him to 
his residence. 

10. While these things were going on in the city of 
Mexico, Cortez was informed that the governor of Cuba 
had despatched a fleet of eighteen ships and nine hundred 

Questions. — 7. What is said of the meeting with Cortez ? 8. At the 
time the Spaniards visited Mexico, what is said of the religion of the 
people? What did the)' saeriiicc? What is said of these victims? 
9. What is said of the Spaniards? What did Cortez do? 10. While 
these things were going on, of what was Cortez informed? 



102 



A^ 



men, to arrest himself" aud his companions as rebels. This 
intelligence rendered his situation extremely perplexing. 
He knew that if he withdrew his forces entirely from the 




rVKAMlli UK rAl'A.NTLA. 



city, he should lose all the advantages he had gained: 
on the other hand, if he did not oppose the Spaniards who 
were sent against him, he foresaw that his own life, and the 
lives of his followers, were in the most imminent danger. 

C^iK.sTiuN. — 10. Wliat is said til' llie sitiuilioii of Cortez? 



Conquest of Mexico. 103 



11. He therefore resolved to adopt a middle course. 
Leaving one hundred and fifty men in the city, under the 
command of Alvarado, he set out with two hundred and 
fifty others to meet his new opponents. Never was an 
enterprise more successfully conducted. He surprised the 
nine hundred Spaniards, and took them prisoners, with 
their general, Narvaez, and having taken the vanquished 
into his own service, returned in triumph to Mexico. 

12. On his return, he found that the Mexicans had broken 
out into open insurrection ; they surrounded the palace in 
which the Spaniards resided, and threatened their destruction. 
On one of these occasions, Montezuma appeared on the 
walls, with a view to check the fury of the populace. 
When the people saw him they were silent, and bowed to 
the earth with the deepest reverence. He told them that 
the Spaniards were his friends, and ordered them to retire 
peacefully to their homes. This order was received with 
indignation by the multitude; at first a low murmur was 
heard ; it grew louder and louder, until at length it burst 
forth into an angry shout; a shower of darts and stones 
were cast upon the walls, and the monarch fell wounded 
to the ground. He was carried into the castle, refused to 
take nourishment, and died in a few days. 

13. Immediately after his death, Quetlavaca succeeded 
to the throne. Under this monarch the attack on the 



Questions.— 11. What did he resolve? What did he do with regard 
to the nine hundred Spaniards? 12. On his return what did he find? 
On one of these occasions, what did Montezuma do ? What is said 
(.f the people ? What did he order them ? How was this order received ? 
What followed ? What is said of Montezuma? l.>. Under his successor 
what took place? 



104 America. 

Spaniards was renewed with redoubled fury. A large body 
of Mexicans had assembled on the top of a high temple, 
which overlooked the Spanish fortress, and had collected 
there a quantity of stones for the purpose of throwing them 
upon their enemies. Cortez, with a small band of the 
bravest of his men, went to drive the Mexicans from the 
temple. 

14. Here a fearful contest ensued. The Mexicans fought 
with desperation ; and the contest turning against them, 
many preferred to die rather than submit to the Spaniards : 
they leaped from the lofty pinnacle of the temple to the 
ground, and were killed by the fall. In this engagement 
Cortez narrowly escaped with his life. Two Mexicans 
singled him out for destruction, and resolved to perish with 
him. With this intention, they rushed towards the spot 
where he stood, drew him to the edge of the pinnacle, and 
leaped over the railing with him. But Cortez, who was a 
man of great strength, held fast to the railing, while his two 
antagonists fell, and were dashed to pieces upon the earth 
beneath. 

15. Cortez, however, finding his situation growing daily 
more dangerous, resolved to withdraw for a short time from 
the city. Accordingly, under the cover of a dark and rainy 
night, he set out with his army, hoping to escape the vigi- 
lance of his enemies. His movements, meanwhile, were 
carefully watched by the Mexicans, who availed themselves 
of every opportunity of destroying the unwelcome strangers. 



Questions. — 13. Where did a body of Mexicans assemble? What 
did Cortez do? 14. What ensued? What is said of the Mexicans? 
Of Cortez? How did he save himself? 15. What did Cortez resolve? 
What is said of his inover.ionts? 



Conquest of Mexico. 105 

The Spaniards had crossed the lake unperceived, and were 
about to enter a breach in the causeway, when they were 
assailed by a shower of darts, arrows, and stones. A dread- 
ful scene of confusion followed. The darkness of the night 
was so great that they were unable to distinguish friends 
from foes. Thousands of Mexicans were slain ; while, on 
the other hand, Cortez lost several hundred of his Spanish 
troops, and more than one thousand of his Tlascalan allies, 
with nearly all his horses, artillery, and baggage. 

16. The Spaniards retreated towards Tlascala, through 
the valley of Otumba. But, when they came in sight of 
this valley, they were surprised to find it occupied by an 
army of several hundred thousand Mexicans. The emperor 
appeared conspicuous in the midst of this vast multitude. 
He was borne aloft upon a splendid litter, and carried in 
his hand the imperial standard, which was never unfurled 
except on the most important occasions. • 

17. At the sight of this immense army, Cortez was per- 
plexed but not intimidated. He immediately arranged his 
infantry in the form of a column, and placed one part of his 
cavalry in front to break the ranks of the enemy, and the 
rest in the rear to prevent them from uniting. In this order 
they entered the valley. The conflict was long and obsti- 
nate, and the Mexicans were cut down by thousands ; and 
when forced to retire by the superior skill of the Spaniards, 
again fearlessly returned to the charge. 

Questions. — 15. When the Spaniards had crossed the lake, what 
took place? What followed? What did Cortez lose? IG. Where did 
the Spaniards return? How did the emperor appear? 17. At this 
time what is said of Cortez? Describe the conflict ? 




rilPOC\TAPKri,, 



Conqucxf of Mexico. 107 



18. Cortez, at the head of his cavalry, carried death and 
consternation wherever he directed his course ; at length he 
grew uneasy lest the countless number of his enemies might 
finally exhaust the strength of his little army. It had been 
said that the fote of the battle was considered by the Mexi- 
cans to depend on the loss or preservation of the imperial 
banner. Cortez, therefore, determined to decide the doubt- 
ful contest, by seizing or destroying the sacred standard. 
Accompanied by several of his bravest officers, he forced 
his way through his enemies, and in a few moments reached 
the place where the banner was elevated, attacked the 
Mexican chieftain who carried it, and, with a single stroke 
from his lance, brought him to the ground. 

19. The loss of the imperial standard decided the con- 
flict; the Mexicans immediately threw down their arms, 
and fled precipitately to the woods and mountains. After 
this victory, the Spaniards continued their march to the city 
of Tlascala, without meeting with any resistance. Cortez 
remained in this city for some time, in order that his men 
might recover from the fatigues which they had undergone. 
In the meantime, having been reinforced by several hundred 
Spaniards, he marched back to Tezcuco, resolved, if possible, 
to reduce the capital. 

20. With immense labor, he had timber brought from a 
distance; a number of vessels were built, and launched on 
the lake around the city. For several weeks the city was 

Questions.— 18. What did Cortez do? What had been said ? What 
did he determine ? Whatdidhedo? 19. What decided the conflict ? 
After this victory, what ditl the Spaniards do ? In the meantime what 
did Cortez resolve ? 20. AVith immense labor what was done ? What 
is said of the city ? 



108 America, 

furiously assaulted by the Spaniards, and as vigorously 
defended by the Mexicans. At length the valor of the 
Spaniards prevailed ; the city was taken, and tlie emperor, 
Guatimozin, the successor of Quetlavaca, in attempting to 
escape, fell into the hands of the victors. Thus was the 
great Aztec empire of Mexico extinguished, in less than two 
years after the entrance of Cortez into the capital. 

21. The Spaniards were greatly disappointed in the 
amount of gold and silver which they expected to find in 
the city. In order, therefore, to discover hidden treasure, 
they put the monarch and his chief minister to the most 
cruel tortures. They placed them upon an instrument called 
the rack. The prince endured his sufferings with courage, 
and hearing his fellow-sufferer complain, turned to him and 
said : "And, myself, am I on a bed of roses? " 

22. Cortez, arriving at this moment, was greatly moved 
by the sufferings of Guatimozin, and immediately ordered 
him to be set at liberty ; but the unhappy monarch was put 
to death in 1523, two years after his capture, on a charge 
of treason and conspiracy. 

23. ]\Iexico was described, at the time of its discovery, 
as one of the most delightful countries of North America, 
and its natural features still remain. Fruit and fragrant 
flowers spontaneously abound ; groves of lemon and orange 
trees may be seen extending for miles ; and the whole face 
of nature is covered with luxuriant vegetation. The forests 
are thronged with birds of varied plumage, and the very 

Questions. — 20. At length what happened ? 21. What is said of the 
Spaniards? To discover the treasure, what did they do? What did 
the prince say? 22. What did Cortez order? 23. What is said of 
Mexico? Fruit, Ac? Wliat is said of the forests? 



Conquest of Mexico. 



109 



air is filled with the sweet fragrance which arises from the 
groves and meadows. The country, moreover, abounds with 
mines of gold and silver. 

24. On the fall of the empire, Mexico became a Spanish 
province, and so remained for three hundred years. After 




City of Mexico. 



several insurrections against Spain had failed, one organized 
in 1821, by General Augustin Iturbide, succeeded. In the 
following year he was proclaimed emperor, under the title 
of Augustin I. In 1823, a revolt, headed by General Santa 
Anna, occasioned his abdication, and he left the country. 



Questions.— 24. What occurred after the fall of tlie empire? What 
is said of Iturbide ? 



110 America. 

In 1824, a Constitution was adopted, modelled upon that 
of the United States. In the same year, Iturbide, returning 
to revive the empire, was captured and shot. 

25. In 1836, Texas revolted, and became in 1845 one 
of the States of the American Union. This led to acts 
of war on the part of Mexico, which were resented by the 
United States, the troops of which were victorious over the 
Mexicans in 1846 and 1847. In 1848, Mexico surrendered 
to the United States the disputed territory, together with 
New Mexico and Upper California. 

26. In 1863, France enforced by war certain claims 
against Mexico, and being successful, invited the Archduke 
Maximilian, brother of the Emperor of Austria, to assume 
the imperial throne of Mexico. This unfortunate prince was 
led to believe also that an influential portion of the popula- 
tion favored the measure. He therefore became Emperor in 
1864. Believing his throne secure, and having no children 
of his own, he adopted the infant grandson of the late 
Emperor Iturbide as his heir. A successful revolution, 
however, overturned the empire ; the former government 
was restored, and Maximilian was shot, June 19, 1867. 

27. In 1867, Juarez was chosen president of the Mexican 
republic. He died five years after, when Lerdo de Tejada 
succeeded him. In 1876 a revolution forced Tejada to 
flee the country, and Porfirio Diaz became the acting 
president. The following year he was elected to the ofiice, 



(itKSTioNS. — 24. Wliat took place in 1824? 25. What event occurred 
inls.'.G? To what (lid this lead? What took place in 1848 ? 2(;. Kelate 
the events that led to Maximilian's assuming imperial power. Who 
was his heir? TTow did this power terminate? 27. AVHio was the next 
president? Who succeeded him ? What occurred in 1870? 



Conquest of Peru. HI 



and holds it yet (1899). General Diaz has proven an able 
ruler. Since the death of Maximilian, the course of legisla- 
tion has been unfriendly to the Church. Mexico possesses 
many natural advantages, but its growth has been checktd 
by the unruly character of the people. The organizing 
principle is wanting among them, and the country has been 
almost constantly torn up by revolution and change. Juarez 
was the first president to hold the office for the full term, the 
incumbent either having fled the country before revolution 
or been assassinated or publicly hanged by some successful 
faction. In 1883 a Reciprocity Treaty with the United 
States was signed ; and of late years railroad-buildiag has 
been receiving much attention. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Discovery and Conquest of Peru by 
Francis Pizakro. 

I. Shortly after the conquest of Mexico, reports of the 
great wealth existing in Peru, in South America, aroused 
the cupidity of the Spaniards who had already set foot in 
the New World. An expedition under Francis Pizarro 
sailed from Panama in the year 1525, and explored the 
shores of the Pacific Ocean. Pizarro afterwards obtained 



QUKSTIONS.— 27. What is said of Diaz ? What is said of tho country 
and the character of its people? What treaty was signed in 1SS3 ? 
1. After the conquest of Mexico, what was undertaken? What did 
Pizarro obtain? 



112 



from Spain a right of discovery and conquest in Peru, and 
thither he proceeded with a small force in 1531. He 
entered Peru, then a rich and extensive empire, and pene- 
trated to the interior. 

2. The country at that time was divided into two hostile 
parties, led by the two sons of the late monarch, who dis- 
puted the succession to the throne. The younger was suc- 
cessful ; he defeated his brother in battle, and having made 
him prisoner, caused him to be put to death. Both princes 
had previously endeavored to gain the assistance of the 
Spaniards, and Pizarro, now pretending to be a friend to 
the successful competitor, marched to meet him, but suddenly 
attacked his army, and having slain a great many of his 
followers, took the monarch prisoner. 

3. The unfortunate prince made every concession to ob- 
tain his liberty. He even agreed to fill the room in which 
he was confined, measuring twenty-two feet in length and 
seventeen in breadth, with vessels of gold and silver. He 
did not, however, obtain his release, and was finally put to 
death. The monarchy being thus overthrown, and Peru 
reduced to a Spanish province, the most violent contentions 
began to prevail among the conquerors. Almagro, the rival 
of Pizarro, was condemned and executed, and the eventful 
life of Pizarro was, in turn, ended by assassination. 

4. The former empire of the Incas of Peru was divided 
into several provinces, each governed by a Spanish viceroy. 

Questions. — 1. Where did he advance? 2. What is said of the 
country? Who was successful? AV^hat had both endeavored to gain ? 
What did Pizarro do? 3. Wliat did the prince agree to do? Did he 
obtain his liberty? After this, wlio prevailed? What was the end 
of Almagro and Pizarro? 



Conquest of Peru. 113 



These were New Granada (partly formed from Peru), Buenos 
Ayres, Guatemala, Venezuela, Caracas, Cuniana, and Chili. 
About this period the Portuguese colonized Brazil, on the 
eastern coast of South America. 

5. Peru was the last of the Spanish- American colonies 
which remained attached to the mother country. A govern- 
ment independent of Spain was proclaimed in 1821, and 
firmly established by the success of the insurgents under 
Simon Bolivar in the battle of Ayachuco, three years after. 
In 1826, a Constitution similar to that of the United States 
was adopted, 

6. In 1837, Peru and Bolivia engaged in a short war 
against Chili. From this date till 1844 civil wars and 
endless disorder prevailed. Peace was at length brought 
about through the efforts of General Castilla, who became 
president (1845). He remained in office six years. The 
government that came after was guilty of gross frauds, and 
a revolution overthrew it. The greatest confusion followed. 
Finally, General Castilla became president again, and ruled, 
against all kinds of opposition and threatened assasination, 
till 1862. He was succeeded in office by General San 
Ramon, who died the next year. A war with Spain 
followed for the possession of the Chincha Islands. 

7. In 1867 the present Constitution was adopted, and 
Don Manuel Prado chosen president. The next year a 

QUESTroNS.— 4. What provinces were formed from the former em- 
pire of Peru ? 5. What is said of the independoticc of Peru ? What 
took phice in 1821? What took phice in 182G? (5. What occurred 
from 1837 to 1844? Who became president in 184')? How long did he 
remain in office? What followed his administration? Who succeeded 
General Castilla? 7. In 1867 what took place? 



114 America. 

revolution forced him to flee. His successor was assassin- 
ated. In 1872, upon the expiration of President Balta's 
term, a bloody revolution of four days reseated President 
Prado, who was chosen president again the next year. In 
1879 a disastrous war began with Chili. It practically 
ended in 1881 with the capture of Lima, but peace was 
not declared until 1883. The Peruvians fought bravely, 
but were utterly beaten. From 1881 to 1883 the Chilian 
army occupied Peru ; the soldiers acted the part of fiends, 
and the country was in the most disorganized and wretched 
condition. In 1884, General Iglesias became president. The 
hapless country continued to be torn by civil war until 1895, 
when, after one of the most bloody struggles in the country's 
history, General Pierola became President. Chili had had 
an equally bloody and successful revolution in 1891, and 
Venezuela in 1892. In 1896 there was one also in Ecuador. 
Brazil belonged to Portugal until 1825, when it became a 
separate monarchy. In 1889 the emperor Dom Pedro II. 
was deposed and the country became a republic. A long 
civil war followed, but the republic triumphed. 

QrESTioxs. — 7. In 1872? What was the condition of affairs from 
1879 to 1883? Who became president in 1884? What followed? 
What occurred in 1S9,)? Which are tlie more important events in 
other South American countries? 



ENGLISH COLONIES IN AMERICA. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Settlkmext of Virginia. 

1. About the year 1584, a company was formed in 
England, under the patronage of Sir Walter Raleigh, for 
the purpose of making a settlement in America. Raleigh, 
having obtained a grant of land from Queen Elizabeth, 
arrived in the New World, entered Pamlico Sound, and 
took possession of the country in the name of the crown 
of England. On his return, the account he gave of the 
fertility of the country so pleased Elizabeth, that she be- 
stowed on it the name of Virginia, in reference to her own 
unmarried state. 

2. The next year. Sir Walter Raleigh sent over to Vir- 
ginia several small vessels, under the command of Richard 
Granville, carrying one hundred and eighty adventurers, 
who landed on the isle of Roanoke. But the colonists, 
deluded with the prospect of finding mines of gold and 
silver, neglected the cultivation of the soil ; and, in con- 
sequence of this, they were reduced to the utmost distress by 
famine. Fortunately , they were enabled to return to England 

QlKSTloxs.— 1. What took place in 1584? What is saitl of Raleigh? 
On his n'turn? 2. After this what did Raleigl'i do? What is said 
of the ooloiiisis? 

115 



116 English Colonies in America. 

the following year, on the occasion of a visit to the colony 
of a ship of Sir Francis Drake's. The only fruit of their 
stay in America was the introduction by them into England 
of tobacco and potatoes. 

In 1587, another colony was sent to the same place. 
During the interval of three years, before supplies could 
reach them from England, these colonists all perished by 
sickness, or fell by the hands of the natives. 

3. The ill success of the first adventurers naturally 
weakened the spirit of the enterprise, and for a season with- 
drew the attention of others from attempting settlements 
in the Now World. In the year 1007, however, another 
body of one hundred and eight adventurers, under the 
patronage of the London Company, i-ailcd for the coast 
of Virginia. After a long and dangerous voyage, they 
arrived at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and sailed 
up a beautiful stream, to which they gave the name of 
James River. They finally landed, built a fort, and laid 
the foundation of a village, to which, in honor of their 
king, thty gave the name of Jamestown. 

4. The ruins of this village are still visible. A few traces 
of decayed houses, the mouldering remains of a fortification, 
and an ancient church-yard mark the spots where the first 
permanent English settlement was made upon the shores 
of North America. 

5. Who can describe the sentiments of the traveller, 



Questions. — 2. What is said of their return to England ? Of the 
colony of 1587? 3. What was the effect of these failures? In 1607, 
what took j)lace? Where did they arrive? What town did they com- 
mence? 4. AVhat is said of the ruins of tliis village? 5. What is said 
of this vast countrv ? 



Setlletneat of Virginia. 117 

when he visits the site of this ancient town? This vast 
country, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, 
now containing a population of over 75,000,000 of inhabi- 
tants, was then an extensive wildtrBess, the vast hunting- 
ground of the Indians. They alone dwelt in its valleys, 
and held undisputed sway over its hills and its mountains, 
its lakes and its rivers. Extensive cities, towns, and villages 
are now spread over the plains, where once the humble 
wigwams of the Indians stood. 

6. The government of this colony was framed by the 
London Company, and was administered by a council of 
seven persons, with a president chosen from their own 
number. The condition of the colony, at first, was far 
from being prosperous. The provisions which they had 
brought with them were soon exhausted ; and as they had 
planted nothing, they were reduced to the utmost distress 
for the want of food ; and to add new misfortunes to those 
which surrounded them, sickness broke out among them, 
and in the course of four months fifty of their number 
died. 

7. The colony, however, was saved from final ruin, through 
the energy of one of their number. Captain John Smith, if 
we are to believe the strange tale that he has left. Being 
of an adventurous disposition, he left England at the age 
of fifteen, and traveled through Spain, France, and Ger- 
many. He entered the army of the emperor of Germany. 

Questions.— 5. What did theylmld? What is said of cities, &e.? 

6. Where was the government of the colony framed? What was the 
condition of the colony ? To what wore they reduced ? What further? 

7. How was the colony saved ? What is said of his life? Where did 
he travel? 



118 



English Colonies in America. 



and at length obtained the command of a body of cavalry. 
It was not long before Smith signalized himself by deeds 
of valor. 

8. On one occasion, he challenged a Turk to single com. 
bat, and the challenge was immediately accepted. They 




Captain Smith's Encounter with Indians. 

mounted their horses, and met in the open plain. A fierce 
contest ensued, in which the Turk was slain. Smith chal- 
lenged a second ; and the second shared the same fate as 
the first. A third accepted the challenge, and he, too, fell 
beneath the deadly lance of Smith. 

9. He fought many battles against the Turks, but being 

Questions.— 8. "Wliat is said of his combats with the three Turks? 
9. What happciietl to Smith afterward-;? 



Settlement of Virginia. 119 



at length wounded, was taken prisoner, and sent as a slave 
to Constantinople. His kind mistress there, to secure his 
safety, sent him to her brother, a Tartar prince. Smith, 
being grossly insulted by him, killed him, and escaped into 
Germany. Thence he returned to England, and, shortly 
afterwards, joined an expedition which was about to sail to 
the New World. 

10. In Virginia he often went into the interior, to obtain 
provi'sions and to explore the country. In one of these 
expeditions, he was attacked by a party of Indians, and all 
his companions were killed. Seizing one of the Indians, he 
held him as a shield between himself and the enemy, and 
in this manner he retreated ; but, being unacquainted with 
the country, he sank in a swamp, and was taken prisoner. 

11. Smith now preserved his life by displaying to the 
savages a pocket compass, and amused and astonished them 
by explaining its powers. They led him in triumph to 
Powhattan, their king. A council was held, and it was 
decreed that he should be put to death, as a man whose 
valor and genius were dangerous to the Indians. 

12. He was accordingly led forth to execution, and 
Powhattan himself resolved to be his executioner. His 
head was placed upon a stone, but just as the king was in 
the act of raising the fatal club to despatch his victim, 
Pocahontas, his youthful daughter, rushed forward and 
threw herself at the feet of her father, and by her tears 
and entreaties besought him to spare the life of Smith. 

QUESTIONS.-9. On his return to England? 10. What is said of him 
in Virginia? What happened ? How did he retreat? IIow was he 
taken? 11. How did Smith preserve his life? AVhere was he taken ? 
What was decreed ? 12. Where was he led ? How was his life saved? 



120 English Colonies in America. 

Povvhattan gazed for a moment with astonishment npon 
his daughter ; her prayers touched his heart, his club fell 
harmlessly to the ground ; he gave Smith his liberty, and 
permitted him to return to Jainestown. Such is the reported 
history of an event which begins now to be questioned. 

13. On his return, Smith found the colony in the greatest 
distress. Only forty of the emigrants were living, and they 
had become so much disheartened that they were about to 
return to England. Smith, however, being made president 
of the council, by his energy and activity soon restored 
order and prosperity to the colony. He passed a decree, 
that those who would not work should have nothing to eat; 
and by this means he soon rendered them all industrious. 
Smith also explored the Chesapeake Bay to its head-waters, 
and made a correct map of its shores. 

14. In 1609, Powhattan had concerted measures for the 
destruction of the colony; but Pocahontas, who had always 
been friendly to the English, learning the designs of her 
father, hastened to Jamestown on a dark and stormy night, 
and disclosed the plot to Smith. This timely notice saved 
the colony from destruction. Pocahontas, during another 
visit to Jamestown, was there detained, with a hope that 
Powhattan, while his daughter was in the hands of the 
English, would abstain from hostilities. 

15. But the noble-hearted king, though he loved his 
daughter, hated treachery and deceit. He indignantly 



QUESTWiNs.— 12. What is said of Powhattan? 13. On Smith's re- 
turn, how dill ]ie find the colony ? Being made president, what did 
he do? Wiiat explorations did he make? 14. In 1609, what took 
place? Wliat did Pocahontas do? What liapj)ened to Pocahontas 
durine another visit to .Jamestown ? lo. What is said of the king ? 



Settlanent of Virginia. 121 



refused to listen to any terms of peace, until his daughter 
was restored. Daring her stay at Jamestown, she became 
attached to a young man of respectable parentage, of the 
name of John Rolfe, and, with the consent of her father, 
they were married. After the celebration of the nuptials, 
Rolfe and the princess sailed for England, where she was 
instructed in the Christian religion, and publicly baptized. 
She died shortly afterwards at Gravesend, in the twenty- 
second year of her age, leaving a son. from whom several 
Virginia families are descended. 

16. About this time. Captain Smith received a severe 
wound from an explosion of gunpowder, and in consequence 
of this accident, he was obliged to return to England for 
medical aid. His absence was a severe loss to the colony. 
They wasted their provisions, and were soon reduced to the 
utmost distress by famine. So dreadful were its effects that, 
in the course of a few months, their number was reduced 
from five hundred to sixty. They were relieved, however, 
by the timely arrival of Lord Delaware with provisions and 
one hundred and fifty emigrants. This was in 1610; from 
this period the colony began to prosper. 

17. The year 1619 is rendered memorable by the intro- 
duction of negro slavery into America. A Dutch vessel, 
from the Coast of Guinea, arrived at Jamestown, having on 
board twenty negroes, who were purchased by the planters. 
In the next year, about a hundred young women of good 

Questions.— 15. Wliat did he refuse? What is said of Pocahontas? 
To whom was she married? Where did she sail? In what was she 
instructed ? Where did she die ? 16. Wliat happened about this time? 
What is said of his absence ? What did they waste ? How were they 
relieved? 17. For what is the year 1619 meniorablo ? 



122 



English Colonies in America. 



character were sent out from England, as wives for the 
colonists. The passage of each cost one hundred and twenty 
pounds of tobacco, which was paid by the husband. 




Kklioious Services at Jamestown. 



l8. The colony had enjoyed for some time a great degree 
of prosperity ; it was, however, doomed to experience a 
stroke that nearly proved fatal to its existence. On the 
twenty-second of March, during the year 1623, the Indians 



Questions. — 17. What occurred the next year? 18. What is said 
of the colony? On the I'LVl of ^Farch, l*i2."?, what took place? 



Settlement of Virginia. 123 

fell upon the colonists while they were engaged at work, and 
in one fatal hour killed three hundred and forty-seven of 
their number. After other severe losses, peace was made 
in 1046. 

19. We are obliged, in this small work, to omit many 
things in the history of Virginia that would be interesting 
to our young readers. Sometimes we find it prosperous, and 
at other times we behold it contending with the storms of 
adversity. In 1624, under James II., Virginia became a 
royal province, and so continued, except for two short 
intervals, until the Revolution. When Cromwell usurped 
the government of England, Virginia still remained faithful 
to the royal family (the Stuarts) for three years. In 1652, 
she was obliged to yield, and a Puritan settler from Mary- 
land, named Bennet, was made governor. 

20. On the restoration of Charles II., in 1060, Virginia 
declared her allegiance to the king. Sir William Berkeley, 
the former governor, was restored. With the re-establish- 
ment of the Church of England came severe laws on 
religion ; then followed heavy taxation, so that a rebellion 
broke out in 1676, called, from the name of its leader, 
" Bacon's Rebellion." 

21. Berkeley was complained of because he did not pro- 
tect the colony, and Bacon's forces drove away the Indians 
who threatened the colonists, but he himself died the same 
year, after a contest with Berkeley, in which Jamestown was 
destroyed. Berkeley employed measures so severe against 



Questions.— 18. How many were killed ? 19. What happened under 
James II.? Under Cromwell? 20. What occurred in 16()0? Wliat 
events Jed to Bacon's Rehellion ? 21. What was one of the complaints 
against Berkeley ? What did Bacon do ? 



124 English Colonies in. America. 

Bacon's followers, that he was recalled to- England in 1677, 
and died there. A proprietary government under Lord 
Culpepper ensued, but was soon succeeded by the former 
provincial government. 



ClIAPTEK XV. 

The Settlement of New Yokk, Kkw Jersey, 
AND Delaware. 

1. The territory now forming the State of New York was 
first settled by the Dutch. As early as the year 1G09, Henry 
Hudson, an Englisluuan, then in the service of the East 
India Company of Holland, sailed to the New World in 
search of a passage to India. He touched at Long Island, 
and sailed up a beautiful stream, which, from his own name, 
he called the Hudson River. The object of his voyage 
proving unsuccessful, he returned to Europe, 

2. Hudson, shortly after his return, sailed on another 
voyage, in the employment of a company of English 
merchants, with a view to discover a northwestern passage 
to India. He sailed north to the Arctic Ocean, but in a 
mutiny of his crew, he and eight of the seamen who were 
faithful to him were thrown into a small boat, and left to 
perish. He was never heard of afterwards. 



Questions. — 21. After his death, what is said of Berkeley? What 
occurred in 1677 ? 1. By whom was New York settled? In 1609, what 
took place? Where did he touch? 2. What did Hudson do, after his 
return ? Where did he sail ? What was his fate ? 



Settlement of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. 1 25 

3, About the year 1613, a company of Dutch adventurers, 
claiming the country as a Dutch possession, by right of 
Hudson's discovery of it, began a settlement on the banks 
of the Hudson River. A West India Company was formed 




^:^B^^^^^ 



Landing ok the Walloons. 



by the Dutch, who built a fort near the present site of 
Albany, called Fort Orange, and another, with some few 
trading houses, on Manhattan Island, where the city of New 
York now stands. They styled the latter settlement New 
Amsterdam, while the whole territory between Cape Cod 
and the Delaware Bay was called New Netherlands. New 

Questions.— 3. About the year 1(31.3, what was done? What settle- 
ments did they niake? Wlui'i territory was t>uil)raced? 



126 English Colonies in America. 

Jersey be^an to be settled by the Dutch in 1622, a trading 
post having been established that year at Bergen. In 1664, 
they settled Elizabeth, by a colony from Long Island. 

4. The State of Delaware was first visited in 1638 by a 
colony of Swedes, who commenced a settlement near the 
spot where Wilmington now stands, and called the country 
New Sweden. The Dutch settlers of New Netherlands 
always regarded their Swedish neighbors with an eye of 
jealousy ; they claimed the territory of Delaware, and sought 
every opportunity of asserting their rights. 

5. At this time the settlement of New Netherlands was 
governed by Peter Stuyvesant, of whom historians relate 
many curious incidents. The Swedes, very imjjrudently, 
took possession of a fort built by the Dutch, and made 
prisoners of the garrison. This conduct gave Stuyvesant a 
plausible excuse for invading the territory of New Sweden. 
He immediately collected an army, and marched against 
the Swedes, and having defeated them in several battles, 
subdued the settlement, and united it to New Netherlands, 
in 1655. 

6. We have seen that the first settlements in New York 
were made by the Dutch : it remains to be shown how that 
colony fell into the hands of the English. Charles II, of 
England, after his restoration to the throne of his father, 
seemed to be anxious for some pretext on which to rest a 
dispute with Holland. Among other things, he claimed the 

Questions.— 3. When was New Jersey settled ? 4. What is said of 
Delaware? How did the Dutch settlers regard them? What did tliey 
claim? 5. Who was governor of New Netherlands? What did the 
Swedes? What did Stuyvesant do? 6. What have we seen, «&c. ? 
After the restoration of Charles, what did he do? 



Settlement of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. 127 



colony possessed by that country in America, and conveyed 
it to his brother, the Duke of York, with power to subdue it, 
in 1664 The origin of this claim was the discovery by the 
Cabots, at the close of the fifteenth century. It embraced 
the territory now comprehended between Maine and the 
Carolinas. (See page 96.) 




SVVKDES ON THK DELAWARE. 

7 The duke immediately sent three ships, under the com- 
mand of Richard Nichols, to reduce the territory. Nichols 
arrived in the harbor of New Amsterdam, and demanded 
a surrender of the place. Stuyvesant, the governor, after 
some opposition, was compelled to yield to the English ; and 
the whole territory thus became subject to the British crown, 
and the settlement, in honor of the duke, was called Nevv 
York. New Amsterdam took the name of New York, and 
Fort Orange that of Albany. 

QrKSTlONS.I(nVhat did he clai.a? To whom did he convey? 
Whit was the origin of this clai. ? 7. What dL^he duke doj Wha 
did Nichols do? What followed? Why was it called New ^«rk. 
What other changes in names took place? 



128 Engluli Colonies in America. 

8. In 1004, the same year in which the colonies inhabited 
by the Dutch were bestowed upon the Duke of York by his 
brother Charles, the Duke sold New Jersey to two English 
noblemen. Delaware was held by the P^nglish as a part of 
the [)rovince of New York from the same period. During 
a war between England and HoUand in lt)73, the Dutch 
regained possession of New Jersey and Delaware. They 
lield them, however, but fifteen months, and then restored 
them to the English. 

9. In 1682, these two colonies were transferred to William 
Penn. Delaware continued under the government of Penn- 
sylvania until the Revolution. New Jersey was in 1702 
ceded to the English crown liy the proprietary of Pennsyl- 
vania, and was governed with New York as a royal province 
until 1738. After that it had a government of its own. 

10. About the clo.se of the seventeenth century British 
commerce suffered greatly from the swarms of pirates that 
infested the seas. These men attacked and plundered ships, 
and even murdered all on board, and then burned or sank 
the vessels, making private profit of all their captures. The 
evil grew to such an extent that the P^nglish government 
was obliged to take measures to suppress it. William Kidd, 
one of the boldest shipmasters sailing out of New^ York, was 
recommended as a suitable person to go in search of the 
pirates. He accordingly received a royal commission to 
that effect, and set sail from Bristol, England, in 1695. 



QtESTioxs. — 8. In l()tJ4, what is said of New .Jersey ? Of Delaware ? 
What happened in 1673? 9. What changes took place in the govern- 
ment of New Jersey and Delaware in It3s2 and thereafter ? 10. What 
is said of the pirates? In what did their piracy consist? What 
measures were taken ? What is said of Kidd ? ^ 



Settlement of New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. 1 29 

11. He cruised for some time off the American coast, and 
obtained a number of men from New York. He proceeded 
then to the East Indies and the coast of Africa, where the 
pirates abounded ; but on the way resolved to become a 
pirate himself He made known his design to the men, who 
readily consented to it ; and for several years the name of 
Kidd was a terror to all who sailed in that part of the world. 

12. He returned to New York in 1698, and after burying 
a large portion of his treasure, proceeded boldly to Boston, 
believing that his commission would be a sufficient pro- 
tection to him. However, his piratical proceedings were 
so notorious that they could not be overlooked. He was 
arrested, sent to England, and tried. No evidence of his 
piracies could be gathered ; but he was tried for killing one 
of his crew in an altercatiim, and hanged in 1701. 

13. In 1741, a great excitement was occasioned in New 
York by the discovery of an alleged plot on the part of the 
slaves to rob and destroy property and to usurp the govern- 
ment. While the panic lasted, numerous executions took 
place, and many innocent persons suffered. 



Questions. — 1 1. Where did he proceed first? And then? What 
plan did he form on tlie way ? What was the result? 12. Where did 
Kidd go in IfllJS? What occurred to him in Boston? What was his 
end ? 1;?, What is said of an alleged jilot in New York in 1741 ? 



130 Enrjluh Colonies in America. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

TlIK Sr.ITLKMKNT OF MaSSACHUS I TTS. 

1. Wk have seen in the history of Virginia that Captain 
Smith, so celebrated in that colony, was obliged to return to 
England in consequence of having received a severe wound 
from an explosion of gunpowder. As soon as he recovered, 
he again sailed on an expedition to the New World in 1614. 
He touched at the mouth of the Kennebec river, and ex- 
amined the coast as far as Cape Cod ; and, on his return to 
Europe, he prepared a map of the country, to which he gave 
the name of New P^ngland. 

2. In the early part of the year 1620, a patent was 
granted by King James I., of England, to several persons, 
forming the Council of Plymouth, for the purpose of making 
a settlement in New England. During the same year in 
which the patent was obtained, the first permanent settle- 
ment was commenced in New England at Plymouth, by a 
body of persons called Puritans. The Puritans, like other 
dissenters from the Church of England at that time, suffered 
greatly on account of their religion. 

3. To escape these trials, a body of Puritans removed to 
Holland. They remained for eleven years at Leyden; but 
not finding their situation there agreeable, resolved to seek 



Qfestions.— 1. What is said cf Captain Sniitli / What expedition 
did Smith go upon? Wiiat was the result? 2. In 1620 what took 
place? What settlement was made? Who were the Puritans? .'5. 
Whither did some of these Puritans proceed? What did they then 
resolve? 



Settlement of Massachusetts. 131 

a home in the wilds of America. The emigrants embarked 
on a vessel called the Speedwell, and touched at Kiiglaud 
on the way, in order to accompany others departing thence 
on the Mayflower. After twice beginning their voyage to 
America together, the bad condition of the Speedwell obliged 
both {)arties to return to England. Finally the Mayllower 
set out alone from Plymouth, with about a hundred passen- 
gers, September 6, 1620. 

4. The party'intended to land near the Hudson River, 
but they were carried much farther to the north ; and the 
first land they came in sight of was the bleak shore of Cape 
Cod. After some days spent in searching for a suitable 
place to land, and in drawing up a form of government for 
the future colony, the Mayflower was safely moored in a 
beautiful harbor, to which they gave tiie name of Plymouth. 
Here they landed, December 22, 1620. 

5. Thus, after a long and toilsome voyage, they found 
themselves cast upon an unknown and hostile coast. On 
the one side lay a vast wilderness covered with ice and snow, 
on the other the broad Atlantic separated them from home, 
and kindred, and native clime. They were exposed to all 
the rigors of a New England winter, without a roof to 
shelter them from the storm. Their supi)ly of provisions 
was limited, and to fill the measure of their calamities, they 
were visited by a distressing sickness, which in a short time 
cai'ried off nearly half their number. 



QUKHTIONS. — 3. Relate the voyages of the Speedwell ami the May- 
tlower. 4. Wliere did they intend to land? After some days, where 
was the Mayllower moorcil ? 5. What is said of the; piljrrim.s ? What 
were all their ditKcullies? What is said of their provisions, cte. ? 



132 



English Colonies in America. 




6. In the spring of 1(>21, they received a visit from 
Massasoit, the most powerful Indian chief of that region, and 



Settlement of Massachusetts. 133 

the king of the tribe of Wani])anoags. He gave them a 
cordial welcome, and entered into a league of friendship 
with them, which was strictly observed for more than thirty 
years. 

7. Until 1623, when they had a plentiful harvest, the 
colony endured many privations, and were often near 
famishing. But in that year, some changes were made in 
the system of labor, and the plan of common property was 
abandoned. Other colonists continued to arrive. John 
Endicott settled Salem with a considerable party in 1628. 
The Company of Massachusetts Bay was formed, and brought 
a large emigration in the two succeeding years, who settled 
Boston and adjacent towns, 

8. It might be supposed that men, who had bled under 
the lash of persecution for their religious opinions, would 
have learned to respect these opinions in others. But this 
was far from being the case. While we commend the noble 
spirit, which enabled them to bid adieu to the land of their 
fathers, and to forsake the scenes of early childhood, that 
they might enjoy the free exercise of their religion, we 
cannot but look with feelings of the deepest regret upon the 
spirit of intolerance which they exercised among themselves. 

9. Some of the colonists retained a high veneration for 
the Church of England, and refused to comply with the 
religious regulations of the Puritans. Endicott, the governor, 
called before him the {)rincipal offenders, and sentenced them 

Questions.— 6. What chief visited them in 1621? What is said of 
him? 7. W^hat is said of the privations of the settlers? What is said 
of other arrivals of colonists? 8. What is said of the persecutions 
practised? What distinctions must we draw ? 9. What is said of many 
of the colonists? Wliat ilid Endicott do? 



134 



Kiigluh Colonies in America. 



to banishment; they were accordingly sent home, by the 
first vessel returning to P^ngland. The (Quakers fared worse ; 



. ■; :,.-i^- '^ ^Sfi^^i^'i'S^lM^-' '^ I 







-- Darken 



BUILDINC IIOUSKS AT PLYMOUTH. 



out of a party arriving in 1656, four were executed, many 
were banished, and others whipped or cast into prison. 

10. In 1643, the New England colonies, except Rhode 
Island, formed a union for nmtual protection against the 



QuESTloxs.— 9. What is said of the Quakers? 10. What occurred 

in 1(34:5 ? 



Settlement of New- Havq^xhire. 135 



Dutch, the French, and the Indians. The wars with the 
Indians will be related in a separate chapter. In 1692, the 
government of the Plymouth colony was merged into that 
of Massachusetts Bay, which had also jurisdiction over 
Maine and other territory. Maine continued unued with 
Massachusetts until erected into a State, in 1820. 

II. In 1692, the singular delusion called the Salem 
Witchcraft prevailed. The excitement on this subject was 
greatly promoted by the celebrated minister, Cotton Mather. 
During its continuance, twenty persons were put to death, 
many more were tortured, and others imprisoned. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Settlement of New Hampshire, Connecticut, 
AND Rhode Island. 

I The colonial history of New Hampshire is intimately 
connected with that of Massachusetts. In the spring of 
1623, the first settlements in this State were made at Dover 
and Portsmouth, by a company of persons sent out under 
the patronage of Ferdinando Gorges and John Mason. New 
Hampshire was several times united in government with 
Massachusetts, and for a short time with New York. In 
1679, and for ten years after, it was a royal province. In 

QUESTIONS.-IO. InKiOl'? 11. Wl.at is saul of the Salem Witchcraft? 
-1 What is said of the history of Now Hampshire? In KJ-'.;, what 
took place? AVluit changes occurred in the government ? W hat took 
place in 1670 and 1741 ? 



136 English Colonies in America. 

1741, it constituted a separate government, and so remained 
until the Revolution. 

2. Connecticut was for a time claimed by the Dutch as 
a i)art of their territory of New Netherlands. They even 
built a fort in 1633, on the present site of Hartford, but 
made no very vigorous efforts to retain the country. English 
emigrants, from Massachusetts, began settlements in 1634, 
and the two following years. In 1636, the principal early 
foundations were made by settlers from three towns in 
Massachusetts, each body being headed by its minister. 
The sites they selected are now known as Hartford, Wethers- 
field, and AVindsor. 

3. In 1637, the Pequod Indians threatened the colonists 
with destruction. Tiie latter averted the danger by surpris- 
ing the Indians the same year in their encampment on the 
Mystic River, and nearly destroying the tribe. In 1687, Sir 
Edmund Andros, the royal governor of New England, re- 
quired Connecticut to surrender her charter. To preserve 
it, it was secretly abstracted just as it was about to be given 
up, and concealed in an old oak at Hartford. This charter 
is said to have been the freest constitution ever granted by 
a king. In 1689 it went into force again. 

4. The settlement of Rhode Island was commenced by 
Roger Williams. Williams was the pastor of a church at 
Salem, in Massachusetts, from which he was banished by the 
governor for holding religious opinions differing from those 

Questions. — 2. By whom was Connecticut claimed ? Wliat fort was 
erectoil ? By whom was the country settled ? What settlements were 
made in lG3(i ? 3. What occurred in lf)87 ? In 1687 ? What is said of 
the cliarter':' 4. By whom was Rhode Island settled? What is said 
of Williams? 



Settlement of Rhode Island. 



137 



of the Puritans, He went forth in the middle of winter, 
when the ground was covered with a deep snow, and, with 
a few companions, commenced a settlement in I606, on the 
spot where the city of Providence now stands. 







Emigrants on the way to Connecticut. 

5. Not long after this, Mr. Coddington, with one hundred 
and seventy-six others, having been also banished from 
Massachusetts, for holding religious opinions deemed errone- 
ous by the colonial government, followed Roger Williams, 

Qfestions.— 4. Under wlmt circumstances did he settle Providence? 

5. After tliis what took phict.' ? 



138 Enrjluh Colonies in America. 

and commenced a settliracnt on a fertile island in Narra- 
ganset Bay, to which they gave the name of Rhode Island. 
The two settlements were united in 1644, under the title of 
the Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. 

6. Roger Williams was a man of liberal and generous 
principles. By the charter, which he obtained from Eng- 
land for the government of his colony, it was ordered that 
none should be molested for any difference of opinion in 
matters of religion. It would have been, however, much to 
the credit of those who shared with him the administration of 
the government, if they had been more liberal in their views ; 
for the very first assembly convened under the authority of 
that charter excluded the Roman Catholics from voting at 
elections, and from everv ofHce in the <fovernment. 



CHAPTEK XVIII. 

Tin: Sr.iTi.i:Mi;NT in Mauyland. 

I. The first settlement in Maryland was commenced 
under the patronage of Sir George Calvert, who is better 
known in history as Lord Baltimore. Calvert was distin- 
guished as a statesman, and had held, for some time, the 
office of secretary of state, in the reign of James I. of 
England. He was a Roman Catholic ; and the intolerance 
and persecution exercised against the Catholics of England 

QrESTlONS. — 5. AVhere did he commence a settlement? What title 
did the settlements take in 1(344? 6. What is said of Williams? By the 
charter what was ordered ? At the first assembly who were excluded ? — 
1. ]W whom was this settlemciit comimiictMl y What is said of Calvert? 



Settlement of Maryland. 139 



at that period naturally affected his generous and benevo- 
lent heart. 

2. With a view of forming in America an asylum for 
himself and his persecuted brethren, he sailed to Virginia ; 
but not finding a welcome there, on account of his religion, 
he fixed his attention upon the territory beyond the Potomac, 
and finding it unoccupied, immediately returned to England, 
and obtained of Charles I. a grant of the land in 1632. The 
settlement was called Maryland, after Henrietta Maria, tlie 
wife of Charles. 

3. But Lord Baltimore died before the grant of the 
territory was made out, and the right was transferred to his 
eldest son, Cecil Calvert, who inherited the titles of his 
father. Preparations were immediately made for the settle- 
ment of the colony. On the 22d of November, in the year 
1633, about two hundred emigrants set sail from the Isle of 
Wight, in two small vessels, the Ark and the Dove, and 
after a tedious voyage, arrived off Point Comfort, in Virginia, 
on the 24th of February. After a short rest, they proceeded 
to Maryland. Here they made a landing on what is now 
Blackiston's (or Blackstone's) Island, in the Potomac river, 
March 2o, 1634. 

4. As soon as they landed, they erected a cross, and 
returned solemn thanks to God, who had guided their vessels 
safely through the many dangers of the ocean, and had con- 
ducted their voyage to so happy an issue : they then took 

Questions.— 1. What was he, &e. ? 2. With a view of forming, <tc., 
what did he do ? Where did lie fix his attention ? 8. What hapi)ened 
before the patent was made out? Who inherited his titles? In 1633, 
what took place? Describe the remaininc^ occurrences until the land- 
ing? 4. After landing, what did tliev ? 



140 



English Colonies in America. 



possession of the country in the name of their sovereign. 
They treated the Indians with the greatest kindness and 
humanity ; they paid them for the land, and then commenced 

a settlement on the 
Potomac river at an 
Indian village, which 
they purchased from 
the natives, and to 
which they gave the 
name of St. Mary's. 

5. The most beauti- 
ful feature in the hist- 
ory of this colony is 
that of the free tolera- 
tion which it granted 
to the professors of 
every religious denomi- 
nation. If a stranger 
entered the colony, no 
questions were asked 
about his religion ; if a Christian, he was welcomed, and 
permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his 
own conscience. Maryland was, moreover, an asylum 
from oppression, and merited the name of the JadkI of the 
Sancluary. 

6. While a misguided zeal in matters of religion had 
enkindled the flame of ])ersecution in most of the other 

Questions. — J. How did they treat the Indians? AVhere did they 
commence a settlement? 5. What is the most beautiful feature in the 
history of this colony? If a stranger entered, what is said? What 
title did Maryland receive? 




Lord BALTUioKif:. 



Setilement of Maryland. l-l^ 

colouies, the Catholics of Maryland extended their arms and 
invited the victims of intolerance from every clime to co.ne 
and live among them. The silent prayer of the Fr.end, the 
chant of the Puritan, and the hosannas of the Catholic, were 
wafted to heaven on the breeze that arose from the peaceful 
shores of the Chesapeake. ' 

7 Even religious controversy and sectarian strife, so de- 
structive of peace and unity, were banished from the colony, 
and whoever called his neighbor, by way of reproach, " a 
heretic" "idolater," "schismatic," " round-head," " papist 
&c., was subject to a fine of ten shillings, one-half to be paid 
to the party insulted. . . 

8 Before the arrival of the colonists, a resident of \ irginia, 
named Claiborne, had established a trading-post on Kent 
Island in the Chesapeake Bay, within the limits of Mary- 
land ' Claiborne resisted the just claim of the proprietary to 
this island, but was finally obliged to yield possession In 
revencre for this, he organized a rebellion, and succeeded in 
overturning the government of Maryland. The governor, 
Leonard Calvert, brother of Lord Baltimore, fied to Virginia 
for safety, in 1645. Claiborne oppressed, robbed, and ban- 
ished the friends of the Calverts, among whom was the 
venerable Father White, who, with other missionaries, was 
sent to England in chains. • w • 

Q Lord Baltimore succeeded in regaining his rights in 
1640 Three years after, on the execution of Charles L, 
Maryland passed a decree proclaiming Charles II. king. 

QT^STloNs.-(;. What is said of the conduct of the Catholics of Mary- 
laS o^e of other religions 1 7. What is said of rel g.ous contention ? 
rwho was (Maih,.rno, and ^vhat his course towards Maryland? 9. 
What were the events of 1646, and the succeeding years. 



142 English Colonies in America. 



This daring act drew down u})on her the vengeance of the 
Puritans. Claiborne, " the evil genius of Maryland," availed 
himself of this circumstance to become one of the principal 
agents in overturning the government of the lord proprietary, 
in J 652. Maryland was made subject to the Parliament, 
and Lord Baltimore was not restored until Cromwell him- 
self gave a decision in his favor, in 1658, the last year of his 
life. The Puritans, in the interval, passed laws against 
Catholics and members of the Church of England, which, 
however, operated only during the six years they held power. 

10. Cecil, the second lord, was succeeded by Charles, the 
third Lord Baltimore, in 1675. James II. was dethroned 
in 1688, and the partisans of William and Mary in the 
colony took possession of the government before the arrival 
of the dispatches from Lord Baltimore, announcing hi.s 
allegiance to the new king and queen. The injustice thus 
done to the proprietary was not set right during his life. 

11. The first act of the new assembly in 1692, was to 
abolish religious toleration, the glory of Maryland heretofore 
under her mild and enlightened proprietaries. The Church 
of England was made the state Church, and hiws most 
oppressive to Catholics were enacted. Thus the Catholics 
saw themselves deprived of the exercise of their religion 
within the limits of the very colony in which they had 
labored to establish free toleration ; and by those to whom 
their benevolence had granted an asylum and a home. Nor 
Wl■r^^ the?e laws entirely repealed until 1776. 



QjTESTIOXS. — !). To wliom was Maryland then subject, and liow lom,'? 
What laws did the Puritans pass? 10. Wliat were llie events of l(i7.". 
and li')S*<? 11. What changes ill ihohiwstr.ok ))lacein UVJ2? Whatwas 
the eHecl of these hiws on the Catholics ? How long did they endure? 



Settlement of Pennsylvania. 143 



12. Charles, third Lord Baltimore, died in 1714, leaving 
descendants who conformed to the new religion. On this 
account, the rights withheld from him were restored to them 
in 1715. Frederick Calvert, the sixth and last Lord Balti- 
more, died in 1771, without lawful heirs. He left the 
province to his illegitimate son, Henry Harford, whose pro- 
I)rietorship was of course extinguished by the Revolution. In 
1692, the capital of the colony was removed from St. Mary's 
to Annapolis. In 1729, the city of Baltimore was laid out. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Tin: Settlemknt of Pknnsylvania. 

I, In the year 1681, the settlement of Pennsylvania was 
commenced under the direction of the celebrated William 
Penn, from whom the State takes its name. In the early 
part of his life, Perm embraced the tenets of the Quakers, or 
Friends, and suffered in the persecution that was carried 
on against them in England. Roused, at length, by the 
intolerant spirit of his countrymen at home, he resolved to 
seek an asylum in the New World, from the oppression of 
the Old. Accordingly, he applied to Charles II., from 
whom he obtained a grant of a large tract of country, in- 
cluding the present State of Pennsylvania, in compensation 
for a debt due from the crown to his father. 

QrESTloxs.— 12. When did the tliird Lord Baltimore die? Wiuit i.s 
tiie sul)se(juent history of tlie proprietorsliip of ilarylaiid'/ What is 
.said of Annapolis and Baltimore? — I. When and l)y whom wa.H this 
settlement commenced? What i.s said of Penn ? What did he resolve 
and obtain? 



144 



English Colonies in America. 



2. The first colony arrived iu the country in 1681, and 
commenced a settlement on the banks of the Delaware River. 
In the following year, Penn arrived in company with about 
two thousand associates, chiefly of the denomination of 

Friends or Quakers. Soon 
after his arrival, Penn drew 
out the plan and laid the 
foundation of the present 
city of Philadelphia, or the 
city of " Brotherly Love." 
3. The first care of Penn 
was to gain the friendship 
of the Indians. He met a 
delegation of the various 
tribes under a large elm- 
tree, and addressed them as 
follows: "We meet you on 
the broad [)athway of good 
faith and good will; no 
advantage shall be taken on either side, but all shall be 
openness and love." The rude children of the forest were 
moved by this friendly address, and thus replied: "We will 
live in love with William Penn, and his children, as long as 
the sun and moon shall endure." He i)aid them for their 
hinds, and entered into a treaty with them, which was strictly 
observed for a period of seventy years. 




W'IM.IAM I'KN.N. 



Questions. — 2. When did the fii-st colony arrive? Tn tlie following 
year? Soon after his arrival, what did Penn do? .">. What was his 
first care? How did he address them? How did tiny rtjily? For 
wiuit did he pay them ? 



Settlement of the Carolmas and Georgia. 145 

4. The government of this colony was established on the 
most humane and liberal principles. Following the example 
of Lord Baltimore, he made civil and religious liberty the 
basis of all his institutions, and to these wise regulations may 
be attributed the rapid advancement of Pennsylvania in 
population, enterprise, and importance. Penn visited Eng- 
land several times, and at length died at London, in 1718, 
at the advanced age of seventy-five years. At the time of 
the American Revolution, the claims of his descendants were 
purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 



CHAPTER XX. 



The Settlement of the Carolinas and 
Georgia. 

1. The settlement of North and South Carolina was 
commenced towards the middle of the seventeenth century, 
by a company of persons from Virginia, who were suflfering in 
that colony, on account of their religious opinions. Leaving 
their unfriendly neighbors in Virginia, they proceeded towards 
the south, and commenced a settlement near Albemarle 
Sound. 

2. Shortly after this, another company of adventurers 
from Massachusetts settled near Cape Fear. The proprietors 
invited immigration, by establishing a liberal government, 

Questions. — 4. What is said of the government':' Whoso example 
did he follow '! When and where did Penn die? — 1. By wliom was this 
commenced? Whither did they jjrocecd? 2. After this what took 
place ? What did the proprietors do ? 



146 English Colonies in America. 

and by ofterlug a portion of the land for the first five years 
at a half-penny per acre. They afterwards extended their 
settlements to the banks of Ashley and Cooper Rivers, and 
laid the foundation of Charleston. In 1729, the title of the 
land was invested in the crown, after which the country 
was divided into North and South Carolina, and a royal 
governor appointed over each. During the year 1700, the 
growth of cotton was introduced into the Carolinas, and, a 
few years later, that of rice. 

3. The last of the thirteen original States that revolted 
against Great Britain, was Georgia. Jt derives its name 
from George the Second, in whose reign it began to be 
settled. In the year 1732, a company of individuals, under 
General Oglethorpe, arrived from England, and made the 
first settlement in this colony. They touched at Charleston, 
and after leaving that city, they proceeded to their destined 
territory, and laid the foundation of the present city of 
Savannah. The corporation, in 1752, disposed of their 
rights to the English crown ; and from that period until the 
Revolution, Georgia was a royal province. 



QCKSTIONS. — 2. ■\Vli:it dill tlicv o\ti-ii<l ? Ill 1 7l'!>, wliat took |)lace? 
At what time \v;i>; foUdii nitniiliici-il ? ." W'liirii wms tlic last of the 
States? From wliom ilocs it lU'rivi- its naim' .' In 1 ".IL', wlio arrived ? 
W'liai i-it\- did tliiv I'liiiiid ■•' What (icmiricd in \7'<'2'.' 



The Indian Wars. 147 



chaptp:r XXI. 

The Indian Wars. 

1. Had the colonists of North America always been just 
to the Indians whom they found in possession of the soil, 
they would have had less reason to complain of these savages, 
and of their acts of violence and bloodshed. The Indians 
were no doubt at times faithless and treacherous, but they 
were also frequently provoked to acts of war by the aggres- 
sions of the whites. When thus aroused, they practised all 
those cruelties which they were accustomed to employ in 
their warfare with each other. It is worthy of notice that 
the relations of the Indians with the people of the Plymouth 
colony were entirely peaceful during the thirty years in 
which they were fairly used by those colonists; nor was peace 
ever interrupted between the Indians and Penn's colonists; 
nor between the colonists of Maryland and those Indians 
with whom tliey had once formed treaties. 

2. The Indians in the vicinity of Massachusetts Bay were 
few and peaceful, at least during the lifetime of Massasoit; 
but those in Connecticut and Rhode Island were numerous 
and warlike. Among these, the Narragansets and Pequods 
were the most formidable. The latter requested their neigh- 
bors to forget their mutual animosity, and unite against the 



Questions.— !. Had the colonists always liceii just to the Indians, 
what would have been the condition of thint;s ? What is said of these 
Indians? What is worthy of notice ? 2. What is said of the Indians 
in, &c.? Whieh were the most powei-fnl tribes? What did the latter 
request ? 



148 



Tlie Jiidiaii Wars. 



common enemy, the white man ; but the Narragansets, 
thinking this a favorable opportunity for destroying a power- 
ful rival, made known the hostile intentions of the Pequods 

to the governor of Connecticut, 
and formed an alliance with 
the colonists against them in 
1637. 

3. The Pequods had pitched 
their camp near tlie head of 
Mystic River; but the colonists 
and their allies, under Captain 
Mason, having reached the 
place un perceived, attacked 
the camp and set it on fire. 
A dreadful carnage ensued. 
The Indians were asleep at the 
time, and being roused by the 
discharge of the muskets, they 
rushed in consternation from 
their burning tenements. 

4. As they rushed forth, 
they were met by the swords 
of the enemy, or, attempting 

to leap over the enclosure of the cam}), were received by a 
shower of balls. Many, afraid to venture out, perished in 
the flames ; while others, encountering the deadly Aveapons 
uf the foe, rushed back into the burning element, and shared 




Tim Slain Mi.ssionauy. 



Questions. — 2. What did the Narragansets do ? 3. Where had the 
Pequods pitched their camp? What did Captain Mason do? Wliat 
followed? 4. llow were ihey met? What is said of many ? Of others? 



The Indian Wars. 149 



the fate of their companions. About six hundred of these 
poor Indians were slain on this occasion, and those that were 
taken prisoners were sold as slaves ; so that the tribe of the 
Pequods was almost entirely destroyed. 

5. In the year 1675, the peace which had existed since 
the time of the Pequod war, was interrupted, and the colo- 
nists found themselves involved in hostilities with Philip, 
king of the Wampanoags, the son of Massasoit, whose 
principal residence was at Mount Hope, in Rhode Island. 
Philip was a man of great courage, and of warlike abilities. 
He had long viewed the settlements of the English with an 
eye of jealously ; and believed that, unless the progress of 
the colonies was checked, the Indians would soon disappear 
from the land; that their beautiful rivers and lakes, their 
mountains and valleys, which descended to them from their 
fathers, would in a few years cease to be their inheritance; 
that all would pass into the hands of the strangers. 

6. Accordingly, he assembled his warrioi*s, and com- 
menced a war of extermination against the colonists, in 
which he was joined by the Narragansets. Many and pain- 
ful were the deeds of cruelty perpetrated during this war. 
On one occasion, as a party of eighty persons were traveling 
from Deerfield to Had ley, they stopped by the way to gathei- 
grapes ; while thus engaged, they were suddenly surrounded 
and attacked by the Indians, and only ten of their number 
escaped the fearful massacre that followed ! 

Questions. — 4. How many were slain ? 5. In 1675, what took 
place? What is said of Philip? What did he believe, &c. ? (i. Accord- 
ingly what (lid he do? On one occasion, what happened ? What was 
their fate ? 



150 The. Indian Wars. 



7. Brookfield, in Massachusetts, was attacked, and all the 
houses in it were burnt, except one in which many of the 
inhabitants had taken refuge. For two days the Indians 
assailed this house in vain : at last they resolved to set it 
on fire; but just as the flames began to ascend, they were 
suddenly extinguished by a heavy shower of rain. Shortly 
after this, assistance arrived from a neighboring town, and 
the inmates of the house were thus saved. 

8. After this, the war with Philip was carried on with 
varying success. In the great battle known by the name of 
the Swamp fight, two hundred and thirty of the colonists 
were killetl, while one thousand Indians are said to have 
perished, and five hundred of their wigwams were reduced 
to ashes. At length, an end was put to these disasters by 
the death of Philip, in 1676 ; he was shot by one of his own 
men, who had joined a party of the English, under the famous 
Captain Benjamin Church, and his young son was sold as a 
slave. 

9. During the winter of 1690, a party of Indians made 
an attack upon the village of Schenectady, in New York, 
The foe, with noiseless step, approached the town at the liour 
of midnight. The inhabitants were asleep, and the stillness 
of death reigned over the place. At a given signal the war- 
whoop \vas sounded. In an instant the inhabitants, aroused 
from their slumbers, started from their beds, but were met 
at their doors, and slaughtered by the savages. 

(irESTiONS.— 7. Wluit is said of Brookfield '/ At last what did they 
resolve? How were the flames extiii,i,nushed ? What arrived? 8. After 
this, what is said of the war? How many were killed in the Swamp 
fight? How was an end put to the war? !>. In 1690, what happened? 
What is said of the inhabitants? Ry whom were they met ? 



The Indian Wars. 



151 



10. The houses were set on fire, and in a few minutes 
sixty of the inhabitants were killed, and many others made 
prisoners. A few managed to escape, but they were without 
clothing, and the weather was extremely cold ; they there- 
fore endured incredible suffering before they reached a place 
of security. 

11. A few years after this, a parXy of Indians made an 
attack upon the town of Haverhill, in Massachusetts. 







Indian 1>\vhi,i,ings. 



Among the inhabitants of the town, there was a Mr. 
Dunstan, who, at the time, was engaged in the field at 
work. When the fierce cry of the savages reached his ears, 
lie immediately hastened home to save his family. 

12. When he arrived at his dwelling, he saw the Indians 
approaching. Unfortunately, at the time, Mrs. Dunstan 
was sick, and unable to leave the house. In his fright and 

Questions. — 10. What is said of the houses? How many were killed? 
What is said of those who attciujited to escape? 11. A few yeans after 
this, what took p^ace ? Who was amonsc the inhabitants? What 
did he do? 12. What is said of >[rs. Dunstan ? 



152 The Indian Wars. 



consternation, Mr. Dunstan knew not what to do ; he had 
seven children ; he thought he might be able, at least, to 
save them ; whereas, if he stopped to protect his wife, it 
would be certain destruction to them all. 

13. Therefore, leaving Mrs. Dunstan, with an infant of 
a few weeks old, together with her nurse, he mounted his 
horse, and telling his children to run before him, they all 
hastened off to a place of safety. Some of the savages pur- 
sued him for more than a mile; but having a gun, he 
defended himself and kept them at a distance. 

14. No one can describe the trials and sufferings which 
Mrs. Dunstan was destined to endure. Although very ill, 
the Indians compelled her, with her nurse and little infant, 
to go with them to their habitations in the gloomy forest, 
which were more than one hundred miles from Haverhill. 
It was winter, and the journey had to be performed on foot 
through the wilderness. 

15. Finding that the infant occupied much of the mother's 
attention, the savages snatched it from her arms, and killed 
it before her eyes, by striking its head against a tree. Mrs. 
Dunstan and her nurse were now almost overcome by 
fatigue, but the Indians, without pity or remorse, hurried 
them along. It happened, on a certain occasion, that the 
two prisoners were left in charge of a few Indians, who, being 
much fatigued, fell asleep. Mrs. Dunstan and her companion 
thought this a favorable opportunity for gaining their liberty. 

Questions. — 12. What plans did he think of? 13. Therefore, what 
did lie do? What did some of the savages do? 14. What did the In- 
dians do with Mrs. Dunstan ? How did they travel ? 15. What did they 
do with the infant? What is said of Mrs. Dunstan and her nurse? 
What happened ? 



The French War. 153 



l6. Accordingly, seizing a tomahawk, they killed these 
Indians, and thus made their escape. After wandering for 
some time throngh the wilderness, they arrived safely at 
Haverhill, and Mrs. Dunstan was again restored to her 
family. In 1703 and 1704, the colony suffered from the 
attacks of the French and Indians, and Deerfield was 'again 
burned. In 1725, the Indians ceased to trouble the colonists. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
The French War and Conquest of Canada. 

1. At an early period after the discovery of America, the 
French had established colonies in different parts of the 
country. They had made settlements in Canada, extending 
along the River Saint Lawrence to Lake Ontario, and had 
established several forts and trading houses on the shores 
of that lake, to protect and promote their trade with the 
Indians. They had also commenced a settlement on the 
Mississippi River, and laid the foundation of the present city 
of New Orleans ; and having ascended the river, they laid 
claim to the beautiful and fertile valley through which it 
flows. 

2. The French had also built several trading houses and 
forts on the Ohio River, and were endeavoring to connect 

QlJESTiONS. — IG. Accordingly, what did they do? Where did they 
arrive? What occurred in 1703 and 1704, &c. ? — 1. Wliat tools place at 
an early period ? Where had they made settlements ? Where had they 
also commenced a settlement? 2. Where had the French built trading 
houses, «fcc. ? 



ir)4 



The Fr,n<-h War. 



their northern and southern possessions by a chain of forts 
extending from Lake Ontario to the Mississippi River. As 
the boundary between the French and English colonies had 
never been settled, it was the subject of frequent disputes. 




'l"llK i;.\ll.li; UK rilK At'ADlANS. 

It happened at this time that a few individuals from Vir- 
ginia established themselves on the Ohio River, a short 
distance from the French settlements. As the French 
claimed this country, they immediately seized the settlers 
and sent them prisoners to Canada. 

3. This conduct on the part of the French alarmed 
the English, and called forth the most decisive measures. 



Questions. — 2. What is said of the boundary? What happened' 
Wluit (lid the French do? .1. What is said of ihi< coniliiri '.•' 



The French War. 155 



Repeated complaints of" violence being made to the governor 
of Virginia, he resolved to send a messenger to the com- 
mander of the French forces on the Ohio, to demand the 
cause of these hostile proceedings, and to insist that he 
should evacuate the country. The choice of a person to 
perform this arduous duty, fell upon George Washington, 
the future deliverer of his country, and at that time in the 
twenty-first year of his age. Thus early did Washington 
begin that public career which has endeared his memory to 
every American, and rendered his name illustrious in every 
land. 

4. Before proceeding further, we must give our young 
readers a short sketch of the early history of this illustrious 
man. George Washington was born in Westmoreland 
County, Virginia, on the 22d of February, in the year 17o2. 
His father, whose name was Augustine, was a native of 
Virginia ; but his great-grandfather had emigrated to this 
country, from England, in 1657. At an early age, he was 
sent to a school kept on his father's farm, and there finished 
his education at the age of fifteen, under the direction of a 
Mr. Williams. He was well acquainted with English Gram- 
mar, Arithmetic, Geography, and Surveying ; but he was 
not a Greek or Latin scholar. 

5. He was early distinguished for his great love of truth, 
though this tale be not true : On one occasion his father gave 
him a small hatchet, with which, in his youthful sport, he 



QrESTlONS.— 3. What is said of the governor? On wliom did the 
choice fall? What is said of Washington ? 4. When and where was 
Washington horn ? What is said of his father, <&c. ? When was ho 
sent to school? With wliat was he acquainted? 5. For what was he 
earlv distintruished ? Wliat is related of hiin? 



156 The French War. 



destroyed a very valuable young apple tree. His father, 
much displeased on seeing the injury done to the tree, 
inquired of the servants who had destroyed it, but no one 
could give him any information. Then turning to his son, 
he said : " George, do you know who destroyed that tree?" 
George ran to his father, and said : " Father, you know that 
I cannot tell a lie; I did it with my hatchet." From this 
beautiful example of the youthful Washington, let our young 
readers learn the value of Truth ; let them learn to practise 
that lovely virtue, so bright an ornament in the character 
of youth. 

6. Washington, having received a letter from the governor 
of Virginia, departed on his perilous journey to the French 
settlement, a distance of about four hundred miles, through 
a wilderness inhabited by hostile savages. On his way, his 
horse failed, but he proceeded on foot with a gun in his 
hand, and a pack on his shoulders. On the twelfth of De- 
cember he arrived at the French settlement, delivered the 
letter to the commander, and by the middle of January 
had returned in safety with an answer to the governor of 
Virginia. 

7. The reply not proving satisfactory, the governor of 
Virginia resolved to organize a regiment to support the 
claims of Great Britain over the disputed territory, Mr. 
Frey was appointed colonel of this regiment, and young 
Washington lieutenant-colonel, but on the death of Frey, 

Qttestions.— 5. What did his father ask him? What did George 
reply? J^rom this example, what should we learn, &c. ? 6. What did 
Washington do? What was the distance? On the way, what hap- 
pened ? When did he reach the French settlement ? 7. What did the 
governor resolve ? Who was appointed colonel ? 



The French War. 



157 



which happened shortly after his appointment, the command 
devolved on Washington. Without delay, Washington 
marched' forward at the head of a small force, to drive the 
French from a fort called Fort Du Quesne, which was 

situated at the 
junction of the 
Alleghany and 
Monongahela 
Rivers, where 
Pittsburg now 
stands. 

8. Before he 
reached thefort, 
he was informed 
that the garri- 
son had been re- 
enforced, and 
that the French 
general, at the 
head of nine 
hundred men, 
was advancing 
against him. He therefore thought it prudent to fall back 
to a fort which he had previously thrown up ; but before he 
was able to complete his defence, he was attacked by the 
French, and after a brave resistance of several hours, was 
compelled to yield on honorable terms of capitulation. 




The Priest as a Physician. 



Questions.— 7. On the death of Frey, what took place? Wliat did 
Washiugton do? Where was thefort? 8. Of what was he informed? 
What did he think prudent ? What was he compelled to do ? 



158 The French War. 



g. In the spriug of the year 1754, General Braddock was 
sent from Ireland, with a large force, to support the British 
claims in America. Shortly after his arrival in Virginia, he 
was joined by the colonial troops under Washington, and it 
was resolved to attack Fort Du Quesne. General Braddock 
was a brave man, but possessed no experience in the mode 
of Indian warfare. Washington, who acted as his aide-de- 
camp, asked permission to go forward with the provincial 
troops, and scour the woods ; but Braddock rejected this 
prudent measure with contempt, saying "that it was high 
time indeed to begin, if he had to learn the science of war 
from a young buckskin." 

10. He marched incautiously forward, and when within 
a few miles of Fort Du Quesne, he fell into an ambuscade 
of French and Indians. The enemy, concealed behind rocks 
and trees, poured a heavy discharge of musketry upon the 
unprotected troops of Braddock ; the van was forced back 
upon the main body, and the whole array was thrown into 
disorder. A dreadful slaughter now ensued. Braddock did 
all that a brave general could do, but valor was unavailing. 
After an action of three hours, seven hundred of the English 
were left dead upon the field ; Braddock himself, after 
having three horses shot under him, fell mortally wounded. 
Washington had two horses shot under him, and four bullets 
j)assed through his coat; yet he escaped unhurt. 

Ql'EsTIONS. — 'K 111 l?.")^, what liap[)t'ii(Ml ? r>y M'liat was he joined? 
■What is said <>f Eraddock? What did Washington ask? What did 
llraddook re]>ly ? 10. How did he march ? What is said of the enemy? 
Of the van ? What ensued ? What is said of Rraddook ? What was 
liis fate? Wliai is said of Wasliiiigton ? 



The French War. 



159 



II. The next year, the English were more successful in 
their operations; they reduced Crown Point, Louisburg, and 
several other places; so that the city of Quebec was the 
only stronghold that remained in the hands of the French. 
Quebec was strongly fortified by nature, and defended by a 
garrison of ten thousand men, under the command of General 







-Sew E.s«i.a.ni)i;ks ;Mak(iiin«; kdr Loiisbukj. 

Montcalm. The artUious duty of reducing this city was 
intrusted to the heroic General Wolfe. 

12. Wolfe, having made an unsuccessful assault upon the 
city from the river, with incredible labor led his army to 
a plateau on the north bank, called the Plains of Abraham. 
The enterprise was conducted with so much secrecy that 
Montcalm had no intimation of it until Wolfe's army was 
arrayed on the heights above. A sanguinary battle ensued, 



Questions. — 11. The next year, what of the English ? What places 
• lid they reduce? Wiuit is said of Quebec? What duty was given to 
Wolfe? ]■-'. Where did Wolfe; hind his army? ^Vh:^t is said of the 
enterpri.se? What ensued? 



160 The French War. 



in which the French were defeated with an immense loss, 
and General Montcalm was numbered among the slain. 

13. At the same time, the British had to lament the loss 
of the heroic Wolfe, who fell in the moment of victory. 
This courageous man, having received a mortal wound, 
was carried to the rear of the army, where he caused him- 
self to be raised, so that he might view the engagement. 
Faint with the loss of blood, he had reclined his head upon 
the arm of an officer, when he was aroused by these words: 
"They fly, they fly!" "Who fly?" exclaimed the dying 
general. Being told that it was the enemy, he replied : " I 
die contented," and immediately expired. 

14. The last moments of Montcalm are equally remark- 
able. Being told that he could only survive a few hours, he 
replied: " It is so much the better; I shall not then live to 
see the surrender of Quebec." This battle was followed by 
the reduction of the city, and subsequently of all Canada; 
so that of all the territories claimed by France in America, 
New Orleans and a few plantations on the Mississippi alone 
remained in her possession, A. D. 1763, and these she ceded 
to Spain. In the same -year, Spain ceded Florida to Great 
Britain. 

QUESTION'S. — V2. What wa.s the fate of Montcalm ? l.>. What had the 
BritLsh to lament? Where was he carried? Faint with the loss of 
blood, what is related of liini? Being told, &c., M'hat did he reply? 
14. What is said of Montcalm? What did he reply? By what was 
this battle followed ? Wliat occurred iu 17G.") ? 



UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXIir. 
The Revolution. 

1. We have seen in the preceding chapters that this 
country was settled by persons from different parts of 
Europe; we have read with feelings of emotion, the story 
of their trials and their sufferings; we have seen them 
leaving their kindred, their home, and native clime, to seek 
an asylum from the iron grasp of tyranny in a land beyond 
the waters of the broad Atlantic. 

2. They landed upon a bleak and unknown shore ; and 
in the trackless wilderness, surrounded by Indians, they com- 
menced their settlements. Difficulty after difficulty yielded 
to their patience, courage, and perseverance ; the forest fell 
before them, and smiling fields of plenty sprang up where, 
for ages before, the Indian unmolested had pursued the 
buffalo and the deer. 

3. From a handful of adventurers, scattered along the 
sea-coast, they had grown to a nation, and at the period of 
which we are about to speak, the colonies contained three 

Questions. — 1. Wliat luive we learned from the preceding chapters 
in regard to the people who settled this country? Their trials, «fec.? 

2. On landing, what were their difficulties, and what was their success? 

3. From a few, &c., what did they grow to? At that time what was 
the number of inhabitants ? 

11 161 



]62 United States. 



millions of inhabitants. The colonists, from their situation, 
had early learned the principles of self-government, and had 
studied the maxims of civil and political liberty with more 
than ordinary care. They had learned, too, the science of war 
and of jn-ms. We have seen with what manly courage they 
defended the rights of their parent country ; we are now 
about to behold them in deadly strife with the veteran hosts 
of England, in defence of tlieir oicii rights, tlieir liberties, 
and their homes. 

4. Up to this period, the colonists cherislied a warm 
affection for their mother countiy ; and felt j)roud of their 
descent from and connection with one of the most j)owerfiil 
nations of Europe. The British Parliament, however, began 
to make encroachments upon their rights and their liberties. 
The ministers of the king, seeing the country very much in 
debt, advised him to raise money by taxing his subjects in 
America. The advice ))leased His ^Majesty, and accordingly 
a law was passed imposing duties upon various articles of 
merchandise imported into America. 

5 The people of America contended that they should not 
be taxed without their consent, and they opposed these 
measures. They used every means in their power to induce 
the king to change his conduct towards them ; but their 
arguments were only answered by renewed acts of oppression. 

6. In 1765, the famous Stamp Act was passed by the 
British Parliament, by which all instruments of writing in 
the American colonies, such as deeds, wills, &c., were null 

Questions. — 3. A\'liathafl they early leanicil ? Wliat liave we seen? 
4. What i.s .'<aiil of the colonists? What i.s .said of the British Parlia- 
ment? What (lid tlu' ministers advise? Wliat law was pas.sed ? r>. 
What did tlic people do? What further? ('>. In 17fi", what was i)assed ? 



The Revolution. 163 



and void, unless drawn up on stamped paper, on which a 
duty was to be paid. The news of this measure created the 
greatest excitement among the colonists. In the Assembly 
of Virginia, the patriotic Patrick Henry brought forward 
a number of s])irited resolutions against it ; and when the 
news reached Boston, tlie bells were mufiied, and rang a 
funeral peal. In New York, the Act was carried through the 
streets with a death's head affixed to it, bearing this inscrip- 
tion : "The folly of England and the ruin of America." In 
Maryland, the agent for the sale of stamps was driven out 
of the colony. 

7. So great was the opposition to the Stamp Act that it 
was repealed during the spring of 1766 ; but in the following 
year an act was passed imposing a duty on tea, paper, glass, 
and paint. This act was followed by another very unjust 
and arbitrary declaration, that all offenders in the colonies 
should be sent to England for trial ; and in order to carry 
these measures into effect, two British regiments were sent 
over and quartered in Boston. 

8. The citizens were highly exasperated upon seeing 
themselves beset by foreign soldiers, sent over with the 
design of forcing them to yield to the arbitrary acts of the 
British Parliament. Erequent disputes occurred between the 
soldiers and the inhabitants of Boston, and during one of 
these quarrels, three of the citizens were killed, and five 
more dangerously wounded. Captain Preston and the 

Questions.— ti. Wliat was the effect of this act? What did the news 
create? In Virginia, what was done? In Boston? In New York? 
Ill Maryland ? 7. What is said of the Stamp Act? What other dutv 
was imposed ? By what was this act followed ? What were sent over? 
8. What is said of the citizens? Wliat frecpiently occurred? 



164 



United States. 



soldiers who fired on the people, were brouglit to trial and 
acquitted. The three citizens slain in this affray were 
buried with great honors, while the bells of the city were 
tolled. 




The Boston Massacke. 



9. During the year 1771, the English Parliament re- 
pealed the duties upon glass, paint, and paper, but retained 
a tax of throe pence per pound on tea. The colonists 



QrESTlONS. — S. What is said of Captain Preston, «fec. ? Of the three 
itizeus? 9. lu 1771, what took phice? What tax was retained? 



The Revolution. lt)5 



resolved not to i)ay this very unjust duty. The inhabitants 
of New York and Phila(leli)hia prevented the landing of the 
tea. In Boston, a party of men, disguised as' Indians, went 
on board the vessels, and threw the tea, consisting of three 
hundred and forty chests, into the harbor. Two cargoes 
of tea that arrived in Maryland were sent back to England 
without being landed. The arrival of a third vessel with 
tea at Annapolis occasioned great indignation. The inhab- 
itants were about to destroy the vessel, when the captain, to 
save his credit, set fire to it himself, in the harbor, and 
destroyed both vessel and cargo. In Charleston, the tea was 
landed, but not permitted to be sold, and went to decay in 
the cellars in which it was stored. 

10. When the news of the proceedings at Boston reached 
England, the Parliament grew highly indignant, and an act 
was immediately passed, ordering that port to be closed, and 
transferring the government to Salem, Not long after this 
transaction. General Gage arrived in Boston, with two 
regiments of soldiers, and a great supply of military stores. 

11. By these proceedings, the Americans saw very plainly 
that it was the object of the British Government to force 
them into obedience. They perceived that a crisis was 
approaching; they had done all they could do to prevent it ; 
they had petitioned, they had entreated, they had cast 
themselves at the foot of the throne, to invoke its interposition 
to avert the tyranny of the British Parliament. But their 

Questions.— 9. What is said of the inhabitants of New York, &c. ? 
What was clone at Boston ? In Maryland ? At Annapolis? At Char- 
leston*? 10. What did the Parliament do? After this, who arrived in 
Boston? 11. What is said of the Anierieans? What had they done ? 
Whatissai.l of their petitions? 



166 United States. 



petitions had been disregarded, and their prayers treated 
with contempt. 

12. At length, the spirit of the nation was roused and 
the people resolved to resist the oppression of England ; they 
determined to unsheathe the sword, and go forth to the field 
of battle, to shed their blood in the defense of their rights, 
and in the support of the sacred cause of liberty. 

13. A regular enlistment of soldiers was commenced, and 
officers were appointed. Delegates from all the colonies met 
in council at Philadelphia; this body, generally known by 
the name of the Continental Congress, agreed to suspend all 
intercourse with Great Britain, drew up an address to the 
king, another to the people of England, and a third to the 
colonies. When the news of the proceedings of the Con- 
tinental (.'ongress reached England, Massachusetts was 
declared in a state of rebellion, and a large body of troops 
was sent over to Boston, to sup[)ress it. 

14. In this state of things, nothing was wanting but some 
favorable opportunity to manifest the feelings of the people ; 
and as they acted on the defensive, they were anxious that 
when the contest should commence, the British might be the 
aggressors. About eighteen miles from Boston, there was a 
small village of the name of Concord : at this place the 
Americans had some military stores. These General Gage 
resolved to destroy, and for this purpose sent eight hundred 



Qi'ESTioNS. — 12. At length, whatdiil tlicy rcsolvi' ? AVIiat did they 
(letenuine ? 13. What was comiiifiicfd ? Wliat did the Continental 
Congress do? When the news reached England, what was done? 14. 
In this statcof things, what is said? For what were they autfcions? 
Where had the Americans some stores? 14. What did (leiieral Gage 
resolve to do, «S:c. ? 



The Revolution. 167 



soldiers to Concord, under the command of Major Pitcairn, 
on the evening of the 18th of April, 1775. 

15. As they marched through Lexington, they were met 
by a party of American militia, who had assembled on an 
open plain for the fixed purpose of opposing their march. 
Major Pitcairn, riding up to them, cried out, " Disperse, 
you rebels!" and then discharging his pistol, ordered his 
men to fire. Four or five of the Americans were killed and 
several others wounded. Thus was shed the first blood in 
that memorable contest, the war of the Revolution, which 
finally resulted in securing the liberty and establishing the 
Independence of America. 

16. After this, the royal troops proceeded to Concord and 
destroyed the military stores. The British then attempted 
to cut* off the approach of the Americans by destroying the 
bridges; but at Concord bridge they were opposed by the 
Americans, and a slight action took place, which resulted in 
the retreat of the English, with a loss of several killed and 
wounded. Major Pitcairn, alarmed at the courage of the 
Americans, and deeming it unsafe to remain any longer at 
Concord, immediately commenced his march to Boston. 

17. In the meantime, the news of the affair at Concord 
spread with rapidity through the country, and the people in 
a mass flew to arms. They attacked the retreating troops 
on every side ; a constant fire was kept up from behind trees, 
walls, and rocks, until the British reached Lexington, when 



Questions. — 15. At Lexington what took place? What did Pitcairn 
do? How many of the Americans were killec)? 16. What did the 
royal troops do? What took place at Concord bridge? What was 
done by Major Pitcairn? 17. Meantime what took phuie ? Mow did 
they attack the troops ? 



168 United States. 

they were joined by a body of troops from Boston, which 
secured their retreat to that city. During this transaction, 
the British lost sixty-five in killed, and one hundred and 
eighty wounded. The Americans lost fifty killed, and thirty- 
four wounded. 

18. The affair at Concord was considered by the Americans 
as the signal for hostilities. They immediately secured the 
forts, magazines, and arsenals within the limits of the colonies, 
and Congress passed a resolution for raising thirty thousand 
men in New England. Tlie excitement of the people was 
intense, and they readily responded to the call. 

19. It is related of an aged farmer near Cambridge that, 
seeing his son about to start with a company of other lads, 
he said : " Young men, may God be with you all ; and you, 
my son John, if you must fight, fight like a man ; if not, 
never let me see you again." When the news of what had 
taken place at Lexington reached General Putnam, he was 
ploughing in the field. He immediately stopped his team, 
and leaving his plough in the unfinished furrow, mounted 
his horse and proceeded with rapidity to Boston. 

20. Before proceeding further, we must inform our young 
readers that by far the greater part of the Americans about to 
encase in the battle for freedom were farmers and mechanics, 
men who knew but little about the art of war. But their 
cause was just; their rights had been invaded, their liberties 
were in danger, and the soil of their country had already 
been watered by the blood of their fellow-citizens. 

Qi'ESTiONS. — 17. What was the loss on both sides? 18. What is said 
of the affair at Concord ? AVhat did they secure? What did Tongress 
do? 19. What is related? What is said of General Putnam ? 20. What 
were the greater part of the Americans ? What is said of llieir cause ? 



The Revohdion. 



169 



21. The country at that time was poor, the cities were 
small, and trade was limited ; and the population of the 
entire thirteen colonies was only about three millions of 
human beings, exclusive of the Indians. Yet, under all 
these disadvantages, our illustrious ancestors resolved to 
engage in a deadly struggle with one of the most powerful 




l-'.VNKUIL HaI.I.. 

nations of the earth. The English had large armies, a 
thousand ships, and an abundance of military stores. Of 
all these the Americans were destitute. They knew, how- 
ever, that the race is not always to the swift, nor the battle 
to the strong ; but to the active, the courageous, the brave. 
They knew there is a just God, who presides over the 



Questions.— 21. What is said of the country? Yet wliat did our 
ancestors resolve? What had the English? What did the Americans 

know '! 



170 United States. 



destinies of nations, and poises in His hand the fate of 
empires. In Him they put their trust, and under the ap- 
proving smile of His protection, they went forth to battle. 

22. Towards the close of May, in 1775, a considerable 
re-enforcement of British troops arrived in Boston, under 
the command of Generals Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne. 
The Americans were anxious to get possession of Boston, and 
for that purpose a detachment of one thousand men, under 
Colonel Prescott was sent to occupy Bunker Hill; but by 
some mistake they proceeded to Breed's Hill, an eminence 
much nearer the city, and there commenced to throw up an 
intrenchment. At midnight they commenced their opera- 
tions, and their movements were conducted with so much 
silence that the English had no intimation of their design 
until the return of morning. 

23. During the morning, Colonel Prescott received a re- 
enforcement of live hundred men, and about noon General 
Gage sent two thousand men to drive the Americans from 
their works. As they were advancing to the attack, Charles- 
town was set on fire. The devouring element spread from 
house to house, and soon the entire town was enveloped in 
flames. It was now the 17th of June, and the day was 
extremely warm. The British advanced towards Breed's 
Hill, and the Americans remained behind their intrench- 
iiients, ready to receive them. 

24. The moment was one of tlie deepest interest. The 



Questions. — 22. In 1775, what arrived ? I'or what were the Ameri- 
cans anxious? What did they do? When did they commeuce their 
operations? 23. What did Prescott receive ? At noon, what was done? 
What town was set on fire? What day of the month.' l'4. What is 
said of the moment ? 



The Revolution. 171 

steeples and houses of Boston, together with the surrounding 
hills, were covered with a multitude of persons. Some there 
were who, Avith uplifted hands, invoked the blessing of 
Heaven upon the cause of the Americans, among whom 
perhaps, they had a husband, a father, a brother, or a fond 
and devoted friend. Others again, perhaps, secretly wished 
success to the British ; while all gazed with breathless 
silence upon the scene. 

25. The stillness of death rested on the American lines, 
until the English approached within a iew rods of their 
works ; then at a given signal they ])oured forth a sudden and 
destructive shower of balls upon the enemy. So fatal was 
this volley that the British instantly turned and retreated 
hastily to their boats. They were soon rallied, and again 
returned to the attack, but a second time they were obliged to 
retreat. A third time they were brought to the charge: the 
contest now raged with intense fury on both sides; the 
Americans, having exhausted all their powder, fought for 
some time with the butt-ends of their muskets, and finally 
yielded their intrenchments. 

26. In this battle, the British lost one thousand and fifty- 
four in killed and wounded, while the Americans lost four 
hundred and fifty-three. The British officers were astonished 
at the result; they had formerly despised the Americans, but 
now they were taught at least to respect their heroic valor. 
On the part of the Americans, the effect was renewed courage 



Questions. — 24. What did some tlo ? Others ayain ? 2.3. What is 
said? What is said of the charge? What did they again do? What 
is now said of the contest ? <^f tlie Americans ? 2fi. What was the loss 
on each side? What is saitl of the British officers? JIow did it inspire 
the Americans? 



172 United States. 



aud confidence. They were repulsed, it is true, but it was 
only for the want of ammunition. They found that in an 
equal contest they could beat the English regulars. 

27. Although the Americans were partially successful in 
this memorable battle, yet they had to lament the loss of 
many of their brave associates. Among the slain was the 
patriotic General Warren. This distinguished man was 
endeared to his companions in arms by his amiable dis- 
position aud heroic courage, and was loved and esteemed 
by all, on account of his true and disinterested patriotism. 
While the battle raged in its greatest fury, Warren was seen 
in the midst of his countrymen, animating them by his 
presence and example. While thus engaged, a British officer, 
who knew him, took a gun from the hand of a soldier, and 
shot him through the head. 

28. At this time the Continental Congress was in session 
in Philadelphia; that body resolved on immediate measures 
of defence. They began to organize an army, and unani- 
mously elected George Washington, a member of their body 
from Virginia, as commander-in-chief of the American forces. 
Washington received the appointment with much diffidence, 
but, entering without delay upon the duties of his office, he, 
on the second of July, joined the army at Cambridge. 

29. With a view of guarding the frontier, a plan was 
devised for the invasion of Canada, and accordingly a body 
of troops, under Generals Schuyler and Montgomery, was 

Questions.— 27. Who was among the slain ? What is said of him? 
While the battle raged, what did he do? How was he killed? 28. 
Where was Congress in session? AVho was elected as commander-in- 
chiet"? When and where did he join the army? 29. Who were sent 
to Canada ? 



The Revolution. 173 



sent into that country. But General Schuyler being de- 
tained by sickness, the chief command devolved on General 
Montgomery, who pushed forward on his expedition, took 
Fort Charably, and the city of Montreal, which surrendered 
without resistance, and planted his victorious standard before 
the very walls of Quebec. 

30. A second division was sent forward under General 
Arnold, and the two generals in conjunction made an attack 
upon the city of Quebec. It was the last day of December, 
and the cold was intense. Montgomery advanced at the 
head of his men, animating them by his presence, and with 
his own hand assisted in cutting a way through the ice and 
snow. At length, waving his sword, he rushed forward, 
followed by his soldiers. A single discharge was hoard from 
the battery, the gunners fled, and in a few moments the 
walls of Quebec were in possession of the Americans. 

31. But, unfortunately, as they entered the city, a ball 
discharged from a neighboring house proved fatal to the 
brave Montgomery ; he fell cheering his men to the combat. 
At the same time. General Arnold, who had made an attack 
upon another part of the city, was wounded by a cannon 
ball. After the fall of Montgomery, the officer next in 
command ordered his men to retreat. 

32. No man fell during the revolutionary contest whose 
death was more lamented than that of the heroic Mont- 
gomery. He engaged in the American cause from principles 

Questions. — 29. "What is said of General Schuyler? AVhat did 
Montgomery do? 30. Under whom was a second division sent ? What 
city did they attaclc? Wiiat is said of Montgomery? What did the 
gunners do, &c. ? .SI. As they entered the city, what happened ? What 
happened to Arnold ? 32. What is said of the fall of Montgomery ? 



174 United State>> 



of the purest patriotism. He had left the eajoyraent of ease 
and the highest domestic happiness, in Ireland, his native 
land, to share the toils and danijers of a war undertaken to 
defend tlie rights of a country of which he was only an 
adopted citizen. 

33. About this time, General Washington formed the 
design of driving the British from Boston. Accordingly, ho 
erected a battery on Dorchester Heights, a situation that 
gave him complete command of the city. General Howe, 
finding it impossible to remove the Americans from their 
position, evacuated Boston on the 17th of March, and em- 
barked with his troops for Halifax. On the same day. 
General Washington entered the city amidst the joyous 
acclamations of the inhabitants. 



chaptp:k XXIV. 

THK I)i;( I.AKA liOX OK IXDEPENDKNCE. 

I. We have seen in the })receding chapter that the 
patriots of the Revolution, at the commencement of the 
contest, only contended for their rights as British subjects ; 
but now, seeing that there was no choice left them but that 
of absolute freedom or degrading slavery, they began to 
assume a loftier position. The subject of Independence 
began to be openly discussed, and, at length, they resolved 

QrESTioNs. — ;Jl'. What dill lie leave? .'53. What is said of Washing- 
Ion? Whatdidhedo? When did the British leave Boston ? Onthesame 
ilay? — 1. What have we seen? For what had they eontended? W^hat 
is said of Independence? What did they resolve? 



The Revolviion. 17o 



to sever entirely the connection which bound them to the 
mother country. 

2. Accordingly, on the 7lh of June, a motion was made 
in Congress, by Richard Henry Lee, of Virginia, to declare 
the colonies free and independent: and at the same time, a 
committee, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston, 
was appointed to prepare a declaration. 

3. On the memorable 4th of July, 1776, the report of 
that committee was adopted by the Continental Congress, 
and the thirteen confederate colonies were declared to be 
free and indei)endent States, and at the same time all connec- 
tion between them and Great Britain was forever dissolved. 
The first important battle fought after the Declaration of 
Independence was that of Long Island, in which the 
Americans were repulsed, with a loss of about four hundred 
men. 

4. At this time an incident occurred which exhibits the 
spirit of General Washington. Letters were directed to him 
by General Howe, the commander of the British forces; but 
as these letters were directed to George Washington, and not 
to him in his official capacity, he refused to receive them. 
And when Colonel Patterson, the bearer of the letters, said 
that they were of great importance, and contained oflers 
of pardon, &c., General Washington very calmly replied 
that the Americans had committed no wrong, and therefore 

Questions. — 2. On the 7th of June, what was done ? At the same 
time what was done? .'!. What took i)hiee on the 4th of July, 177(1? 
Where was the first hattle after the Deelaration of Independence? 4. 
What incident occurred ? What is said of these letters? What reply 
did Washinf'ton make to Patterson? 



176 



United Stafe><. 




SiGNiNu THE Declaration ok Indkpkndence. 



wanted no pardon ; they were only defending their rights 
and their liberties. 

5. Shortly after the battle of Long Island, General Howe, 



Questions. — o. What is said of General Howe; 



The Revolution. 177 



entered the city of New York, and the Americans retired 
to White Plains, where a severe action took place with con- 
siderable loss on both sides. The limits of our little history 
will not permit us to relate all that happened during this 
eventful period ; we shall have to confine ourselves to a few 
of the most important events. 

6. During this war, the British hired soldiers to fight 
against the Americans; among these were a great number 
of troops from Hesse in Germany who were called Hessians. 
A large detachment of these Hessians were stationed at 
Trenton ; while the Americans were encamped on the 
Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River. On the twenty- 
fifth of December, General Washington, with a select body 
of men, crossed the Delaware, attacked the Hessians, and 
took nine hundred of them prisoners. 

7. He then proceeded to Princeton, and on the third 
of January, 1777, defeated a body of the British, with the 
loss of one hundred men, and compelled the remainder, 
about three hundred in number, to surrender themselves as 
prisoners of war. In this action, General Mercer, of Vir- 
ginia, was killed. 

QUESTIONS.— 5. Of the Americans? What took place at White 
Plains? G. What did the Hiitish do during the War? Where was 
a detachment of these stationed ? On 2.-,tli December, what did Wash- 
ington do? 7. What did he then d..? In this action, who was killed? 



12 



178 



Uitiitd Kit ales. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

The Battle of Brandywine — Surrender of Bur- 
QOYNE — The Arrival of Aid from Fran'ce — The 
Destruction of the Settlement of Wyoming. 

I. It had been for some time the object of General Howe 
to get possession of Philadelphia. For this purpose he left 
I^ew York with a fleet carrying about sixteen thousand men, 

entered the Chesapeake 
Bay, and having landed 
his troops near the head of 
Elk River, commenced his 
march to Philadelphia. 

2. General Washing- 
ton, who closely watched 
his movements, hastened 
to oppose his progress with 
a much inferior force. On 
the 11th of September, 
the two armies met on the 
banks of the river Brandy- 
wine. A severe battle 
followed, in which the 
Americans were repulsed 
with considerable loss. This battle is rendered memorable 
for being the first in which the JNIarquis de Lafayette and 
Pulaski were engaged, the former of whom was wounded. 

Questions.— 1. "What IkkI Ixvn the object of Ho-s-e? For this 
purpose what did he do V 2. Wliat is .said of Washington ? What took 
place on the 11th of Septeinhcr? For what is this battle memorable? 




(lENERAl, WaSUINOTON. 



The Revolution. 179 



3. Lafayette was a young French nobleman. He left 
his country and his home in order to assist the Americans, 
engaged in tlie defence of their rights and their liberties. 
He fought bravely and successfully during the war, and 
returned with honor to his native land. 

4. The brave and patriotic Pulaski was a native of Poland. 
Disgusted at the tyranny that weighed upon his native coun- 
try, he resolved to forsake the land of his fathers, and to 
devote his life to the cause of liberty in a foreign clime. 
He accordingly came to America, to assist the countrymen 
of Washington in gaining their independence ; and after 
spending about two years in this noble cause, he fell a 
sacrifice to his patriotism at Savannah, when that city was 
attacked by General Lincoln. 

5. After the battle of Brandywine, the British general 
directed his march to Philadelphia, and took possession of 
that city. AVhile these operations were going on in the 
Middle States, more auspicious events were taking place in 
the north. General Burgoyne, who commanded the Britisli 
in that quarter, had crossed the Hudson and encamped near 
Saratoga. General Gates, who commanded the American 
army in the north, resolved, if possible, to intercept the 
progress of Burgoyne. On the 18th of September, a severe 
engagement took place at Stillwater, near Saratoga. 

6. On the 7th of October, the memorable battle of 



QlKSTloxs.— ;>. Wlio was Lafayette';' How did lie fight? I. Who 
was Pulaski? What is said of him ? What was his fate? 3. What 
did the British general do? What was taking i)lace in the north? 
What did General Burgoyne do? Who commanded the Americans in 
the north? On the ISth of Septoml.er, wliat took place? 1.. On the 
7th of October, what took plaei'? 



180 United States. 



Saratoga took place. While the battle raged in all its fury, 
General Gates, who was commander-in-chief, is said to have 
remained quietly in his tent, conversing with a British 
officer. The victory was obtained by the courage and 
intrepidity of General Arnold. Arnold, mounted on a 
splendid charger, seemed to be everywhere almost at the 
same moment, animating his men to the charge. At length, 
the gallant horse that hud borne him safely through scenes 
of blood and fire was killed under him ; at the same time 
Arnold fell severely wounded, in the moment of victory. 
As he was carried bleeding from the field, he exclaimed: 
"The battle is ours ; Saratoga is won ! " 

7. The situation of Burgoyne was now extremely critical. 
His splendid army of ten thousand men was defeated in 
several engagements, and reduced to nearly half its number. 
But still he was too proud to sul)niit to his fate. At length, 
seeing his position growing hourly more critical, he called a 
council of war, and it was resolved to surrender by capitu- 
lation. 

8. Accordingly, on the 17th of October, he surrendered 
his whole army, amounting to nearly six thousand men, to 
General Gates, as prisoners of war. Among the many 
valuable articles obtained by this surrender, were forty-two 
pieces of cannon, seven thousand muskets, a vast supply of 
shot, shells, tents, and military stores. 



QrESTioxs. — 6. While the battle raged? What is said of General 
Gates? By whom was the victory gained? Wliat is said of Arnold? 
At length, wliat happened ? WIvat did he exclaim ? 7. What is said of 
IJurgoyne? Of his army ? At length, what did lie do ? S. On the 17th 
of October, wliat took place? What were some of the articles obtained 
by this surrender ? 



Tlic Revolution. 181 



9. This event diffused universal joy among the Americans, 
and inspired them with renewed ardor in the cause of 
freedom. During the previous year, three commissioners 
had been sent to Europe to obtain aid and alliance from 
foreign powers. At first they were unsuccessful, but at last 
they obtained the promise of assistance from Louis XVI., 
king of France; and in July, 1778, to the great joy of the 
whole American people, a French fleet arrived at the mouth 
of the Delaware. The fleet, however, effected nothing of 
importance for the time being, and toward the close of the 
season it sailed to the West Indies. 

10. About this time happened an event, for which there 
can scarcely be found a parallel of cruelty and barbarity on 
the pages of history. On the banks of the Susquehanna, in 
the present county of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, was situated 
the beautiful settlement of Wyoming. Here, about one 
thousand families lived peacefully and happily, while industry 
and frugality added to their prosperity. 

11. A party of Tories, with a band of about four hundred 
Indians, resolved on the ruin of this beautiful vale. The 
inhabitants were apprised of the danger, but too late to 
make any adequate defence. They, however, threw up a 
rude fortification, with a resolution to defend their homes 
and their families ; and in this they might have been 
successful, had it not been for the vile stratagem of their 
heartless foes. 

Questions. — 9. What is said of this event ? During the previous 
year, wliat had been done? At last what did they obtain ? In Julj- 
whut took place? What is said of the fleet? 10. What happened about 
this time? Where was Wyoming situated? What is said ol 11? 11. 
Whal did the Tories, &c., do ? The inhabitants ? What further? 



182 United States. 



12. Before arrivinij at Wyoming, the Tories sent a 
luesseuger to the fort, stating that they would not do the 
inhabitants any injury, but wished to hold a conference 
with them a short distance from the village. Without 
suspecting the treacherous designs of his enemies, Colonel 
Butler, the commander of the fort, leaving behind him a 
small force, set out with the main body of his men to meet 
liiem. 

13. They marched with the messenger into a thiqk and 
gloomy forest; here they were suddenly surrounded by the 
Tories and Indians to the number of sixteen hundred, and 
most inhumanly massacred. Out of four hundred men that 
left the fort, only sixty escaped. The enemy then hastened 
to attack the fortifications which had been recently thrown 
u]) ; and on arriving there they threw over the walls the 
bleeding scalps of the murdered men. Finding resistance 
useless, those within determined to surrender, and asked the 
Tory commander what terms he would give them. He 
answered — the hatchet. 

14. A few moments more and the horrid work was com- 
pleted. The men were murdered, and the women, with 
infants in their arras, were locked up in their houses, or 
enclosed in the fort, and the whole consumed in one awful 
conflagration. The groans of the dying and the shrieks 
of the living were only answered by the imprecations of 
the Tories, and the deafening war-whoop of the savages. 



Questions. — 12. Before, &c., what did tin- Tories do? What did 
Colonel Butler do? 1.'5. Where did they march ? Here what happened? 
TTow many escaped ? What did the enemy then do ? What did they ask ? 
What did he reply? 11. What haj)peni-d to tiie men ? The women? 
What fiirtlier? 



The Hevohdion. 183 



The site of Wyoming is now occupied by tlie town of 
Wilkesbarre. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Gates' Defeat — The Treachkry of General Arnold 
— The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York- 
town. 

1. During the year 1779, the theatre of the war was 
changed from the northern to the southern provinces of the 
country. Charleston, the capital of South Carolina, was 
taken by the British after a siege of six months, and having 
reduced the ca])ital, they began to carry devastation into 
the interior of the State. 

2, In order to chock the progress of the enemy, the 
Americans formed themselves into small parties, under 
Generals Sumter, Marion, and other leaders. The bold and 
patriotic deeds of these noble men have always been a 
theme of admiration. They fought without pay ; they wore 
no uniform, and they depended on chance for food to eat. 
They were often without arms and ammunition, and were 
obliged to watch, as their companions shot down the enemy, 
when they would instantly seize their muskets and cartridges. 
But all this they joyfully endured, because they were con- 
tending for the rights of their country, the liberty of their 
children, and those blessings of freedom which we enjoy. 

Questions. — 14. What town occupies the site? 1. What took place 
during the year 1779? What is said of Charleston ? 2. What did the 
Americans do? What is said of thoir deeds? How did they fight? 
What were they often without ? Why did tliey joyfully endure all this? 



184 United Slates. 



3. On a certain occasion, a British officer was sent from 
Georgetown to negotiate an exchange of jirisoners, and was 
conducted to General Marion's quarters. He was kindly 
received and politely entertained by the general, and having 
concluded his business, was about to retire, when Marion 
invited him to dine with him. To this the officer readily 
consented. Dinner was immediately ordered, which consisted 
of a few roasted sweet potatoes, piled upon a piece of bark ; 
they were placed between Marion and the British officer, 
who were seated upon a log. 

4. As the officer took one of the potatoes, he broke forth 
into a fit of laughter, but immediately apologized, saying : 
" Pardon me, General : I was only laughing at what I thought 
some of my brother officers would say if such poor fare were 
set before them. But, General," continued the ofiicer, " if 
your fare is bad, your pay is good." 

5. " Pay ! " exclaimed Marion ; " we receive no pay, and 
never expect to receive a cent." The officer was so struck 
with what he had seen and heard, that on his return to 
Georsretown he resigned his commission and retired from the 
service, saying that it was useless to contend with men who 
made such sacrifices to maintain their liberty. 

6. It happened at this time that the command of the 
southern army was intrusted to General Gates, the hero 
of Saratoga, who was sent into South Carolina. Gates was 
brave, but imprudent ; he led his army through a dreary 

Questions. — •>. On one occasion, what took place ? What did Marion 
invite him to do ? Of what did the dinner consist ? 4. What is related 
of the officer? What did he say? What did he add? ".. What did 
Marion roplv ? What is said of the officer? 6. What happened at this 
time? Wiiat is said of Gates? 



The Revolution. ' 185 



and barren part of the country, and many of his men died 
on the route, from disease, fatigue, and want. At length, 
he arrived near Camden, and took up a very unfavorable 
position between two swamps. 

7. In the meantime, Lord Cornwallis, learning his posi- 
tion, hastened to join Lord Rawdon with re-enforcements, 
and on the 16th of August a severe engagement took place. 
At the first charge of the British, the Virginia troops under 
General Gates fled, and spread confusion and disorder among 
the North Carolina militia. Gates was struck with con- 
sternation ; all his former courage seemed to have forsaken 
him ; and seeing the disorder of his men, he put spurs to 
his horse and fled with the utmost speed for eighty miles 
before he stopped. 

8. After the flight of Gates, the battle was main- 
tained by the illustrious Baron De Kalb, who, for some 
time, bravely repulsed the advancing battalions of the enem3\ 
De Kalb was a general in the French service, who, like 
Lafayette, Pulaski, and others, left his home and came to 
this country to aid tlie Americans in gaining their independ- 
ence. 

9. In this battle, he commanded the regular troops of 
Maryland and Delaware, and like a true hero, bravely 
maintained his position until, overpowered by numbers and 
surrounded by the enemy, he fell pierced with eleven wounds. 
His soldiers, who tenderly loved him, gathered around their 

Questions. — 6. Where did he take up his position? 7. What is 
said of Cornwallis? At the first charge, what is said ? What is related 
of Gates? 8. After the flight of Gates, by whom was the battle main- 
tained ? What is said of De Kalb? 0. What did he command ? What 
is said of him ? What did his soldiers do, and exclaim ? 



I8(> United Slates. 



fallen general, and fought with desperation over his bleeding 
form, exclaiming, in the bitterness of their grief, " Save the 
Baron De Kalb ! " 

10. The noble conduct of De Kalb elicited the admiration 
even of the enemy. To a British officer, who kindly en- 
deavored to stop the blood that flowed from his wounds, he 
said: " I thank you for your generous sympathy, but I die 
the death I always prayed for — the death of a soldier, fighting 
for the rights of man." 

11. During this year, the sorrow of the nation was in- 
creased by the treachery of General Arnold. The Americans 
could bear with becoming fortitude the defeat of their armies, 
the death of their officers, and the loss of their soldiers : these 
things were in tiie nature of events — they were the chances 
of war. But never for a moment did they imagine that 
there was one among their small number capable of betraying 
his country. 

12. Can it be possible, they asked themselves again and 
again, — can it be possible that he who fought and bled for 
his country, the hero of Saratoga's bloody field, — that Gen- 
eral Arnold is a traitor ? Alas ! the fact was only too true. 

13. General Washington, being called to Connecticut, 
left the important fortress of West Point under the command 
of Arnold. During his absence, Arnold resolved to deliver 
up the fortress, with all its garrison, into the hands of the 
British. The British agent, through whom the negotiations 



Questions. — 10. To a British officer, what did he say ? 11. During 
the year, what is said? What is said of the Americans V 12. What 
had they thought of ArnoKI ? 1.'5. What is s;ud of General Washington ? 
What did Arnold resolve '/ 



The Revolution. 



18^ 



were conducted, was the unfortunate Major Andre After 
having an interview with the traitor, Andre was returning 
to New York, when he was detected by three Americans, 










-^ljf=="':"j'- 



Captuke 01- Major Ani>ri:. 

and thus the treacherous designs of Arnold were fortunately 
discovered before they could be carried into execution 

U The names of the three Americans who detected 
Andre were John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac 
Van Wart. On searching him , they found a drawing of the 

OUFSTIONS -1,S. Who was the British agent? After having an mter- 
VjUKbiiuj>a. 4 1 •> 1^ What are the names of the 

view, &(•„ what happened to Andre .■> U. AV hat are tne 

three Americans? 



188 JJ lilted States. 



fort and other papers in Arnold's own handwriting, con- 
cealed in one of his boots. Andre offered them his gold 
watch and a large sura of money if they would let him go, 
but they refused his offers, and led him in triumph to the 
American camp. 

15. Andre was tried by a court-martial, and being con- 
victed as a spy, his life was forfeited by the laws of war. 
His youth and many am'able qualities endeared him to the 
officers of the British army, while his fate was deeply re- 
gretted by all. Arnold escaped to New York, and received, 
as the reward of his treachery, an appointment as brigadier- 
general in the British Army. 

16. During the summer of 1781, the British forces in 
the south were greatly weakened by the loss of several 
important battles. Colonel Tarleton, the British commander, 
Was defeated by the Americans, under General Morgan, in 
the battle of the Cowpens; and Colonel Stewart was attacked 
by General Greene at the battle of Eutaw Springs. After 
this battle. Lord Coruwallis left South Carolina and fortified 
himself at Yorktown in Virginia. 

17. General AVashington, learning the position of Corn- 
wallis, secretly left his camp at White Plains, crossed the 
Hudson with his army, and passing rapidly through New 
Jersey and Pennsylvania, arrived at the head of Elk River, 
where he was joined by a considerable re-enforcement under 



Questions. — 14. ^Vllere did they find his ))ai>cis? AVhat did he offer 
them? IT). What is said of Andre? Ilis youth, &c. ? What became of 
Arnold? Ki. What is said of the British forces? Where and by whom 
was Tarleton defeated ? By whom was Stewart attacked ? Where did 
<'ornwallis fortify himself? 17. What is said of General Washington '' 



Tlie Revolidion. 



189 



Marquis De Lafayette. Without losing a moment, Washing- 
ton embarked his forces and arrived at Yorktown. 

I8 Here a close siege was commenced, and carried on 
with 'so much vigor by the united forces of France and 
America, that Lord Cornwallis, on the 19th of October, Avas 
compelled to sign articles of capitulation, by which his whole 




Capti'RK of a Rkdouht at Yokktown. 

army, his shipping, and military stores, were surrendered to 
General Washington. 

19. This event spread universal joy among the Americans. 
General Washington ordered divine service to be performed 
in the difterent brigades of the army, and the members ot 
Congress went in procession to church, and there publicly 
offered up thanks to God for the signal triumph of the 
American arms. 

QUESTIONS -17. By whom' was he joined? IS. Here what was com- 
oaeted' What was Cornwallis compelled to do > 19 What is sa.d of 
prevent? What did Washiagtou order? What dul Congress do? 



190 United States. 



20. This event may be considered as the termination of 
the American struggle for independence. Great Britain, 
seeing that no rational hope remained of conquering America, 
resolved to discontinue a war which had reflected only dis- 
credit upon her arms. Accordingly, on the 3rd of Septem- 
ber, 1783, a definite treaty of peace was concluded at 
Versailles, by which the thirteen United Colonies were 
admitted to be ''Free, Sovereign, and Independent States." 

21. After this, the patriot army was disbanded, and 
General Washington, taking an affectionate leave of the 
soldiers and officers who had fought by his side, resigned 
his commission at Annapolis in Maryland, and again retired 
to his estate at Mount Vernon, carrying with him into the 
retirement of private life the gratitude of his country and 
the applause and admiration of the whole world. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Thk Formation of the Constitution — WAbHixciTON 
Elected thk First President. 

I. At the close of the war it was found that the Articles 
of Confederation by which the States were governed were 
weak and imperfect; it \\as therefore determined to establish 
some general form of government better suited to the time 

QuESTloxs. — 20. What may this event })e considered ? Wliat is said 
of Great Britain? in September, 1783, what took place? 21. What 
took place after this ? "What did General Washington do ? When did 
lie retire?—!. At the close of the war, what was found? What was 
determined ? 



The Revolution. 191 



and to the growing prosperity of the country. Accordingly, 
delegates from all the States, except Rhode Island, met at 
Philadelphia, and after four months' deliberation they suc- 
ceeded in forming the present Constitution of the United 
States. 

2. By the Constitution, all legislative powers are placed 
in a Congress, consisting of a Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives. The executive office is confided to the President. 
According to the provisions of the Constitution, the several 
States immediately elected their delegates to Congress, and, 
by the unanimous vote of the people. General Washington 
was chosen the first President. 

3. When the aj)pointment was made known to him, he 
yielded to the call of his country, and bidding adieu to his 
peaceful retirement at Mount Vernon, proceeded to New 
York, where the Congress was then assembled. His progress 
to that city was marked by every demonstration of respect ; 
triumphal arches were erected to commemorate his achieve- 
ments; and he was everywhere hailed as the Father of his 
Country. 

4. On the 30th of April, 1789, he was inaugurated as 
President of the United States, in the City Hall of New 
York, the oath of ofiicc being administered by Mr. Livingston, 
Chancellor of the State of New York. John Adams of 
Massachusetts, who had borne a distinguished part in the 
Revolution, was elected the first Vice President. 

QUKSTIONS.— 1 . Where did the delegates assemble? 2. By the Con- 
stitution, where are the powers placed? Who was chosen the first 
President? 3. When the appointment was made known to him what 
did he do? What is said of his progress to New York? 4. What 
happened on A])ril 30 ? Who was the first Vice-President? 



192 



Uiiiled Slates. 




5. At the end of General Washington's second term of 
office, he declined a re-election, and after delivering a fare- 



The Revolution. 193 



well address to the people, he retired again to his residence 
at Mount Vernon. He was succeeded in the administration 
by John Adams, who was elected the second President of 
the United States. 

6. During Mr. Adams' administration, the hostile attitude 
of France towards the United States caused the American 
Government to adopt measures of defense. The navy was 
increased, an army was raised, and General Washington was 
appointed commander-in-chief. These decisive measures on 
the part of the United States induced the French Government 
to listen to an amicable settlement of the dispute. 

7. At this time the nation was destined to experience a 
severe loss by the death of General Washington. On the 
12th of December he was out in a cold rain, and was seized 
in a few hours afterwards with an inflammation of the throat, 
attended with fever. He died on the 14th of December, at 
Mount Vernon, his residence, in the sixty-eighth year of his 
age, A. D. 1799. 

8. Thomas Jefferson succeeded Mr. Adams in the office 
of President. During Mr. Jefferson's administration, dis- 
putes occurred with Algiers, Tunis, Morocco, and Tripoli. 
The difficulty with the first three was easily settled ; but 
Tripoli persisted in demanding certain tributes which the 
United States refused to pay, in consequence of which the 
Tripolitans captured several American vessels. 



QUKSTIONS.— 0. What did General Washington decline? What did 
he do ? By whom was lie succeeded ? (j. During Adams' administration, 
what took place? What was done? 7. At this time what took place? 
On the 14th, what happened? When and where did Washington 
die? 8. Who sucoueded !Mr. Adams? During his administration, what 
occurred? What did Tripoli demand? 
J.J 



194 Unittd States. 

g. In 1803, Commodore Preble, with a small squadron, 
was sent into the IMediterranean to protect American com- 
merce; but shortly after his arrival, the frigate Philadelphia, 
under the command of Cai)taiu Bainbridge, ran upon a rock 
near Tripoli. She was obliged to strike her colors, and her 
officers and crew were made prisoners. The Tripolitans 
having released the Philadelphia, drew her into the harbor 
of Tripoli; but she was shortly afterwards destroyed by 
Commodore Decatur, who sailed into the harbor of Tripoli 
itself, and set her on fire ; he then escaped, amidst a terrific 
shower of balls from the enemy's batteries, without the loss 
of a single man. The war was finally terminated by a treaty 
in 1S05. 

10. The thirteen States which originally formed the 
Union were New Hampshire, ]\Iassachusetts, Connecticut, 
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode 
Island, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
and Georgia. 

11. In 1791, Vermont, hitherto claimed by New York as 
part of her territory, was admitted into the Union ; in 1792, 
Kentucky, originally a part of Virginia ; in 1796, Tennessee, 
formerly part of North Carolina ; in 1802, Ohio, originally 
claimed by Virginia and Connecticut. Louisiana was pur- 
chased from the French Government in 1803, but was only 
admitted as a State in 1812. 



Questions. — 9. In l ., .v..,i took place? "What happened the 
frigate Philadelphia? What was she obliged to do? By whom was 
she destroyed ? 10. Give us the names of the States which originally 
formed the Uuioii ? 11. What States were iidmitted from 17S9 to 1812 ? 



WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Thk Causes of thk War — The Surrender of Gen- 
eral Hull — The Capture of the British Frigate 
GuERRiERE — The Invasion of Canada, and Death 
OP General Pike. 

1. DiRiNG the year 1806, the British Government declared 
all the French and German ports to be in a state of blockade, 
and prohibited all neutral vessels from trading with France 
and Germany, under the penalty of being seized and 
condemned. Shortly after this, the Emperor of France 
issued a decree, prohibiting all intercourse with the British 
Islands. While the trade of the United States was thus 
restricted by the contending powers of Europe, another 
species of insult and injury arose. 

2. This was the practice adopted by Great Britain of 
searching American vessels and taking from them such sea- 
men as were supposed to be British deserters. This custom 
was subject to great abuse, because it was difficult to 
distinguish between American and British seamen ; but 
there was, moreover, strong reason to believe that the British 



QcKSTioNS.— 1. During 1806, what diil the British Government do? 
What did the Emperor of France do ? While the trade was restricted, 
«&c., what is said? 2. What was this custom? What is said of tlu- 
cust(mi ? What Wius there reason to believe? 

195 



196 United States. 



officers did not wish to make this distinction, and that in 
many instances American citizens were compelled to serve 
in the British navy. 

3. la 1809, James Madison succeeded Mr. Jefferson in 
the office of President of the United States. The President, 
during the first three years of his administration, did every- 
thing in his power to effect an amicable settlement of the 
difficulties between the United States and Great Britain. 
But his endeavors were fruitless ; Great Britain still con- 
tinued to search American vessels, and to impose restrictions 
on American ti'ade. 

4. At length, on the first of June, 1812, Mr. Madison 
sent a message to Congress, strongly recommending to that 
body a declaration of war against Great Britain. The 
principal grounds for this measure, as stated in the message, 
were the searching of American vessels by the British ; the 
blockading of the ports of her enemies; and the suspicion 
that the Indians had been instigated to acts of hostility by 
British agents. 

5. The first operation after the declaration of war was an 
expedition against Canada. This expedition was conducted 
by General Hull, who, on the 16th of August, disgracefully 
surrendered his whole army into the hands of the British. 
Hull was afterwards tried and found guilty of cowardice and 
neglect of duty, and was condemned to be shot ; but on 
account of his age, and the services he had rendered during 

Questions. — 3. "Who succeeded Mr. Jefferson ? What did the Presi- 
dent do? What did the British still coutinue? 4. In 1812, what did 
Mr. Madison do ? What were the grounds for war r 5. What was the 
first operation ? What is said of General Hull ? What was afterwards 
done with him ? 



War with England. 197 



the Revolution, he was recommended to mercy, and the 
punishment of death was withdrawn by the President. 

6. The 19th of August, of that year, is memorable for the 
action between the American frigate Constitution and the 
British frigate Guerriere. The Constitution was commanded 
by Captain Hull, and the Guerriere by Captain Dacres ; and 
after an action of only twenty minutes, the Guerriere struck 










Thk "Constitution" and "Guerriere." 

her colors and yielded to Hull, The loss of the Guerriere 
was fifteen killed and sixty-four wounded ; and that of the 
Constitution was seven killed and seven wounded. 

7. In October, the frigate United States, commanded by 
Captain Decatur, took the British frigate Macedonian ; and 
in the same month, the British sloop Frolic was captured 
by the Wasp, commanded by Captain Jones. 

Qdestioxs. — G. What took place on the 19th of August? Who 
commanded the Constitution ? The Guerriere? What was the loss on 
both sides ? 7. What took place in October? 



198 United States. 



8. During the year 1813, the war was attended with 
varying success. In the early part of the year, Canada was 
again invaded by a detachment of men under General Win- 
chester, but they were defeated by the British and Indians, 
near French town, and the greater part of those who sur- 
rendered to the enemy were inhumanly massacred by the 
savages. 

Q. In April, another attempt at the reduction of Canada 
was made, under General Pike ; York, the capital of Upper 
Canada, was taken, but the brave and heroic Pike was killed, 
in the moment of victory, by the explosion of a magazine. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Perry's Victory — Battle of the Thames — Battle of 
IjUNdy's Lane — Battle of Bladensburg — Battle 
OF North Point — Battle of New Orleans. 

I. One of the most brilliant achievements of the war was 
Perry's victory upon Lake Erie, September 10th, 1813. 
His little fleet consisted of nine small vessels, carrying only 
fifty-four guns, while the English squadron numbered six 
ships, carrying sixty-three guns. In the early part of the 
engagement, the flagship of Perry suffered severely, and was 
in a sinking condition, when the gallant Perry, seizing his 

Questions.— 8. In 1813, what is said of the war? By whom was 
Canada again invaded ? What is said of those who surrendered ? 9. In 
Ai^ril, what was done ? • What was taken ? Who was killed ? 1. What 
was the most brilliant achievement ? In the early part of the action, 
what tooli place ? 



War tvith England. 199 



flag and waving it in the breeze, leaped into an open boat, 
and passed, amidst a shower of balls, to another of his vessels. 

2. The battle now raged with redoubled fury ; but after 
a tremendous conflict of three hours, victory declared in 
favor of the Americans ; the stars and stripes floated in 
triumph over the wreck of the British squadron. 

3. After this victory. General Harrison embarked his 
forces and landed on the Canada shore, and on the 5th of 
October, defeated the British under General Proctor, in the 
battle of the Thames. In this battle, the celebrated Indian 
chief, Tecumseh, was killed by Colonel Johnson. 

4. 1814. One of the best-contested battles that occurred 
during the war, was that ofLundy's Lane, which took place 
near Niagara Falls, July 25th, and is sometimes called the 
battle of Niagara. The Americans were commanded by 
General Brown and General Scott, who was then second in 
command. 

5. The battle commenced about sunset, and raged with 
terrific fury until midnight. The British fought with 
desperation, and often charged the Americans at the point 
of the bayonet ; but they were bravely repulsed, and finally 
driven from every position, leaving the Americans in quiet 
possession of the field. In this battle. Generals Brown and 
Scott were both wounded, and the command devolved on 
General Ripley. 

Questions. — 1. What did Perry do? 2. What is now said of the 
battle ? Of the stars and stripes ? 3. What did General Harrison do ? 
What battle did he gain? Who was killed in this battle? 4. What 
was one of the best-contested battles ? By whom were the Americans 
commanded? 5. What, is said of the battle? The British? Who 
were wounded ? 



200 United States. 



6. In September of this year, a combined attack was 
made on Plattsburg by the British squadron, commanded by 
Commodore Downie, and a land force under Sir George 
Provost. The naval force was completely destroyed by the 
American fleet, commanded by Commodore McDonough. 
During the engagement of the fleets the British were effectu- 
ally repulsed in their attack on the forts of Plattsburg by 
the Americans under the command of General Macomb. 

7. The course of victory, which had attended the American 
army during this year, met with a momentary check in the 
unfortunate battle of Bladensburg. In the month of August, 
a British fleet entered the Chesapeake and landed a force of 
six thousand men, under the command of General Ross, on 
the banks of the Patuxent, about forty miles from the city 
of Washington. At Bladensburg they were met by the 
Americans, under General Winder ; but at the commence- 
ment of the battle the militia fled, leaving Commodore 
Barney and his small band of marines to sustain the whole 
weight of the conflict. 

8. Barney bravely maintained his position until he was 
wounded and taken prisoner. After this battle, the British 
proceeded to Washington, burned the Capitol, the President's 
house, and other public buildings, and then retired without 
molestation. 

9. A few weeks after this event, a combined attack was 
made upon the city of Baltimore by a British fleet of fifty 

(QUESTION'S. — 6. What was done in September ? What is said of the 
naval forces? During the engagement, what took place? 7. What is 
said of the course of victory? In August, what took place? At 
Bladensburg ? 8. What is said of Barney ? After the battle, what 
did the British do? 9. After this, what was done? 



War u'ifh Enrj/and. 201 



sail, under Admiral Cochrane, and a land force of seven 
thousand men, under the command of General Ross. On 
the morning of the 12th of September, they landed at North 
Point, where they were met by General Strieker, at the head 
of three thousand five hundred men. As the British were 
advancing, General Ross was shot through the breast by one 
of the American riflemen, and falling in the arms of his aide- 
de-camp, he expired in a few minutes. 

10. The command then devolved on Colonel Brooke, who 
led the attack. General Strieker, after maintaining his 
position for an hour and a half against a greatly superior 
force, retired to Worthington Mills. In the meantime, a 
furious assault was made on Fort McHenry, by the British 
squadron ; but finding all their attempts fruitless, they 
abandoned their designs, and the fleet, taking on board the 
land forces, moved down the bay. 

11. The last important event of the war was the battle of 
New Orleans. The British, under the command of General 
Pakenham, sailed up the Mississippi, and landed nine miles 
below the city ; Jackson attacked them on the next day, 
December 28d, but the British troops maintained their posi- 
tion, although suflering heavy loss. The Americans fell back, 
on the next morning, to their main line of intrenchments, 
two miles nearer to the city. They had fortified this position 
with bales of cotton. 

12. The British attacked with artillery on the 28th, but 

Questions.— I). On the 12th of September, what dirt they do? As 
they were advancing, what took place? 10. On whom did the com- 
mand devolve? What is said of General Strieker? \V'hat place was 
assaulted, &c ? 11. What was the last important event ? What is said 
of the British, itc? What did Jackson do ? 



202 



United States. 



were repulsed with a loss of one hundred and twenty men. 
Another attack, made on the 1st of January, 1815, was as 
fruitless, and General Pakenhara resolved to wait for re- 
enforcements. These arrived on the 6th, and on the 8th, at 
break of day, the British army, 14,000 strong, charged in 







h 




Battle or Nkw Oklkans. 



two divisions upon the American intrenchments defended I)y 
six thousand patriots. Pakenham was killed, and General."^ 
Kean and Gibbs were wounded. The assailants, thrice 
repulsed, fled in disorder, leaving upon the field seven hun- 
dred dead and fourteen hundred wounded. Five hundred 



Questions. — 12. On the 8th of .lanuary, 1815, what took place? 
How many did they leave dead, &p.? 



War with England. 203 



were taken prisoners. As incredible as it may appear, the 
loss^of the Americans was only seven killed and six wounded. 

13. On the 24th of December, of the previous year, a 
treaty of peace had been signed at Ghent, between the 
United States and Great Britain ; and the news of this 
treaty, arriving shortly after the battle of New Orleans, put 
an end to further hostilities. 

14. In 1817, James Monroe succeeded Mr. Madison in 
the office of President; and in 1825, John Quincy Adams 
succeeded IMr. Monroe. During the administration of Mr. 
Adams. General Lafayette paid a visit to the United States. 
In 1829, Mr. Adams was succeeded by General Andrew 
Jackson,' who filled the office of President until 1837, when 
he was succeeded by Martin Van Buren. 

15. In 1841, General William Henry Harrison was 
elected President of the United States, but died on the 4th 
of April after his inauguration, leaving the office to the Vice 
President, John Tyler. Mr. Tyler was succeeded by James 
K. Polk, in 1845. ^^^^ 

Questions -12. What was the Americans' loss? 13. Ou the 24th 
of December, what took place 1 What is said of the news of this treaty ? 
,4 Who succeeded Mr. Madison and Mr. Monroe ? In 182o, what took 
pl^ee? Who succeeded Mr. Adams? 15. In 1841, what took place > 
Who succeeded :Mr. Tyler. 



THE WAR WITH MEXICO. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



The Causes of the War — The Battle of Palo 
Alto — Battle of Resix-a de la Palma — Battle 
OF Monterev — Battle of Buena Vista. 

1. The principal cause of the war with Mexico was the 
admission of Texas into the Union, which took place on 
the 29th of December, 1845, Texas, formerly a Mexican 
State, had revolted against the power of Mexico, and in 1836 
established her independence. 

2. The boundary between the two republics had never 
been settled. Texas held the Rio Grande, from its source to 
its mouth to be the boundary line between the two countries, 
while Mexico regarded the river Nueces as the boundary, 
and claimed the territory between the two rivers. Such was 
the state of things when Texas was admitted into the Union. 

3. The United States, having admitted Texas with the Rio 
Grande as her southei'u boundary claimed the disputed terri- 
tory, and, of necessity, became bound to settle the difficulty 
with the Government of Mexico. Mexico still maintained 



Qi'KSTiONS. — 1. What was the principal cause, <tc.? What is said 
of Texas? 2. What is said of the boundary ? What did Texas hohl ? 
What did Mexico regard? .'). What is said of the United States? 
Of Mexico? 

204 



War xvith Mexico. 205 



her right to the territory between the two rivers, and began 
to make preparations to invade the country. 

4. On receiving intelligence of this, Mr. Polk, who had 
lately been raised to the office of President, directed General 
Taylor to take up some convenient position beyond the river 
Nueces, in order to repel any invasion on the part of Mexico. 
Accordingly, General Taylor crossed the Nueces, and took 
up a position at Point Isabel. Leaving a garrison at this 
place, he moved south to the banks of the Rio Grande, and 
erected a fort, called Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras, a 
town on the Mexican side of the river. 

5. In the early part of May, General Taylor, leaving a 
small force at Fort Brown, returned to Point Isabel. During 
his absence, a furious attack was made on Fort Brown by the 
Mexicans under General Arista. On receiving intelligence 
of this. General Taylor immediately commenced his march 
!)ack to Fort Brown, and on the 8th of May he was met by 
the enemy, drawn up in order of battle, at a point called 
Palo Alto. 

6. A severe battle ensued, in which the Mexicans were 
defeated, with a loss of nearly four hundred in killed and 
wounded, while the loss on the side of the Americans was 
nine killed and forty-two wounded. Among the slain on 
the part of the Americans was the brave and lamented 
Ringgold. While Ringgold was advancing furiously to the 
charge, he was struck by a cannon ball, which killed his 

Questions.— 4. What did Mr. Polk direct ? What did General Tay- 
lor do? Where did he proceed ? 5. In May, what did General Taylor 
do? During his absence, what took place. On the 8th of May, whom 
did he meet? (i. Wliat ensued ? Wliat was tlie number of the killed 
and wounded on both sides ? Who was among the slain ? 



206 United States. 



horse and inflicted on himself a mortal wound. General 
Taylor and his little army encamped upon the field of battle, 
surrounded by many of their fallen companions, while the 
groans of the dying, and the shrieks of the wounded of the 
enemy, broke the stillness of the midnight air. 

7. On the following morning, General Taylor marched 
forward towards Fort Brown ; and having arrived within 
about three miles of the fort, he met with the enemy, who 
occupied a strong position at a place called Resaca de la 
Palma. The battle was commenced on both sides with the 
most determined bravery, and for some time maintained 
with equal success. 

8. In a few hours, however, the contest was decided ; the 
Mexicans were routed, and fled with precij)itati()n to the 
river, leaving the whole of their artillery, and two thousand 
stand of arms, together with the private papers of General 
Arista, in the hands of the Americans. This battle is 
memorable for the desperate charge of Colonel May. May, 
with his troops, charged up to the very mouth of the 
enemy's cannon, drove the men from the guns, captured 
their battery, and took General La Vega prisoner. 

9. A few days after this battle, General Taylor entered 
Matamoras, without opposition. Scarcity of supplies, and 
the want of sufficient forces with which to follow up his 
successes, compelled him to remain inactive in that town for 
a considerable time. Meanwhile, a large Mexican force had 



QrESTlONs. — (i. What (lid General Taylor and his army do? 7. 
Where did he meet the enemy ? What is said of the battle? 8. What 
was the result of the contest? What is said of Colonel May ? !•. After 
this battle, what did General Taylor do ? Here, what is said ? 



War with Mexico. 



207 



collected at Monterey, the capital of New Leon, under the 
command of General Ampudia. 

10. On the 7th of September, the American army of six 
thousand men left Matamoras, and on the 10th encamped 




General Taylok at Huk.sa Vista. 

under the very walls of Monterey, then fortified and defended 
by a garrison of ten thousand men. On the morning of the 
21st, General Taylor ordered an attack. The Americans 
were led to the charge by Generals Twiggs, AVorth, and other 
distinguished officers; and after an obstinate contest of nearly 
three days, the city yielded to the valor of the Americans. 

Questions.— 9. Where had they collected ? 10. Oa the 7th of Sep- 
tember, what took place ? On the 'Jlst, what did General Taylor order ? 
By whom were the Americans led, &c.? What is said of the city ? 



208 United Slates. 



The battle was attended with a severe loss on both sides. The 
Americans lost one hundred and twenty-six killed, and about 
three hundred and fifty wounded, and among the killed was 
the lamented Colonel Watson. The Mexican loss was esti- 
mated at one tliousand men, in killed and wounded. 

11. Nothing of importance occurred from this period 
until the return of the following spring. In the early part 
of February, General Taylor moved towards the south with 
a force of about five thousand men, and finally took up a 
position at a place called Buena Vista, a few miles from 
Saltillo. Plere on the 22d of February, he was met by a 
Mexican army of twenty thousand men, under command of 
their renowned leader, General Santa Anna, and on the 
following morning the memorable battle of Buena Vista 
took place. 

12. Long and bloody was the contest ; at one time it 
seemed as if nothing could save our little army from destruc- 
tion ; again the tide of victory rolled back the advancing foe ; 
at last the courage and skill of the Mexicans yielded to the 
valor of the Americans : the shout of victory re-echoed 
through the hills and valleys of Buena Vista. The next 
day the Mexican army retired to San Luis Potosi, leaving 
behind them hundreds of their dead and dying. 



QcKSTioNs. — 10. What was the loss im both sides? 11. In February, 
wliat did General Taylor do? On the 22d, l)y whom was he met? What 
took place? V2. What is said of (lio contest ? At lcn,'th, what is said? 
What did the Mexicans do? 



War with Mexico. 209 



CHAPTER XXXr. 

Thr Reduction of Vera Cruz — The Battle of Cerro 
Gordo — The Battle of Contreras — The Surrender 
OF THE City of Mexico. 

1. On the 23d of November, General Scott received 
orders from the Secretary of AVar to repair to Mexico and 
take the command of the troops there assembled. The first 
operation of General Scott, after reaching Mexico, was the 
reduction of the city of Vera Cruz. 

2. On the 22nd of March, 1847, General Scott and his 
army stood before the city of Vera Cruz ; but before 
commencing operations, he sent a summons to the Mexican 
commander to surrender the city. The summons was re- 
jected, and the American batteries immediately opened a 
destructive fire upon the city. The cannonading continued 
from this time until the morning of the 26th, when the city, 
and the famous castle of San Juan de Ulloa, surrendered to 
General Scott. 

3. After the reduction of Vera Cruz, General Scott 
commenced his march, with about six thousand men, towards 
the city of Mexico, the capital of the republic. At Cerro 
Gordo he was met by a Mexican force of fifteen thousand meii, 
under the command of General Santa Anna. An obstinate 

QUKSTIONS.— 1. On the 23d of November, what took place? What 
was liis first operation ? 2. On the 2_'nd of March, what took phice? 
But before operations, what did he do ? On tiie 2i;th, what took place ? 
;]. After this, what did (ieneral Scott do? At Cerro Gordo, what did 
he meet ? 
14 



210 



United States. 



battle followed, in which the Mexicans were defeated, with 
a loss of one thousand two hundred in killed and wounded, 
and three thousand prisoners. The American loss was 
sixty-three killed, and three hundred and eighty-six wounded. 

4. On the 19 th of April, 
General Worth entered 
the city of Jalapa, and on 
the 2'2n(l took possession 
of the city and castle of 
Perote ; and on the fol- 
lowing day he occupied 
the city of Puebla, where 
General Scott remained 
ior the greater part of 
tlio summer. 

5. In the early part of 
August, General Scott re- 
sumed his march towards 
the city of Mexico. He 
met with but little inter- 
ruption until he reached 
Contreras, an eminence strongly fortified, about fifteen miles 
from that city. At this place a furious battle took place, 
which terminated in favor of the Americans. 

6, After this battle, our forces passed rapidly on to Churu- 
busco. At this point, the main body of the Mexican army, 
to the number of twenty-seven thousand men, under the 




WlXFIKLl) SCOTI 



Qttestions. — .!. AVhat followed? What was tlie American loss? 
4. On the l!»th of April, what took place? On the 22il, &e. ? 5. In 
August what did Scoit do? What place did he reach? What took 
place? ti. W'hat did our forces do? At this point what i-s related? 



War with Mexico. 211 



command of Santa Anna, had taken up its position, resolved 
to make a desperate stand to save the capital. About noon, 
on the 20th of August, the battle commenced, and after a 
terrific conflict of three hours the scale of victory turned iu 
favor of the Americans. 

7. After taking Molino del Rey, or the King's Mill, and 
several other im])ortant and strongly fortified places, General 
Scott arrived with his army on the 14th of September at the 
very gates of the renowned city of the Montezumas. The 
city surrendered ; and on the following morning, at 7 o'clock, 
the star-spangled banner floated in triumph over the capital 
of the Mexican Republic. A treaty of peace between the 
United States and Mexico was signed in 1848, and the 
hostilities between the two nations were happily terminated. 
By this treaty, Mexico ceded to the United States the terri- 
tories of Upper California and New Mexico, receiving in 
payment thereof fifteen millions of dollars, besides some 
three millions of American claims assumed by our Govern- 
ment. 

8. General Zachary Taylor was elected to the Presidency 
in 1849 ; but he died soon after his inauguration, and was 
succeeded by the Vice President, Millard Fillmore. In 
1853, Franklin Pierce was elected President. He was suc- 
ceeded, in 1857, by James Buchanan. 

(iUKSTlONS.— 6. On the 20th of August, what took place ? 7. After 
taking Molino del Roy, &c., what did Scott do? What is said of the 
city, <fcc. ? Of the treaty of peace ? 8. Who was elected President after 
the war with Mexico? Who succeeded President Taylor ? Fillmore? 
Pierce ? 



AMERICAN CIVIL WAR, 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



Causes of the War — Its Struggles and Results. 

I, In November, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected 
President, to succeed James Buchanan, being the first 
successful candidate of the Republican or Anti-slavery party. 

2. The question of slavery 
had been, especially during 
the last Administration, the 
cause of much angry dis- 
cussion. The slave-holding 
States of the South felt 
greatly alarmed by the re- 
sult of this election, and 
demanded guarantees for 
the preservation of their 
constitutional rights. Fail- 
ing to obtain this, the rep- 
resentatives of these States 
withdrew from the legisla- 
tive halls ; and their States, 
respectively, passed ordinances of secession, by which they 
withdrew from the Federal compact. 




Abraham Li>'coln. 



QUESTION'S.— 1 

212 



Who was elected President in ISGOy i'. What followed'.' 



American Civil War. 



213 



3. The seceding States, to wit, South Carolina, Mississippi, 
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas, sent 
delegates to a convention, which met in Montgomery 
(Alabama), and organized the provisional government of 
"The Confederate States of America." Jefferson 

Davis, of Mississippi, a dis- 
tinguished statesman and 
soldier, was elected Pro- 
visional President. 

4. When Mr. Lincoln 
took his oath of office, on 
the 4th of March, 1861, 
the Southern Confederacy- 
was already organized, and 
claimed to be a separate and 
distinct government from 
that of the United States. 
Virginia, North Carolina, 
Tennessee, and Arkansas 
successively passed ordi- 
nances of secession, and 
joined the new confederacy. 
5. The Government at Washington having determined to 
send supplies to Fort Sumter, in Charleston harbor, that 
fort was attacked by the Confederates on the 12th of April, 
1861. After a short but vigorous defence, it was surrendered 
by its commander, Major Anderson, to the Confederate 
general, Beauregard. Mr. Lincoln then issued a procla- 




Gen. Ulysses S. Grakt. 



Questions.— 3. Wliat action did the seceding States take? Who was 
elected President of the new Confederacy? 4. TIuw did matters stand 
on the 4th of Marcli ? 5. How was tlie war hegiiii ? 



214 



United States. 



mation, calling for 75,000 volunteers. Such was the be- 
ginning of the fearful civil war which was to rage for four 
years in the country of Washington, to end with the ruin of 
the Southern States, the sudden emancipation of three millions 
of slaves, and the creation of a stupendous national debt. 




Kattle ok Monitor and Merrimac. 

6. The success of the contending armies was varied at 
first ; the great battle of Manassas, gained by the Confed- 
erates, was followed by reverses on other fields. The nu- 
merical superiority and immense resources of the Federals 
enabled them to repair their disasters promptly, and to hold 
the advantages gained ; whilst the Confederates, shut out 
from the world, and far inferior in number to their opponents. 



Questions. — 5. AVhat did Mr. Lincoln do? fi. What was the success 
of the conteuding parties? How did ihty compare':' 



Ainericaii Civil War. 



215 



were weakened by every defeat, and seldom able to reap the 
fruits of dear-bought victories. 

7. Tennessee and Arkansas had never been wholly in the 
possession of the Confederates ; they lost the control of the 

Mississippi, and part of 
Louisiana. Many of their 
ports were taken and the 
others blockaded by the 
fleets of the United States. 
From the second year of 
the war, the principal 
struggle was confined to 
Virginia, where General 
Robert E. Lee had com- 
mand of the Confederate 
array. 

8. In thesprmgof 1865, 
the contest was decided. 
The Federal general, Sher- 
man, had crossed, in mid- 
winter, the entire State of 
Georgia, literally cutting the confederacy in two ; he com- 
pletely devastated this section of country, the granary of 
the South, and destroyed the railroads, thus cutting off the 
supplies of the Army of Virginia. 

9. Meanwhile, General Grant, with an overwhelming 
force, kept Lee's operations confined to the defence of the 
Confederate capital, Richmond, and its main support, 




Gkn. Robkkt K. Lke. 



QrESTIONS.— 7. What reverses befell the Confederates? 8. What 
happened in the spring of 1865? !>. Where was General Grant? What 
became necessary, and what followed ? 



216 



United Stales. 



Petersburg. At last it became necessary to evacuate these 
two places; but the Confederate army was too much exhausted 
and reduced in numbers to accomplish successfully its retreat, 
and finally, on the *.*lli of April, l-SB'), General Lee sur- 



y -.-. 




rendered the remnants of his once fine army to General 
Grant. The terms of the capitulation were that the men 
should lay down their arms, and retire to their homes, on 
their parole not to engage in any acts of hostility until duly 
exchanged. 



Question. — 9. What were the terms of surrender ? 



American Civil War. 



217 



10. Geoeral Joseph E. Johnston, commanding in Georgia, 
surrendered his army to General Sherman upon similar con- 
ditions. The submission of the whole South was the im- 
mediate result of these surrenders. 



^^^.. 










Surrender of Fokt Donelson. 



II. Almost simultaneously with these important events, 
another occurred, without precedent in the annals of this 
country, which cast a gloom over the nation : on the 14th * 

QtTESTIOXS. — 10. What other general surremlored ? 11. What 
happt'iied on th(! lUh of April ? 



218 America. 

• . 

of April, 1865, President Lincoln was assassinated at a 
theatre in Washington City. 

12. Mr. Lincoln had just been re-elected for a second 
term. Upon his death the Presidency passed to the Vice- 
President, Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee. Mr. Johnson 
differed with the majority in Congress in respect to the 
policy to be pursued towards the Southern States lately in 
rebellion, and the dispute became so bitter that in 1868 the 
House of Representatives agreed upon articles of impeach- 
ment against him. The first and most important article 
charged the President with violating the Tenure-of-Office 
Act by removing Mr. Stanton from the office of Secretary 
of War without the advice and consent of the Senate. The 
Senate was the court for the trial, presided over by Chief- 
Justice Chase. Mr. Johnson was acquitted. In 1867 
Alaska was purchased. 

13. In 1868, General Grant was elected President, and 
re-elected four yeai-s later (1872). The one hundreth birthday 
of the nation (1876) was celebrated by a Centennial Exhibi- 
tion at Philadelphia. It was a wonderful display of the 
progress and resources of the United States, and also of the 
industries of the world, including almost every product 
known to science and art. For months it was the holiday 
for the nation, and multitudes attended it from all parts of 
the world. It was opened by the President, May 10th, 

Questions. — 12. Who succeeded to the Presidency? What was Mr. 
.Johnson's policy? Wliat occurred in 1868? What was tiie principal 
charge against him ? Describe the trial and state the result. When 
was Alaska purchased ? 13. When was General Grant elected Presi- 
dent? What event was celebrated in 1876? Describe the Centennial 
Exhibition ? 



United States. 219 

and by November eight millions of persons had paid ad- 
mission-fee. 

14. In 1876 the election to the Presidency of Rutherford 
B. Hayes was disputed. The result turned upon the votes 
of certain Southern States where the elections, the Democrats 
contended, had been carried by fraud. It was an hour of 
danger to the republic. Finally, the two great parties agreed 
to leave the decision to a commission appointed by Congress. 
The commission met (1877), heard arguments, and gave the 
office to Mr. Hayes. In 1880, James A. Garfield was chosen 
President. The following year he was most cruelly shot 
down by a half-witted, disappointed office-seeker, Charles 
Guiteau, who, after a very remarkable trial, was hanged for 
his crime. For months President Garfield lingered between 
life and death, exciting the greatest sympathy both here and 
abroad. But the wound proved fatal, and he died September 
19, 1881, universally lamented. Upon receipt of news of his 
death the British court went into mourning for a week — a 
mark of respect towards the United States never before 
shown. The unexpired portion of General Garfield's term 
was filled by the Vice-President, Chester A. Arthur, who 
was succeeded (1885) by Grover Cleveland, the first Demo- 
cratic President for twenty-four years. 

15. In 1885, after a long and distressing illness. General 
Grant died. He was one of the remarkable men of the 

Questions.— 14. What occurred m 1876 ? What did the result of the 
election turn upon? To what did the two parties agree? To whom did 
the commission give the office? Who was the next President ? What 
happened to him in the following year ? When did the President die? 
What marks of respect were shown him ? Who filled his unexpired 
term ? Who was the next President? 15. What distinguished general 
died in 1885? 



220 America. 

country. Born in Ohio in 1822, he received a military 
education at West Point and served with credit in the Mexican 
War. Returning to the United States, he lived in obscurity 
at Galena, Illinois, as a leather merchant, without influence 
or ambition. He was forty years old when war brought him 
again into view. His capture of Forts Henry and Donelson 
in 1863 turned the tide of Federal defeat. From that point 
his success and rise were unbroken until he reached the chief 
command of the armies of the United States, and received, 
two years later, at Appomattox Court- House, General Lee's 
sword. His political life is less brilliant. The absence of 
revengeful feelings towards the South and his calm, unbending 
firmness of chai-acter were the qualities in its chief magistrate 
which the condition of the country called for in 1869, when 
General Grant entered upon the discharge of Presidential 
duties. His first term, therefore, was successful. But in 
1873 — when he entered upon his second term of oflice — the 
condition of the country had changed, needing at its head a 
trained statesman ; and General Grant's lack of civil ex- 
perience made this term less satisfactory. He was born a 
soldier, and his fame will rest upon his military deeds. 

l6. Cardinal McCIoskey, of New York, having departed 
this life, the honor he had borne was conferred by Leo XHI 
(1886) on the eminent and admired Archbishop Gibbons, 
of Baltimore. In the election of 1888 the Democrats were 
beaten, Benjamin Harrison, the Republican candidate, being 
chosen over Grover Cleveland. In 1889 the territories of 



Questions. — 15. Where was he bom ? Tell us about his early life. 
His military career. What is said of his political life and first term as 
President? His second term? Upon what will his fame rest? 10. What 
event in 1870 ? Result of election in ISSS ? What occurred iu 1SS9 ? 



Unifed States. 221 



the two Dakotas, Montana, and Washington were admitted 
into the Union as States. The next year Oklahoma was 
organized into a territory out of the western portion of the 
Indian Territory ; and the territories of Idaho and Wyoming 
were admitted as States. The election of 1892 was a Demo- 
cratic triumph. Not only was Grover Cleveland, by a very 
large majority, chosen President over Benjamin Harrison, 
who had defeated him four years before, but Congress, iii each 
of its Houses, became Democratic. The main issue in the 
campaign was the Tariff. 

17. The same year there was serious trouble with the South 
American Republic of Chili, growing out of unprovoked and 
murderous assaults on United States seamen at Valparaiso. 
An apology from Chili smoothed over the incident. Towards 
the close of the Harrison administration the Hawaiian 
Islands were the scene of a revolution which substituted 
a republic for monarchy. In August, 1898, the Islands 
were annexed to the United States. In October, 1892, 
the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by 
Columbus was duly celebrated throughout the United 
States. It was further honored by the Columbian Expo- 
sition, or World's Fair, held in Chicago from May 1st 
to November 1st, 1893, which in magnitude and grandeur 
far surpassed the Philadelphia Centennial. In 1893 the 
Holy Father established a permanent Apostolic Delegation 
in Washington for this country, with Archbishop Satolli at 
its head. Archbishop Martinelli succeeded him in 1890. 

Questions. — IC>. What the next year? Ilesult of election of 1802? 
\V'hat was the issue? 17. What trouble with Chili? Tlie result? 
What occurred in the Hawaiian Islands? When were they annexed to 
the United States ? What occurrences in 1892 and 1893 ? 



222 



America. 



'^y 



L ■: - i i ■ 

o . ^ , 4- 






/ ' — / 



W-'-/-^' 




;j 


; III 




-T^'JJ 


' '■ 


n 1 ■ 







la 1805 a dispute arose between the United States and 
England over the contested boundary line between Venezuela 



Qui.sTioN.— 17. What dispute with England in 1895? 



United States. 223 



and British Guiana, which has been made a subject of 
arbitration. Utah became a State in 1895. A general 
arbitration treaty is under consideration. The currency 
question was the great issue in the Presidential election of 
1896. William McKinley, Republican, was elected on the 
gold standard platform over William J. Bryan, Democrat 
and Free-silverite. 

l8. In 1898 the United States waged the first foreign 
war in which they had been engaged for half a century. 
A large section of the inhabitants of Cuba had been again 
in rebellion against Spain since February, 1895. A year 
later General Weyler took command of the Spanish forces 
on the island. He practised such cruelties, especially on 
the neutrals, whom he collected and starved in the towns, 
that a loud outcry in the name of humanity arose in this 
country, calling for the interference of our Government. 
Our trade interests on the island also demanded such a 
course. To our demand that the Spanish forces be withdrawn 
and the people left to govern themselves, Spain, late in 
1897, answered with an illusory promise of Home Rule and 
the recall of Weyler. In January, following, one of our 
warships, the Maine, was sent to Havana harbor to protect 
our commerce and citizens. While at anchor there, she was 
blown up on the night of February 15th and 266 of her 
officers and crew killed. It has never been officially deter- 
mined whether this disaster was the result of accident or 
design ; but so great was the indignation which it aroused 
in this country that we would have gone to war at once 



Questions.— 17. Is.sue ami result of election of 1896? IS. What 
caused the recent war with Spain? 



224 America. 

had the Government been prepared. But that interference 
by the United States was deemed imperative was pointed 
out by the President in a special message which he sub- 
mitted to Congress on April 11th. An ultimatum to thi.s 
effect was sent to Spain on the 20th, in consequence of which 
the Spanish minister at Washington withdrew the next day, 
which is accordingly regarded as the first day of the war, 
which four days later, Congress ofRcially declared to be in 
existence. The first prize was captured by the Nashville 
on the 22nd, and Havana and tlie neighboring seaport 
towns for a distance of fifty miles were blockaded. But, 
though many prizes were taken, yet scarcely any of tiie 
actual fighting took place there. 

19. Our Pacific squadron was then at Hong-Kong, in 
charge of Commodore Dewey. Ordered by the British 
Government to leave there, he was directed to go and 
attack the Spanish fleet in Manila bay, which he entered 
on the night of April 30-May 1st. Being in front of the 
enemy at daybreak, with only seven vessels against eleven, 
he began, soon after five o'clock, the most complete naval 
victory on record, destroying the entire hostile fleet. He 
was at once made a rear-admiral, and later on the rank of 
admiral was revived in his favor. Late in May Spain's 
home fleet, after a winding and devious course from Cadiz 
through the Atlantic Ocean and the Carribbean Sea, entered 
the harbor of Santiago, where it was soon blockaded by the 
American flying squadron under Commodoi-e Schley. 

20. Though army operations had been authorized by 
Congress on April 26th, yet it was only on June 22nd, that 

QlTESTlOXS.— IS. When was it begun? lit. What was its first great 
battle? 



United States. 225 



General Shafter was able to begin to land his forces on 
Cuban soil, at Daiquiri, sixteen miles east of Santiago 
harbor. From that point the advance towards Santiago 
began, with severe skirmishing on the way. On July 1st 
and 2nd severe battles were fought within a short distance 
of the city, which was then invested. Early on Sunday 
morning, the 3rd, the Spanish fleet made a dash to escape 
from the harbor, but was completely destroyed by the 
American squadron. Just two weeks later, on July 17th, 
Santiago was in possession of the American forces. 

2I« A few days later an army set out to invade Porto 
Rico and landed at Guanica on July 25th. Here the 
Americans were welcomed and conquest was easy. The 
only important place left unconquered when hostilities 
ceased was the city of San Juan, the capital. 

22. The first official step to this end was taken on July 
26th, and the peace protocol, signed on August 12th, was 
promulgated on the 13th. But that very day ihe city of 
Manila surrendered to the Americans, after a vigorous attack 
by General Merritt on land and Admiral Dewey from the 
bay. The treaty which followed, negotiated in Paris, pro- 
vided for the independence of Cuba under temporary 
American protection, and the cession to the United States 
of Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands, a consideration 
of $20,000,000 to be jmid for the latter. 

23. But with this money we were purchasing another 
war. There had been a native rebellion, especially on the 
island of Luzon, and the rebels who were encamped outside 

Questions. — 20. When was Cuba invaded ? AVhen was the second 
great battle? When did Santiago surrender? 21. \Vhen was Porto 
Rico invaded? 22. Manila taken? 



226 America. 

of Manila when our forces captured that city, claimed that 
we had gone there to make them an independent republic. 
Finding out that they were to be free only under American 
rule, they chafed sullenly for a while, but with open dis- 
satisfaction in the end. On the night of February 4th, 1899, 
they began hostilities against us by attacking our lines on the 
north side of the city. From that time until the rainy season 
set in in July there was almost continuous fighting, in which 
the Filipinos were uniformly repulsed, frequently with heavy 
losses. 

24. Within recent years the Navy of the United States 
has l)een remarkably developed. There are signs, too, of a 
revival of her Merchant Marine and Ocean carrying trade — 
a field of enterprise in which she once bore so leading a part. 
In no other land has electrical science and its practical 
applications made such advancement. Edison and his co- 
workers stand foremost in this field, and shed lustre on their 
country. Progress, in other directions, goes on without 
abatement, and to-day the United States is the richest and 
most resourceful amons: nations. 



Qri:sTlOXS.— 23. What caused recoiit trouble in the Philippines? 
L'4. What i.s said of I'liited States Navy? Of her Merehaat Marine? 
Of the general progress of the Uaiti'd States ? Of lier progress in a 
particular direction ? 



ENGLAND. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

England, from the Conquest by the Romans, 
A. C. 55 TO A. D. 827. 

1. Our youug readers are now to make a short review of 
the history of England, at present one of the most powerful 
and most important nations of Europe. Before proceeding 
further, it may be found very useful to take a glance at the 
exterior aspect of the country. England is the southern part 
of the island of Great Britain, and is about four hundred 
miles in length, and three hundred or more miles in breadth. 

2. The soil is naturally fertile, and agriculture is carried 
to a high degree of perfection. The climate is moist, and 
the extremes of heat and cold are less than in other countries 
in the same latitude. The traveller, on visiting England, 
is struck with the appearance of wealth everywhere spread 
over the country. On one side, he will behold some ancient 
castle, or mouldering abbey, presenting the relics of former 
grandeur ; on the other, the splendid mansion of a nobleman, 
displaying all the magnificence of modern refinement and 
luxury. Still, poverty is the lot of a very large portion of 

Questions. — 1. What is said of England among the nations? 
Describe the geography of tlie country. 2. What is said of tliesoil? 
Climate ? With wliat will the traveller be struck ? Describe what the 
traveller will sec? 

9'>7 



228 England. 

the inhabitants of England. In the cities, this poverty is 
extreme and wide-spread. 

3. There are many large cities in England. London, on 
the River Thames, is the capital of the British dominions. 
This city is one of the largest in the world ; it is about ten 
miles in length and six in breadth, and contains a population 
of nearly five millions of inhabitants. Among the public 
buildings, St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey are 
the most celebrated. 

4. The early inhabitants of this country are said to have 
been a tribe of Gauls, or Celts, from the neighboring 
continent. They had but little knowledge of agriculture; 
they dwelt in huts in the forest, clothed themselves in the 
skins of wild beasts, and lived upon the milk and flesh of 
their herds. Their religion was that of Druidisin ; their 
priests were called Druids, and possessed great control over 
the minds of the people. They taught the doctrine of the 
transmigration of souls, and offered human sacrifices to 
appease the wrath of their gods. 

5. The Britons had some knowledge of the art of war ; 
their soldiers were armed chiefly with the bow, the shield, 
and the lance. They had also a kind of war-chariot, set 
with scythes, which caused dreadful destruction when driven 
among their enemies. 

6. Julius Ctesar, who had conquered Gaul and a part of 
Germany, determined to invade Britain. With this view, he 

Questions. — 2. What is said of poverty in England? 3. What of its 
cities? Wiiat is said of London? The population? The public build- 
ings? 4. Wliat is said of the early inhabitants? Where did they dwell ? 
On what did tlioy live? Wliat is said of their religion ? 5. What is said 
of their soldier-i? Their war-chariots? fi. What is said of Julius Caisar? 

15 



England. 



229 




DufiDS Ori-KRiNu Human Sacrifice. 



collected a numerous fleet, and embarked V7ith ten thousand 
men. On reaching the coast, he beheld it covered with the 



230 England. 

natives, prepared to dispute his landing. For some time 
the Roman soldiers remained in doubtful suspense ; at length, 
the standard bearer of the tenth legion leaped into the sea, 
and advanced towards the land. His example was immedi- 
ately followed by his companions ; they gained the shore, 
and obtained an easy victory over the undisciplined Britons. 

7. In the reign of the emperor Claudius, the Romans 
determined to effect the final subjugation of Britain, as the 
subjugation by Julius Csesar was rather nominal than real. 
The illustrious Caractacus for nine years defended his do- 
minions against ^le power of Rome ; but at length he was 
taken prisoner by Ostorius, and led captive to Rome. As he 
passed through the streets of the city, and beheld the splendor 
of the buildings, he exclaimed; " Alas! how is it possible 
that a people, possessed of such magnificence at home, 
should envy Caractacus in his humble cottage in Britain." 

8. In passing over the northern part of England, you 
may meet with the ruins of ancient walls. These walls were 
built by the Romans, in order to prevent the inroads of the 
warlike races of Picts and Scots from Caledonia, or Scotland. 
About the middle of the fifth century, the Romans withdrew 
from Britain, leaving the inhabitants to their own resources; 
then the northern barbarians, no longer intimidated by the 
Roman legions, broke down the walls, and spread destruction 
over the southern part of the island. 

9. At this time England was visited by a number of 

Questions — 6. On reaching the shore, what did the standard bearer 
do ? What followed ? 7. In the reign of the emperor Claudius, what 
took place ? What is said of Caractacus ? What did he exclaim ? 8. In 
the northern part of P^ngland, what may you find ? By whom were 
thev built? When the Romans withdrew, what followed ? 



England. 



231 



Jutes, natives of the north of Germany, led by two brothers, 
Hengist and Horsa. Their object was probably plunder, 
liut being employed by the Britons to assist them against 
their enemies, they did good service. The Scots and the 
other northern tribes were soon compelled to retire to then- 
own native mountains. But the Jutes, having expelled 




LlNDlN<i or THK. AN(iLO-S.\XONS IN Bkitain. 



}\i»iC 



the invaders, turned their arms upon the Britons, and being 
re-enforced by the Angles and Saxons, and by others, all 
from Northern Europe, they took possession of the country, 
and forced the inhabitants to subjection. From the Angles, 
the name England is derived. 

10. The Britons for a long time resisted the Saxons, but 
after a contest of about one hundred years, the Saxons 



Questions.— 9. Who visited England at this time ? What followed? 
What is said of the Jutes? Having expelled the invaders, what did 
th«y do? 10. What is suid of the Britons? 



282 



Kitqland. 




.St. Austin Bi;i-ore Etiielbekt. 



prevailed, and established the Heptarchy, or seven Saxon 
kingdoms, A. D. 560. At length, Egbert, king of Wessex, 



England. 238 

one of these seven kingdoms, united them all in 827, under 
the name of England. 

11. Previously to this period, Christianity had been 
introduced into England. About the close of the sixth 
century, Pope Gregory the Great sent Saint Austin from 
Rome to carry the glad tidings of salvation to the inhabitants 
of Britain. Austin, accompanied by several monks, set out 
upon the holy mission, and having arrived in England, made 
known to Ethelbert the object for which he had come. 

12. The king was not entirely ignorant of Christianity, 
for Bertha, his queen, the daughter of the king of Paris, had 
been brought up in the Christian religion. He, therefore, 
received the missionaries kindly, and gave them an audience 
under a large oak, in the open air. Saint Austin explained 
to him the doctrines of Christianity, and the king shortly 
after received baptism publicly. Such was the powerful 
influence of his example, that ten thousand of his subjects 
are said to have been baptized in a single day. 

QUESTIOXS.— 10. At length, what did Egbert do? 11. What had 
been introduced ? About the middle of the sixth ceiiti'.ry, what took 
place? 12. What is siiid of Etbelbert? How did he receive the 
missionaries? Wlmt did St. Austin do? How inaiiy u.mc bjiptized 
in a dav ? 



284 England. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

From titf. Foundation ok the Monarchy to the 
>.v)rman conc^uest, a. d. 827 to 1006, 

1. Before the middle of the ninth century the coast of 
Britain was visited by a ferocious people from Denmark, 
called the Danes, who repeatedly plundered and laid waste 
the country, destroying everything with fire and sword. 
When Alfred, surnamed the Great, ascended the throne in 
M71, he found himself surrounded by these formidable enemies. 
He immediately took the field against them, and is said to 
have defeated them in eight difl^erent battles in one year, 
compelling them at length to retire to their own dominions. 

2. They returned, however, in a short time, with re-en- 
forcements, ravaged the country, and even obliged Alfred to 
solicit peace. In his distress, the king was compelled to seek 
his safety in the most obscure of shelters. He accordingly 
laid aside all marks of royalty, and disguising himself in the 
liabit of a peasant, passed several months in the cottage of a 
herdsman. While in this humble abode, the herdsman's 
wife, who did not know that he was the king, ordered him to 
take care of some cakes that were being baked by the fire, 
while she was absent. 

3. Alfred, whose mind was otherwise employed, forgot 
the injunction he had received, and let the cakes burn. The 



Questions. — l. By whom was the cosist of Britain visited ? What 
is said of Alfred ? What did lie imrrediately do ? 2. What did his 
enemies do? What is said of the king? Where did he pass several 
mouths? While here, what was he ordered t» il» ? 



England. 



235 



woman, on her return, finding her cakes ruined, exclaimed : 
" What ! you will be ready enough to eat them by and by, 
and yet you cannot watch them, you idle fellow ! " 

4. Alfred, being desirous of learning the number of the 
Danish forces, and their mode of discipline, disguised him- 




'^. 



AlfrkiVs Mothk.k Thaching Him Saxon Sosi 



self as a wandering harper, entered the camp of the Danes, 
and played for the amusement of the soldiers. He was even 
introduced into the tent of Guthrun, the Danish prince, 
entertained him with his music, and remained with him for 
several days. Having thus learned in person the unguarded 
condition of the Danes, he returned, and having assembled 
his followers, attacked the enemy by surprise, and routed 
them with great slaughter. 

Questions.— 3. "What is related of Alfred ? What did she tell him ? 
4. What again of Alfred ? Where was he introdueed ? On his return, 
wkat did kt d* ? 



23H England. 

5. Alfred, being now freed from these troublesome enemies, 
turned his whole attention towards repairing the evils which 
tliey had caused, and improving the moral condition of his 
subjects. He established schools for the instruction of his 
])eo])le, and invited into his kingdom the most eminent men 
of Europe. He also founded the University of Oxford, com- 
posed a code of laws, and, according to many historians, 
established the trial by jury. 

6. It is recorded of Alfred that he put to death forty 
corrupt judges in one year ; and so exactly and imj)artially 
were the laws administered, and so just were the people, that 
gold ornaments could be hung up in the public roads, and 
no one would touch them. He usually divided his time into 
three equal parts, one of which he employed in study and 
in religious devotions, a second in the discharge of business, 
and the third in sleep and in recreating his body by exercise 
and diet. These divisions he exactly measured by burning 
tapers of equal length. 

7. Alfred was one of the wisest and most illustrious princes 
that ever occupied the P^nglish throne. Whilst his private 
life was adorned by every Christian virtue, he was justly 
reputed as the greatest warrior, legislator and statesman of 
his age. He died in the year 901, and left the throne to his 
son Edward, surnamed the Elder. 

8. Edward was a warlike prince, and his reign of twenty- 
four years was almost one continual contest with the Danes 



QrESTlONS. — 5. To what did Alfred turn his attention ? What did 
he establish? What did he found ? Compose? 6. What is recorded 
of Alfred ? How did he divide his time? How did he measure these 
divisions? 7. What is said of Alfred. What is said of Alfred's private 
life? When did he die? S. What is said of Edward ':' 



England. 287 

and Northumbrians. He left three sons, who successively 
occupied the throne. The first of these was Athelstan, 
who carried on a successful war against the Danes, Scots, 
and other enemies. Athelstan did more than any of his 
predecessors to establish England firmly as a kingdom. 
After a reign of sixteen years, he was succeeded by his 
brother, Edmund I. The reign of this prince lasted but six 
years, and his death was tragical. As he was celebrating a 
festival in Gloucester, he was killed by Leolf, a notorious 

robber. 

9. Edred, the third brother, next succeeded to the throne. 
Among the chief advisers of this king was Dunstan, the 
venerable abbot of Glastonbury. Edred deposited with him 
all his treasures, and the titles of his lands, and wished to 
make him bishop of Winchester. Edred died after a reign 
of ten years, and left the throne, in 955, to his nephew, 
Edwin or Edwy, son of Edmund I. 

10. Edwy is generally represented as a prince of a weak 
and profligate character. He banished Dunstan, the abbot 
of Glastonbury, from the kingdom, because he opposed his 
unlawful affection for Elgiva, a lady of rank. Edwy, on 
account of his misconduct, was forced by his subjects and 
his brother Edgar to confine himself to but a limited portion 
of Southern England. At his death, in 959, Edgar suc- 
ceeded him. Edgar recalled the abbot of Glastonbury from 
exile, appointed him to a bishopric, and finally made him 

Questions.— S. By whom was he succeeded ? What did Athelstan 
do for England? What is said of Edmund? Of his death? 0. Who 
succeeded ? Who was the chief adviser of this king ? When did Edred 
die? 10. How is Edwy represented? Whom did he banish ? What is 
further said of him ? Who succeeded him ? 



238 England. 

Primate of England. Nevertheless, St. Dunstan, to punish 
him for a licentious action, forbade him to wear his crown 
for seven years. In this reign, the wolves that infested Eng- 
land were finally exterminated. Edgar subdued the Scotch. 
His reign of sixteen years was generally peaceful. 

11. Edward the Second, son of Edgar, reigned from 975 
to 978. He was called Martyr, because he was assassinated 
at the instigation of EHVida, his step-mother, who was led to 
this crime that she might gain the crown for her son, who 
then reigned as Ethelred the Second. During his long and 
unfortunate reign, the Danes and other northern races re- 
peatedly invaded the country. In an interval of peace, in 
1002, he ordered, a general massacre of the Danes that were 
living in England. In revenge, Sweyn, king of Denmark, 
committed terrible ravages in England. He even forced 
Ethelred to retire into Normandy, and seized the kingdom. 
Sweyn died very shortly after, bequeathing England to his 
son Canute, 1014. 

12. On the death of Sweyn, Ethelred immediately 
returned and regained possession of his throne, which he 
retained until his death, in 1016. His son, Edmund the 
Second, called Ironsides, on account of his great bodily 
strength, succeeded him, and died the same year. Canute 
had meanwhile made many efforts to gain j)ossession of 
England, and Eilimind, before his death, finally agreed to 
divide the kingdom with him. 

Questions. — 10. What is said of Edgar and St. Duustau ? Of wolves 
ill England? Of Edgar and his reign? 11. Who was his successor? 
Why was he called the Martyr? What invasions took place during 
this reign? What massacre? What did Sweyn do? What was his 
end? 12. What happened on the death of Sweyn? Who was the 
snccessor of Ethelred ? What is said of Edmund and Canute ? 



England. 



2S9 




Canute ItEiiUKiMi Uis Courtikks 



240 England. 

13. The death of Edmund, and, about the same period, 
of Harold, king of Denmark, brother of Canute, left Canute 
sovereign of both countries. He also held sway over Nor- 
way and Sweden, Scotland and Wales. He was thus one 
of the most powerful monarchs of the age. On this account, 
and also from his eminent qualities as a ruler, he has been 
called the Great. He died in 1035, after a reign of eighteen 
years, much lamented by his subjects. 

14. An interesting anecdote is related of this prince. 
Being one day near the sea shore, his courtiers, to flatter 
him, said that he was the king of kings, the master of both 
earth and sea. Canute took this opportunity to show how 
much he despised their foolish flattery. Sitting down, and 
addressing himself to the tide, which was advancing: "I am 
thy master," he exclaimed ; " I command thee, therefore, to 
stay where thou art, and not to move further, and wet my 
feet." All present thought the king mad, to imagine that 
the sea was going to obey his orders. It continued to 
advance, and at length came to the feet of the monarch. 
Turning to his flatterers, he said: " You see how far I am 
from being tlie master of all things. Learn hence, that the 
power of kings is very inconsiderable. There is, indeed, no 
other king than Almighty God, by whom alone the heavens, 
the earth, and the sea are governed." 

15. Canute left to his three sons the kingdoms over which 
lie had reigned : Norway to Sweyn ; Denmark to Hardi- 
canute ; and England to Harold, called Harefoot, on account 



Questions. — 13. How did Canute become sovereign of England and 
Denmark? Wliat otiier countries did Canute govern? Why was he 
called Great? What is said of his death ? 14. Relate the anecdote of 
Canute and his courtiers ? I'l. How did Canute divide his kingdoms? 



England. 



241 




Landim; UK William thk CoNin'KKOR. 



16 



242 England. 

of his swiftness in running. Harold was a weak and profli- 
gate prince, and reigned but three years. The reign of his 
brother and successor, Hardicanute, the last of the Danish 
kings of England, was equally short, terminating in 1042. 
As this king left no children, the English availed themselves 
of his death to shake off" the Danish yoke, and to restore 
the Saxon line, in the person of Edward the Third, brother 
of Edmund Ironsides. Edward was distinguished for the 
virtues which adorned his character, and which obtained 
him the surname of "The Confessor," a title equivalent to 
that of perfect Christian. 

16. At Edward's death, in 1066, several competitors for 
the throne appeared. Of these, Harold, the son of the 
Earl Godwin, a pow^erful English nobleman, and William, 
Duke of Normandy, were the most prominent. Both claimed 
to be remotely allied to the family of the late king. Harold, 
being in England at the time of Edward's death, was raised 
by the nobles to the throne, as Harold the Second. With 
Edward passed away the Saxon line of monarchs. The 
Edwards of subsequent English history belong to the 
Norman line. 

17. William resolved to make good his clainn to England 
by force of arms, and accordingly landed in the island in 
1066 with a powerful army. The memorable battle of 
Hastings ensued, in which Harold was killed, and his army 
defeated. The English submitted to the sceptre of William, 
who was known thenceforward as the Conqueror. 

Questions. — 15. What is said of his two successors in England? 
What change then took place ? What is said of Edward the Confessor? 
16. What events succeeded Edward's death? What is said of the 
Saxon line? 17. How did William the Conqueror obtain the throne? 



England. 243 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

The Kings of the Norman Family — From 
A. D. 1066 TO 1154. 

1. William thp: Conqueror possessed great abilities 
as a statesman and a warrior, though many of his acts were 
cruel and oppressive. He was remarkable in his person, 
being tall and well proportioned, and so strong that few 
could be found able to bend his bow or wield his arms. 

2. William endeavored to reconcile the English with his 
rule, but as he spent much of his time in Normandy, his 
officers in England made his government odious by their 
oppressions. The resentment of the English aroused him 
to great severity against them. One of his laws compelled 
them to extinguish their lights at an early hour of the 
evening, at the sound of the bell called the "curfew" 
(cnver-fire). 

3. He rendered a vast service by causing a register to 
be prepared of all the estates in England. This work is 
known as the Domesday Book. The introduction of the 
Normans into England occasioned the extensive use of the 
French language. First Latin, and then French, was the 
language of the law courts. Many French words were thus 
incorporated into the English language, and French words 
are still frequent in law. He showed great partiality for 



Questions.— 1. What is said of William? For what was he remark- 
able? 2. What is said of the English under his government? Of the 
curfew? 3. What puMic service did he render? What is said of the 
introduction of the French language? Of his Norman followers? 



244 En(jland. 

his Norman followers, and raised them to all the posts of 
honor. 

4. The conduct of his children gave him much unhappi- 
ness. Robert at length openly revolted against his father, 
and endeavored to take Normandy from him. William 
besieged him in a castle in Normandy, where many daring 
encounters took place. It happened, on one occasion, that 
Robert engaged the king himself, whose features were con- 
cealed by his helmet. A fierce combat ensued ; at length, 
the young prince wounded and dismounted his father, who 
called out for assistance. Robert, hearing his voice, recog- 
nized his parent ; struck with remorse, he alighted from his 
horse, threw himself at the feet of William, and implored 
his pardon. He then assisted him to mount, and saw him 
return to his camp. After governing England twenty-one 
years, William expired in Normandy, having first endeavored 
to make restitution for many of his acts of violence. His 
descendants have ever since occupied the throne of England. 

5, William the Second, surnamed Rufus, from his red 
hair, succeeded his father in the English throne, A.D. 1087. 
His reign was marked by cruelty and perfidy, and his death 
was tragical. As he was one day hunting in the forest, he 
was accidentally killed by one of his attendants, who aimed 
an arrow at a stag. Robert, the brother of William, was 
the lawful heir to the crown ; but at the time of William's 
death, he was absent on a crusade to the Holy Land. Henry, 

(^X'ESTIONS.— 4. What is' said of his children? Of Robert? What 
happened on one occasion? Wiiat is said of the deatii of William? 
.".. Who succeeded to the throne? What is said of his reign? What 
was his end? What is said of Robert? 



England. 245 

his younger brother, taking advantage of his absence, seized 
upon the government, and ascended the vacant throne, under 
the title of Henry the First, 1100. 

6. Robert on his return made an eftbrt to obtain the 
crown, but was defeated and taken prisoner by his brother, 
who confined him in a castle in Wales during the remainder 
of his life, which lasted twenty-eight years. Alas! how 
feeble are the nearest ties of kindred, when they come in 
conflict with the impulses of unrestrained ambition ! 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 
Family of Plantagenet— From A. D. 1135 to 1399. 

1. Henry left the throne to his daughter Matilda, 
married to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou. For 
nineteen years, the succession was interrupted by the usur- 
pation of his nephew, Stephen. Finally, however, Matilda's 
son ascended the throne in 1154, as Henry the Second. 
The most important achievement of his reign was the 
invasion and subjugation of Ireland, which country has 
remained more or less in a state of subjection to the English 
crown ever since. 

2. During the early part of his reign, the famous 
Thomas-a-Becket, a man of great learning and ability. 

Questions.— 5. What did Henry do? G. What did Robert do on 
his return ? What happened to him ? What is said of ambition ? 
1. To whom did Henry leave the throne ? What was the most important 
event? 2. In the early part of his reign, what distinguished person is 
mentioned ? 



246 England. 

held the first place in the king's favor, and was promoted 
to the office of High Chancellor. It happened about this 
time that the Archbishop of Canterbury died, and Becket 
was appointed to fill the vacant see. 

3. Becket, while he filled the office of Chancellor, had 
displayed great magnificence ; but on being elevated to the 
dignity of archbishop, he laid aside his former pomp and 
worldly display. The train of knights and noblemen who 
were accustomed to attend him were exchanged for a few 
companions selected from among the most learned and most 
virtuous of the clergy. His diet was abstemious, and his 
charities were abundant; his time was occupied in prayer, 
study, and in the discharge of the duties of his station. 

4. Shortly ailer Becket was consecrated bishop, Henry 
began to make encroachments on the rights of the Church 
and the privileges of the clergy. He retpiired that a 
clergyman who had been tried for ofienses in the ecclesi- 
astical court, should be delivered to the custody of the lay 
officers, to be tried again, and punished by a lay tribunal. 
He also prohibited the clergy from appealing to the court 
of Rome without his consent. 

5. The archbishop considered it his duty to oppose these 
measures, so repugnant to the dignity of the Church, and 
to those liberties which Henry had sworn to preserve at his 
coronation. The king grew indignant at this opposition ; 
the archbishop thought it })rudent to withdraw for a time 
from England, and accordingly he retired to France. 

Questions. — 2. What happened about this time? o. What is said 
of Becket? What did lie lay aside? What is said of his diet, &c. ? 
4. Shortly after this, what did Henry do? Require? Prohibit? 5. What 

is said of the archbishop? What of the king? 



Eaglainl. 247 

6. After some time, a reconciliation was effected between 
Henry and the primate, and the latter again returned to 
England, carrying with him letters of suspension from the 
Pope, against the bishops of Salisbury, London, and York. 
The bishops, on receiving these letters, burst into violent 
complaints against the primate, and hastened to the king 
for redress. Henry, in a moment of anger, exclaimed : 
" Of all the cowards who eat at my table, is there not one 
who will free me from this turbulent priest ! " 

7. Four of his attendants, taking this for the royal 
approbation, resolved to murder or carry off the primate. 
They immediately repaired to the palace of the archbishop, 
and accused him of insolence to the king. While they were 
there, the bell rang for vespers, and the undaunted prelate 
arose, and went unattended to the cathedral. The assassins 
followed him as he entered the church, and one of their 
number cried out: "Where is the traitor?" To this no 
answer was returned. But another asked : " Where is the 
archbishop?" To this the prelate answered: " Here is the 
archbishop, but no traitor." 

8. Upon receiving this reply, they rushed forward, and 
one of them struck the archbishop a blow upon the head 
with a battle-ax. When he felt the blood trickling down 
his face, the prelate clasped his hands, and bowing down, 
said : " In the name of Christ, and for the defence of his 
church, I am ready to die." In this posture he sank to 

QUESTION'S.— 6. After some time, what took place? What did the 
bishops do ? What did Henry exclaim ? 7. What did four of his 
attendants resolve? While they were there, what did the primate do? 
What did one of them cry out? What did the prelate answer? 8. What 
did they do? When he felt the blood, etc., what did he say ? How did 
h« sink ? 




24S 



MCRDEK OF ThOMAS-A-BkCKICT. 



England. '-^^•' 

the flour, uuder their repeated blows, at the foot of Saint 
Bennet's altar, A. D. 1170. 

9. At the first news of this event, Henry was tilled witli 
dread and alarm; he now lamented, when too late, the hasty 
expression which had led to the commission of so great a 
crime. A few years after this, he beheld his children uniting 
in rebellion against him in conjunction with his perfidious 
nobles. These tilings, he concluded, were not in the ordinary 
course of nature ; they could be no other than the effects 
of the divine wrath, which he had called down upon him- 
self by his persecution of the archbishop. 

10. As St. Thomas of Canterbury, the name of the holy 
prelate shortly became famous. The shrine in which his 
relics were preserved in his own cathedral was resorted to 
by pilgrims from all parts of the world. Henry, in order to 
expiate his offence, resolved to make a pilgrimage to the 
tomb of the martyr. He accordingly went to the cathedral 
in Canterbury, and prostrated himself before the shrine, 
while the bishop of London addressed the spectators. 

11. When the prelate had concluded his discourse, the 
king arose and went to the chapter-house of the convent, 
where the monks and a few bishops and abbots were 
assembled. In the presence of these, the royal penitent 
confessed his crimes, and received on his shoulders, with a 
knotted cord, a few stripes from each. After this act of 
humility, he returned again to the shrine, and spent the 
night in prayer. 

Questions.— 9. What is said of Henry? What did he behold? What 
did he conclude ? 10. What is said of the name of the prelate ? What 
did Henry resolve ? Relate what followed. 11. What did the king do ? 
In the presence of thesf ? After this a.'t, what did lie do ? 



250 



England. 



12. The latter part of his life was embittered by the 
unnatural conduct of his sons, who joined in a second 
rebellion against their father. He asked for a list of the 

conspirators ; on receiv- 
ing it, the first name 
that caught his eye was 
that of his favorite son, 
John. Heart-broken, 
he read no more, but 
returned the paper, and 
shortly after died, 11 89. 
13. His son, Richard 
the First, surnaraed the 
Lion-hearted, succeed- 
ed to the throne. Rich- 
ard was of a chivalrous 
and romantic turn of 
mind. He engaged in 
the Crusades, and em- 
barked for the Holy 
Land, where his per- 
sonal valor was con- 

The Liok-heart at Acre. • • „ 

spicuous in every ac- 
tion. On his return he was shipwrecked, and while endeav- 
oring to pass in disguise through Germany, was taken 
prisoner by the emperor, Henry the Sixth, who obliged him 
to give the sum of three hundred thousand pounds sterling 




ivV 



Question.^.— 12. What is said of the latter part of his life? For 
what did he ask, and what iollowed? 13. Who succeeded? What is 
said of Richard? In what did he engage? 



England. 



251 



%f 



for his liberty. Richard had no sooner returned to England 

than he declared war against his former ally in the Crusades, 

the kino- of France, who had encouraged the malcontents in 

"^ England to plot against 

him. During this war, 
the lion-hearted king 
met his death while be- 
sieging the castle of Li- 
moges. He had reigned 
ten years. 

14. John, the brother 
of Richard, succeeded 
to the throne, although 
Arthur, the son of an 
elder brother, was the 
lawful heir; and for 
fear the young prince, 
at any future period, 
might assert his claim, 
he was, by the order of 
John, basely murdered. 
The reign of John was 
one of the most dis- 
graceful in English his- 
tory. In almost every 
action he trampled 
upon the rights of his subjects, and infringed the privileges 
of his nobles. 




John .Swhaiunu Vesokanxe ao.unst tiii 
Bakons. 



QUESTI0NS.-13. On his return, what happened? How did he die? 
14. What did John do? What did he do with the young prince? What 

is said of his rfiyii ? 



252 England. 

15. At length the nobles, unable to support his tyranny, 
entered into a combination against him, under the direction 
of Langton, the Archl)ishop of Canterbury. They met at 
Runnymcde, in 1215, and compelled the king to sign and 
seal the famous document of Magna Charta, which is regarded 
as the great bulwark of English liberty, even at the present 
time ; and by which the liberty and important privileges of 
all ranks of the people are secured, John died, after an 
odious reign of seventeen years, in 1216. 

16. Henry the Third, his son and successor, was a weak 
and timid prince ; and his long reign was almost a continued 
series of contests with his turbulent barons. Henry was at 
length compelled to resign his crown, but was again restored 
to the throne after the famous battle of Evesham, in which 
the rebellious barons were defeated. He died in the sixty- 
fourth year of his age, and fiftv-sixth of his reign, A. D. 
1272. 

17. Henry was succeeded by his son, Edward the First. 
Edward was a prince of great military talents. He subju- 
gated Wales, and created his eldest son Prince of Wales, a 
title which, since then, distinguishes the eldest son of the 
British sovereign. He also invaded Scotland, defeated the 
Scots in the battle of Dunbar, and led their king captive to 
England. The Scots were incited to throw off the English 
yoke through the exertions of the renowned hero, Sir Wil- 
liam Wallace; but Wallace, after many brilliant achieve- 

QrESTio.NS.— 1.3. At length, what did his nobles do? What was he 
compelled to sign? When did he die? 16. What is said of Henry? 
What was he compelled to do, &c., and what followed ? When did he 
die? 17. By whom was he succeeded ? What did Edward do? What 
else? Rv whom were the Scots roused, &.v. ''. 



i-Jitgland. 253 

ments, was betrayed into the hands of Edward and put to 
death with barbarous cruelty in 1305, 

18. Edward the Second, who, two years after this, suc- 
ceeded his father, possessed but few qualities to distinguish 
him as a sovereign. He was weak and indolent, and allowed 
himself to be governed by unworthy favorites. At length a 
conspiracy was formed against him by his infamous queen, 
Isabella, and Mortimer, a young noble. Edward was com- 
pelled to resign the crown, and was afterwards barbarously 
murdered, at the instigation of Isabella, A, D. 1327. 

19. Edward the Third, his sou, succeeded to the throne. 
The reign of this prince was one of the most brilliant recorded 
in English history. He invaded Scotland, and defeated the 
Scots in the battle of Halidon Hill. He then invaded France 
and gained the memorable battle of Cressy, 1346 ; and his 
son, the Black Prince, afterwards defeated John, the French 
king, in the famous battle of Poictiers, and led him captive 
to England, 1356. 

20. Edward died in 1377, in the sixty-fifth year of his 
age and fifty-first of his reign, and was succeeded by Richard 
the Second, the son of the Black Prince. The reign of 
Richard was greatly disturbed by civil dissensions. Wat 
Tyler, a blacksmith, was the leader of the insurgents. He 
led them to Smithfield, where he invited the king to a con- 
ference. Here he behaved with so much insolence that he 
excited the indignation of one of the king's attendants, who 
struck him dead upon the spot. 

Questions.— 17. What was the fate of Wallace ? 18. What is said of 
Edward the Second ? What was formed against him? What was his 
fate? 19. Who succeeded ? What is said of his reign? What coun- 
tries did he invade? 20. When did he die? By whom was he succeeded ? 
AVhat is said of his reign ? Of Tykr? What was his fate? 



254 



England. 




riEATii OF Wat Tylkr. 



England. 255 

21. This rash act created the most violent excitement 
among the insurgents, and might have proved fatal to the 
king, had it not been for the presence of mind he displayed 
on That occasion. The young prince, riding up to the insur- 
gents, while their bows were bent for attack, exclaimed : 
''' What, my people! will you kill your king? Follow me, 
and you shall have what you desire." 

22. While Richard was absent in Ireland, a conspiracy 
was formed against him ; and on his return he was compelled 
to resign his crown, and the Duke of Lancaster, his cousin, 
ascended the throne, under the title of Henry the Fourth. 
Richard was imprisoned in the castle of Pomfret, and was 
shortly afterwards cruelly murdered, A. D. 1399. 



CHAPTER XXXVn. 

The Lancaster Family— From A. D. 1399 to 1461. 

I. Henry, having succeeded to the crown by the murder 
of his lawful sovereign, soon found that the throne was not a 
place for the enjoyment of repose; that the diadem that 
glitters upon the brow of mouarchs conceals beneath its 
splendor a thousand cares unknown in the humbler walks of 
life. The early part of his reign was distracted by insur- 
rections, and the latter part of his life was rendered unhappy 
by the profligate conduct of his son. Henry died in the 

Questions.— 21. What is said of the rash act? The young prince? 
22. What is related of Richard? What was his fate? 1. What did 
Henry soon find ? What is said of the early part of his reign ? 



256 England. 

forty-sixth year of" his age, and fourteenth of his reign, A. 
D. 1413. 

2. He was succeeded by his son, Henry the Fifth, whose 
reign is memorable for the famous battle of Agincourt, in 
1-tlo, in which the French were defeated with a loss of 
eleven thousand killed and fourteen thousand prisoners, 
while the English lost only forty slain. His brilliant career 
of victory was cut short by death, in the thirty-fourth year 
of his age, and the tenth of his reign. A. D. 1422. 

3. Henry the Sixth succeeded his father at the early age 
of ten months, under the regency of his uncle, the Duke of 
Gloucester. As the young king advanced in years, he 
evinced a mild and pleasing disposition. He married Mar- 
garet, the daughter of the king of Sicily, a woman of heroic 
courage. The early part of his reign was disturbed by the 
insurrection of Jack Cade. Cade, however, was defeated 
and slain, and the insurrection suppressed. 

4. Shortly after this, the Duke of York, a descendant of 
Edward the Third, asserted his claim to the crown, and a 
most sanguinary civil war followed. The red rose was the 
symbol of the house of Lancaster, and the white rose that of 
the house of York ; hence this contest is often known as the 
War of the two Roses. It is said that more than one 
hundred thousand persons were slain during this war. 

5. In the great battle of St. Albans, the king was 
defeated and taken prisoner ; but Queen Margaret still kept 



Questions. — 1. When diil he ilie ? 2. For what is the reign of Henry 
the Fifth nieinorablc? What is said of victory? S. Who succeeded? 
What is said of the young king? By what was his reign disturbed? 
4. After this, what took place ? Of what was the red rose the symbol ? 
The white rose? Hence what is this war called? n. What happened 
in the 1>attlc of St. Albans? 



England. ^^' 

the field, and gained the battle of Wakefield, in which the 
Duke of York was defeated and slain. Edward, the son of 
the duke, took the field in support of the house of York; 
he entered London with a numerous army, and was pro- 
claimed king, under the title of Edward the Fourth, A. D. 
14(31. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

The House of York — Edwakd IV. — Edward V.— 
Richard III.— From 14(31 to 1485. 

1. Scarcely was Edward seated upon the throne than 
he found himself opposed by the heroic Margaret, at the 
head of sixty thousand men. Edward and the Earl of 
Warwick hastened to give her battle; the two armies met 
at Towton, where the forces of the queen were completely 

routed. 

2. The situation of the queen was deplorable in the 
extreme. With no other companion than her little son, she 
fled from the field of battle, and entered the gloomy forest 
of Hexham. Here she fell into the hands of rufiians, who 
despoiled her of jewels and treated her with the greatest rude- 
ness; they, however, disputed about the booty, and during 
their dispute she made her escape and fled with her son into 
the thickest part of the forest. When almost overcome with 



(iUESTioNS.-5. What is said of the queen ? What is s.ud ,.f Edwunl, 
the son of the duke? 1. What is said of Edward? ^\ here did the 
two armies meet? 2. What is said of the queen? ^Vhat .l.d sh.. do. 
Into whose hands did she fall ? What followed ? 

17 



258 



England. 



fatigue, and about to sink in despair, she was suddenly- 
roused by the approach of a robber with a drawn sword. 

3. Finding it impossible to escape, she resolved to throw 
herself upon his generosity. She advanced towards him 




Margarkt Intkusts Pkimk Edward to the Robber. 

and said: " Friend, here is the son of your king; I commit 
him to your protection." The man, pleased with the confi- 
dence placed in him, rendered all the assistance in his power. 
He conducted her safely to the sea-coast, and she escaped to 
Flanders. 

4. A few years after this. Queen Margaret, having col- 
lected another army on the continent, returned to England, 
and made a second effort to liberate her husband, and to 
replace him upon the throne. In this she was successful ; 
Edward was expelled, and Henry, after l)eing six years in 



QlESTlONS. — 2. When almost, &c., how was she roused? 3. What 
did she resolve? What did slie say ? What did the man do? 4. After 
a few years, what took place ? 



England. 259 

captivity, was agaiu restored. Edward, however, soon 
returned with a powerful army, and having defeated the 
forces of Henry in the bh)ody battle of Barnet, again seized 
upon the crown, 1471. 

5. The intrepid Margaret again took the field against 
hira, but was entirely defeated by Edward, in the desperate 
battle of Tewkesbury, in which she and her son were taken 
prisoners. The king asked the youthful Edward why he 
dared invade his dominions, to which the prince replied : " I 
have entered the dominions of my father to avenge his 
injuries, and to redress my own." The ungenerous king, 
enraged at this noble reply, struck the prince with his 
sword, and his attendants, taking this as a signal for further 
violence, killed the young prince upon the spot. 

6. Ji^dward passed the remainder of his reign in acts of 
tyranny and cruelty. He caused his brother, the Duke of 
Clarence, to be put to death for a trifling offence. The life 
of the deposed monarch Henry was terminated by assassina- 
tion in prison. Queen Margaret, imprisoned with him, then 
found a refuge in France, where she died the year before 
Edward. He died in the forty-second year of his age, A. D. 
1483. 

7. Edward left two sons, the elder of whom ascended the 
throne at the age of thirteen, under the title of Edward the 
Fifth. His uncle, the Duke of Gloster, was appointed pro- 

(H"l*"^^"'<>^■>^• — -I- What is said of Edward and llfiirv.' What did 
Kdward do ? o. What is said of Margaret V Wliat did he ask the young 
l)rinee? What did he reply? What was his fate? ti. What is saiil of 
Kdward? AVhat did lie cause? What was the fate of Henry ? When 
did Edward die? 7. Who ascended the throne? What is said of the 
Duke of Gloster ? 



260 



England. 




Death of Kiciiakd III. 

upon the field of l)attle, and 
Seventh. 



lector, but seized the 
crown for himself, un- 
der the title of Rich- 
ard the Third, in 
1483. The youthful 
king, and his little 
brother, the Duke of 
York, were, by his 
orders, smothered in 
the Tower. Scarcely 
was Richard seated on 
the throne, than he 
found a powerful rival 
in Henry Tudor Earl 
of Richmond, a de- 
scendant of the house 
of Lancaster. Rich- 
ard was defeated and 
slain in the battle of 
Bosworth Field, in 
1485, and his victori- 
ous rival was crowned 
umed the title of Henry the 



QCESTIONS.— 7. Of tlio lato ol' Kdwanl and his brother? AV hat was 
the fate of Ivichanl ? Wliat is said of his victorious rival? 



Evglcmd. 261 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

T.UDOR Family — Henky VII. — Henry VIII. — Edward 
VI. — Mary and Eeizareth — From 1485 to 1(503. 

1. The marriage of Henry with Elizabeth, daughter of 
Edward the Fourth, and heiress of the house of York, by 
uniting the rival houses, put an end to the civil wars which 
for thirty years had devastated the kingdom. The early 
part of Henry's reign was disturbed by the aj)pearance of 
two pretenders to the throne. They assumed to be princes 
of the house of York, and the success they met with at first 
was due to the attachment still felt by the people for that 
family. The first was Lambert Simnel, the son of a baker, 
who attempted to counterfeit the Earl of Warwick, a cousin 
of Edward the Fifth, whom Henry kept in prison. He 
was defeated and taken prisoner, and Henry made him a 
servant in his kitchen. 

2. The second was Perkin Warbeck, who endeavored to 
counterfeit the Duke of York, the young prince smothered 
in the Tower. After a variety of adventures, Warbeck was 
taken prisoner, and confined in the company of the real Earl 
of Warwick. They attempted to escape, whereupon the 
Earl was beheaded, and Warbeck hanged at Tyburn. 
Henry was a prudent, but a very avaricious prince. In his 
reign, commerce was encouraged, and voyages of discovery 

QliKSTlONS. — 1. What is said of the succession of Henry? The 
earlv ]>ait of his reign ? Who was tlie first? 2. Who was the second ? 
Wliat is said of Henry ? 



262 England. 

were promoted. He died in 1509, and left the crown to his 
son, Henry the Eighth. 

3. Henry the Eighth succeeded to the throne under 
the most favorable circumstances. He was then in the 
eighteenth year of his age, and possessed of every quality 
that could endear him to his subjects; but as he advanced 
in life, all his better qualities gave way to the most detesta- 
ble vices, until he became a cruel and rapacious tyrant. 
The most important events of Henry's reign grew out of his 
matrimonial alliances. He had no less than six wives, two 
of whom he caused to be beheaded for real or pretended 
crimes, and two others divorced. 

4. His first wife was Catherine of Aragon, an amiable 
and virtuous woman. Among the ladies who attended the 
queen was Anne, the fair daughter of Sir Thomas Boleyn. 
This young lady so captivated the king's affections that he 
resolved to make her his wife, and for this purpose applied 
to the Pope for a divorce from Catherine of Aragon. 
Clement the Seventh replied that, as he had been lawfully 
married to Catherine, no power on earth could release him 
from his obligations. 

5. He now resolved to effect a divorce without the Pope's 
consent. For this purpose he assembled a court over which 
Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, presided. This court 
readily annulled his marriage \vith Catherine, and the king 
was immediately married to Anne Boleyn. His next step 

Questions.— 2. To whom did he leave the throne ? 3. What is said of 
Henry the Eighth ? Wliut did he become ? How many wives had he? 
4. Who was his first wife ? What is said of Anne Boleyn ? AVhat did 
the king resolve? What did the Pope reply? n. What steps did the 
king take to obtain a divorce ? What followed ? 



England. 



263 



was 



to make the church in England independent of the 




Pope, and to cause himself, by an act of Parliament in 1534, 
Questions.— 5. What was the king's next step? 



264 En f/ /(I lid. 

to he proclaimed the head of the English church. He 
caused the venerable Bishop Fisher and the celebrated Sir 
Thomas More to be beheaded, because they would not 
acknowledge his supremacy. He suppressed the monas- 
teries in England, and converted their estates to the use of 
the crown. 

6. In his extravagance, he plundered the rich shrine of 
St. Thomas of Canterbury, and despoiled it of its ornaments 
of silver and gold ; then, ordering the Saint to be tried for 
treason committed against Henry the Second, he condemned 
him as a traitor, and caused his relics to be taken out and 
scattered to the wind. His wicked career was at length ter- 
minated by death, in the fifty-sixth year of his age, and the 
thirty-seventh of his reign, A. D. 1547. Henry was suc- 
ceeded by his son, Edward the Sixth, in the tenth year 
of his age, whose mother was Jane Seymour, Henry's third 
wife. 

7. During the reign of the late monarch, the revolution 
in religion now known as the " Reformation," commenced 
in Germany, under Martin Luther, a native of Eisleben in 
Saxony. At an early age he entered the order of the 
Augustinian friars, and in the course of time became pro- 
fessor of divinity in the University of Wittenburg. In 
1520, he threw off his monastic habit, and commenced to 
preach against the Pope and the Catholics. At this time, 
Henry wrote a book against Luther, on which account he 

Questions. — 5. Whom did he cause to be beheaded ? What did he 
suppress? (5. What did he plunder? What did he order? When did 
he die ? By whom was lie succeeded ? 7. During his reign, what com- 
menced in Germany? What is said of Luther? In 1520, what did he 
do? What dill Ilcnrv write? 



England. 265 

was styled " The Defender of the Faith," a title which is 
retained by the British sovereigns to the present day. 
Henry afterwards persecuted Protestants and Catholics alike. 

8. Luther, in reprobating the abuses said to have been 
committed by certain individuals at that time, attacked 
several points of Catholic doctrine, particularly that of 
indulgences. Catholics believe that an indulgence is a relaxa- 
tion of all or a part of the temporal punishment due to 
sin, after the guilt has been remitted by the sacrament of 
penance ; they do not believe that it is a pardon for sin, 
nuich less a license to commit sin. 

9. During the reign of Edward the Sixth, the doctrines 
of the Reformation, which had begun to spread in England 
in the time of his father, became more firmly established. 
A new liturgy in the English language, and a book of 
Common Prayer, were compiled by Archbishop Cranmer : 
and by the adoption of these, the rites and ceremonies of the 
(^'atholic Church were abolished, and a form of worship nearly 
resembling that of the present Church of England, was 
established throughout the kingdom. 

10. The young king died in 1553, in the sixteenth year 
of his age. Before his death, he had been prevailed upon 
to set aside his sisters Mary and Elizabeth, and to leave the 
crown to Lady Jane Gray, his cousin, a Protestant like 
himself. Accordingly, this lady was immediately elevated 
to the throne ; but after wearing the crown for nine days, she 

Questions. — 7. What is again said of Henry? 8. Of Luther? What 
do Catholics believe of an indulgence ? 9. During the reign of Edward 
what is said of the new doctrines? What is said of a new liturgy? 
What were abolished ? 10. What is said of the king ? Wliat is said 
of Lady Jane Gray ? 



266 England. 

retired to a private station, and Mary, the daughter of King 
Henry and Catherine of Aragon, and therefore the lawful 
heir, was quietly acknowledged. Scarcely was Mary seated 
on the throne, than a second conspiracy was entered into 
against her. The conspirators were defeated, and several 
of them atoned for their rebellion on the scaffold. Among 
those who suffered on this occasion was the much lamented 
Lady Jane Gray. 

11. Mary has been much censured for consenting to the 
execution of this unfortunate lady. It is true that her life 
had been spared on a former occasion by Mary, against the 
advice of her ministers, but an insurrection in which Lady 
Jane's father took part, made Mary apprehensive that her 
crown was in danger by suffering the young princess longer to 
live. Mary, in the second year of her reign, married Philip 
the Second, of Spain. One of her first acts, after she ascended 
the throne, was to restore the Catholic religion, the public 
exercise of which had been nearly extinguished during the 
reign of her brother. 

12. Mary lived at a period when religious toleration 
was neither understood nor practised by either Catholics or 
Protestants; when the extirpation of what were deemed 
erroneous doctrines was inculcated as a duty by the leaders 
of every religious denomination. Still, the part she took in 
persecuting those who were hostile to her faith, will always 
remain a blot upon her memory. She put into force a law 
against heresy, which had been recommended to Edward the 



Questions. — 10. Who was acknowledged ? What followed ? 11. 
What is said of Mary ? On what grounds was Lady Jane put to death ? 
Whom did Mary marry? What was one of her first acts? 12. What 
is said of toleration? What will be a blot upon Mary's memory? 



England. 267 

Sixth, by Cranmer, for the puuishment of the Catholics. 
Under this law, nearly two hundred Protestants were put to 
death within four years, among the first of whom was Cran- 
mer himself. An occasional interruption occurred to these 
persecutions, and Philip's Spanish chaplain denounced them 
in a public sermon ; but they did not entirely cease while 
Mary lived. Towards the close of her reign, the French 
took Calais, after it had been for two hundred years in pos- 
session of the English. This event hastened her death. 
She died in the forty-sixth year of her age, and the sixth of 
her reign, A. D. 1558. 

13. On the death of Mary, Elizabeth, daughter of Henry 
the Eighth, and Anne Boleyn, succeeded to the throne, and 
proceeded at once to re-establish the Protestant faith as the 
religion of the realm, and to assume the title of supreme 
head of the English Church. One of the principal events 
of her reign was her persecution of Mary, Queen of Scot- 
land. Mary, who was the grand-daughter of Henry the 
Seventh, and, after Elizabeth, the next heir to the English 
throne, was renowned throughout Europe for her beauty 
and accomplishments. She had been educated at the court 
of France, and had married Francis the Second, who died 
shortly after the celebration of the nuptials. 

14. On the death of Francis, Mary returned to her own 
dominions. Shortly after her return, she married Lord 
Darnly, a man of a fickle and jealous disposition. About a 

Questions. — 12. What law did she put in force ? What is said of 
interruptions to the persecution? What of Calais? When did Mary 
die? 13. Who succeeded ? What was one of her first acts? What is said 
of Mary, Queen of Scotland? Where had she been educated? 14. 
AVhat did Marv do ? Whom did she marrv ? 



2f)8 



Kntjlainl. 



year after his marriage, Darnly, being unwell, had removed 
to a house near Edinburgh for the benefit of his health ; but 
the house in which he had taken up his abode was blown up 

with gunpowder, and 
the body of Darnly 
thrown into an adja- 
cent garden. Shortly 
after this event, Mary 
was seized by the 
Earl of Bothwell, and 
led captive to the 
castle of Dunbar, and 
there compelled to 
raarry him. 

15. A rebellion soon 
broke out; Bothwell 
was expelled from the 
country, and Mary 
again taken prisoner 
and confined in the 
castle of Lochleven. 
Here she was com- 
pelled to resign her 
crown in favor of her son, James the Sixth, of Scotland, and 
the Earl of jMurray was appointed regent. She finally es- 
caped from captivity, and having collected her adherents, 
made an eflfort to regain her crown ; but being defeated in 




Qt'KEN El.IZAnKTII. 



Questions.— 14. What was his fate? After this what followed ? 15. 
What is said of Mary? What was she comjielled to do? Having 
escaped, what did she do ? 



Eiiyland. 269 

the battle of Langside, she resolved to seek an asylum iu 
England, and to throw herself upon the mercy of her cousin 
Elizabeth. 

16. As soon as Mary landed in England, Elizabeth 
ordered her to be confined in Tutbury castle, under the 
custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury. The unfortunate Queen 
of Scots languished in captivity in various prisons for 
nearly twenty yeans. At last, her unnatural cousin, Queen 
Elizabeth, issued an order for her execution, under the pre- 
tence that Mary had conspired to deprive her of her 
crown. 

17. When Mary was led forth to execution, she was 
exhorted to renounce the religion of her ancestors, and to 
die in the reformed religion, but she replied that she had 
been born a Catholic, in that religion had lived, and iu that 
religion was resolved to die. She then offered up prayers 
for the Church, for her son, and for her cousin, Q,ueen 
Elizabeth, and having taken an affectionate farewell of her 
faithful attendants, she calmly resigned hei-self to the execu- 
tioner, and her head was severed from her body at the 
third stroke of the axe, A. D. 1587. 

18. Although it is doubtful what were the religious senti- 
ments of Elizabeth, or whether in fact she had any, she 
persecuted those who refused conformity with the Established 
Church, the Thirty-nine Articles of which were adopted in 
1562. Hence, Puritans and Catholics suffered alike, but 
the latter in much greater numbers. It was made treason 

Questions —15. What did she resolve? 1(5. What did Elizabeth 
order? What is said of the unfortunate (jueen ? 17. What was Mary 
exhorted (o do? What did she reply? What did she then do? 18. 
What is said of Elizubetli's perseeutions ? Who suliered? 



270 England. 

to the state and an offence punishable ^vith death to abandon 
the Protestant for the Catholic religion, to harbor a priest, 
to have been ordained in a foreign country, to admit the 
ecclesiastical supremacy of the Pope, or to reject that of the 
queen. Consequently, a great number of priests and others 
were put to death. The rack and other tortures were in 
common use. The prisons were crowded with victims, and 
many ancient families were reduced to poverty by the heavy 
fines imposed on them for continuing to adhere to the old 
religion. 

19. Philip the Seconcl, of Spain, having been provoked 
into war by the aggressions of Elizabeth, sent a fleet of one 
hundred and thirty vessels to invade England. He was so 
confident of success that he called his fleet the " Invincible 
Armada." The English rallied unanimously to the defence 
of their country, and through their efforts, aided by a vio- 
lent tempest, the attempt of the Spaniards resulted in entire 
failure, A. D. 1588. 

20. The enterprise of the English led them in this reign 
to undertake numerous expeditions for war, trade, discovery, 
and colonization. On the other hand, the poor, who were 
formerly aided by the monasteries, increased in numbers to 
such an extent as to make the introduction of poor-laws 
necessary. These provided for their public support, but 
with these laws were published others that, for the first time 



Questions. — 18. AVliat religious offences were iiiiule treason? Wliat 
was tlie consequence? Describe some of the punislnuents employed. 
19. What is said of Philip the Second? Of the resistance of the Eng- 
lisli ? 20. What of their entt'ri)rise':' Of the condition of the poor? 
Of the character of some law s ? 



England. 271 

in English history, seemed to reduce poverty almost to the 
level of a crime. 

21. Elizabeth died in the seventieth year of her age, and 
in the forty-fifth of her reign, A. D. 1603. Elizabeth pos- 
sessed eminent qualities as a sovereign, but in principle she 
was despotic, cruel, jealous, and revengeful ; her conversa- 
tion was often grossly profane, and in her private life she 
was even less to be admired. Her reign was distinguished 
for men of learning; among these. Bacon, Shakspeare, and 
Spencer were the most eminent. By her vigor and ability, 
Elizabeth aided in raising England from an inferior place 
among nations, to the first rank. 



CHAPTER XL. 

The Stuart Family— From A. D. 160;> to 1714. 

I. On the death of Elizabeth, James the Sixth, of Scot- 
land, son of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, succeeded to the 
English throne, under the title of James the First. The 
most remarkable event of his reign was the famous Gun- 
powder Plot, which was a design of a few daring adven- 
turers to blow up the parliament house, and involve 
in one common ruin the king, lords, and commons. The 
plot, however was discovered, and one of the leaders, Guy 
Fawkes, was taken as he was about to fire the magazine. 



Questions.— 21. When did Elizabeth die? What did she possess? 
What is said of her reign? Of her vigor and ability? 1. Who suc- 
ceeded Elizabeth? What was the Gunpowder Plot? What is said 
of the plot ? 



272 



Eng/aml. 



2. James died in 1625, and was succeeded by his sou, 
Charles the First. The reign of this prince was greatly dis- 
tracted by civil wars. His parliament revolted against him, 

and after the war had raged 
for several years, the royal 
forces were routed, and the 
kin<i fell into tiie hands of 
his enemies. The unfortu- 
nate monarch was brought 
to trial for levying war 
against the parliament; and 
being condemned, he was 
j)ublicly executed, in the 
twenty-fourth year of his 
reign, A. D. 1649. 

3. After the death of the 
king, the royal government 
and the house of lords were 
abolished, and a republican form of government was estab- 
lished. The parliament, which had been in session for eleven 
years, and is known by the name of the Long Parliament, 
was at length dissolved by Cromwell, who usurped the whole 
power of the government, and assumed the title of Protector. 
His administration was directed with energy and ability, and 
considerably advanced the military glory of England. He 
died in the fifty-ninth year of his age, A. D. 1658. 

4. Richard Cromwell, his son, was proclaimed protector. 







ClIAKLKS I. 



Questions. — 2. When did James die? Who succeeded? What is 
said of his reigii ? What was the fate of this monarch ? H. What were 
ubolislied ? What is said of the i>arliament? By whom was it dis- 
solved, »!cc.? What is said of liis administration? When did he die? 



England. 273 

but after holding the office for a few months, he resigned 
the title and retired into private life. In 1660, Charles the 
Second was restored to the throne of his father. During 
his reign, the city of London was visited by a plague, 
which carried off ninety thousand of its inhabitants; and 
shortly afterwards a fire took place, by which thirteen 
thousand houses were laid in ruins. To perpetuate the 
memory of this calamity, a monument was erected, with an 
inscription on the base, falsely ascribing it to the Roman 
Catholics ; but this inscription has been erased by the order 
of Parliament. 

5. Charles died in the twenty-fifth year of his reign, A. 
D. 1685. Shortly before his death, he sent for a Catholic 
clergyman, and received the last rites of the Catholic 
church from his hands. On the death of Charles, his 
brother, the Duke of York, ascended the throne under the 
title of James the Second. The early part of the reign of 
this prince was disturbed by the rebellion of the Duke of 
Monmouth ; the duke, however, was taken prisoner and 
beheaded, and the rebellion suppressed. 

6- Lord Chief Justice Jeffries, who was appointed to try 
rebel prisoners, is represented as having been guilty of much 
cruelty in the discharge of the duty assigned him ; but all 
the odium of the proceedings fell upon the king. An 
insurrection broke out in which many of the king's former 
friends and adherents, and even some of his .own children 



QrKSTloxs. — 4. Who was ))roclaiined protector ? In 11360, what took 
place? During his reign, what took i)lace? What was erected, and 
what is said of it? 5. When did Charles die? Who ascended the 
throne? In the early part of his reign, what took place? rt. What is 
said of .Teft'ries ? What l)roke out ? 

18 



274 England. 

took part. William, Prince of Orange, son-in-law of James, 
was applied to for aid, and the kingdom was offered to him. 
He accepted the invitation, and landed in England with 
considerable forces; James fled and William ascended the 
vacant throne, A. D. 1688. 

7. James, after spending some months at the court of 
France, resolved to make an effort to regain his crown 
through the people of Ireland, who still remained faithful 
to his interests. He landed at Dublin, and after some 
delay, met the forces of William ou the banks of the River 
Boyne ; here an obstinate battle took place, in which James 
was defeated. He tied again to France, where he died, in 
the sixty-eighth year of his age, A. D. 1701. 

8. On the death of William in 1702, the crown devolved 
upon Anne, the second daughter of James. In the early 
part of her reign, a war was waged against France, during 
which the Duke of Marlborough gained the celebrated vic- 
tories of Blenheim, Ramillies, and others, over the forces of 
Louis the Fourteenth. The other important events of her 
reign, were the taking of Gibraltar, a stronghold which 
remains in the possession of the English to the present time ; 
and the union between England and Scotland in 1707, by 
which the two countries were included in one, under the 
common title of Great Britain. 

9. This period has been styled the Augustan Age of Eng- 
land, and is distinguished for men of genius and learning, 

QlESTioNs. — (i. What is said of the Trineo of Orange? What did 
James do? 7. What did James resolve? Where did he hind? What 
took phice? What became of James? S. On whom did the crown 
devolve ? What is said of the early part of her reign ? What were the 
other events ? 'J. What is said of this period ? 



England. 



275 




Jamk; 11. Ai THE Battle of tiik Huyni., 



276 England. 

such as Pope, Swift, and Addison. The queen, whose health 
had been for some time on the decline, at length passed from 
the turmoil and splendor of the throne to the humble quie- 
tude of the tomb, in the fiftieth year of her age, A. D. 1714. 



CHAPTER XLI. 

House of Brunswick — George I. — George II. — George 
III. — George IV. — William IV. — (^ueen Victoria. 

1. On the death of Anne, George, son of the Duke of 
Brunswick, Elector of Hanover, and a descendant of James 
the First, succeeded to the throne of England, under the 
title of George the First. His reign presents few events of 
importance. During it, a rebellion broke out in Scotland in 
favor of the son of James the Second, which was, however, 
soon suppressed, and the most exemplary severity exercised 
against the leaders. George died in the sixty-eighth year 
of his age, and the thirteenth of his reign, A. D. 1727. 

2. George the Second, his son, was a prince of some abil- 
ity, and fond of martial exercises. In 1740 he espoused the 
cause of Maria Theresa of Austria against Louis the Fif- 
teenth of France. This is called the War of the Austrian 
Succession. The claims of Maria Theresa were finally ac- 
knowledged, and the war was ended by the treaty of Aix-la- 
Chapelle in 1748. In 1745 Prince Charles, grandson of 



QiKSTioxs. — 9. When did the queen die ? 1. Who succeeded to the 
throne? What rebellion broke out ? When did hi' die' ?. Who suc- 
ceeded? What occurred in 1740 V In 174S ? 



England. 



'2,11 



James the Second, made another effort to gain possession 
of the throne of his fathers. He landed in Scotland, and 
defeated the royalists in the battle of Preston Pans, but was 
signally defeated in the famous battle of Culloden, in 1746. 

3. Towards the close of the reign of George, war was re- 
newed between England and France on account of the 

boundaries of their respective 
possessions in America. 
George died in the seventy- 
seventh year of his age, and 
thirty-third of his reign, A. D. 
1760. George the Third, his 
grandson, succeeded to the 
throne at the age of twenty- 
two. By the treaty of Paris, 
in 1763, the war with France, 
begun under his predecessor, 
and called the Seven Years' 
War, was terminated. By the 
terms of this treaty, Canada 
and other possessions of the 
French in North America were ceded to the English. 

4, George the Third commenced his reign by a course of 
unjust and oppressive measures towards the British Colonies 
in North America. The colonies were at length driven into 
rebellion, and after a long and expensive war, England was 
compelled to acknowledge their independence in 1783. The 




Pitt the Younger. 



Questions.— 2. In 1745? In 1746? 3. What war was renewed? 
When did he die ? Wlio succeeded ? What took place in 1763 ? With 
what result? 4. AVliat is said of this prince? The colonies, &c.? 



278 England. 

other most important events of his reign were the rebellion 
in Ireland in 1798, and the long and sanguinary conflicts 
that grew out of the French Revolution of 1789. 

5. The principal achievements of the British arms during 
this period, were the famous victories of the Nile and 
Trafalgar, by Lord Nelson, in 1798 and 1805, and of Sala- 
manca, Vittoria, and Waterloo, by Wellington, 1809 to 
1815. George died at a very advanced age, after a reign of 
sixty years, the longest but one in English history. The 
reign of George the Fourth, who succeeded to the throne in 
1820, was distinguished for the passage of the Catholic 
Emancipation Bill, by which the disabilities of the Roman 
Catholics in Great Britain and Ireland were removed. 
England, at this period, also assisted the Greeks in gaining 
their independence. The British fleet, in union with that of 
France and Russia, gained a celebrated victory over the 
Turks in the battle of Navarino in 1827. 

6. George the Fourth died in 1830, and was succeeded by 
his brother William, Duke of Clarence, under the title of 
William the Fourth. The extension of popular suffrage in 
1832, and the abolition of slavery in the British colonies in 
1834, were the principal events of this reign. William was 
succeeded, in 1837, by her present majesty, Queen Victoria, 
the daughter of the Duke of Kent, one of the sons of 
George the Third. Females being excluded from the throne 
of Hanover by the laws of that country, Hanover, which 

Questions. — 4. What were the other events ? 5. What were the prin- 
cipal achievements? When did he die? For what Avas the reign of 
Cieorge the Fourth distinguished ? Wiiat is said of England ? 6. When 
did George die? By whom was William the Fourth succeeded ? What 
were the events of William's reign ? Bv whom was he succeeded ? 



England. 279 

had remained attached to England since the accession of the 
house of Brunswick, fell to the Duke of Cumberland, 
another of the sons of George the Third. 

7. In 1853, England, in alliance with France and Sar- 
dinia, and for the defence of Turkey, declared war against 
Russia. With the fall of Sebastopol, three years later, the 
memorable struggle closed in the defeat of the latter 
power. In 1857 the cruel Sepoy rebellion in India, led by 
Nana Sahib, was suppressed. The succeeding year is notable 
for the removal of the political disabilities of the Jews and 
their admission to Parliament. 

8. After long and resolute opposition the Irish Protes- 
ant Church (that is, the Church of England established in 
Ireland) became disestablished. The Act of Parliament 
passed in 1869. It went into operation in 1871. In 1877 
Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India. During 
this period (1853-1877) England successfully carried on 
lesser wars against China, Abyssinia, and the Aslmntees of 
Central Africa. 

9. In 1880-81 military operations were conducted in 
Afghanistan. This country of mountain defiles and desert 
lies between the p]ast India possessions of England on the 
south-east and those of Russia on the north-west, and Eng- 
land, to guard her frontier against Russian encroachment, 
has sought to make it a neutral and protective zone. Prior 
to 1880 Russian emissaries had been active among the 



Questions. — 6. What is said of Hanover? 7. In what war did 
England engage in 1853 ? Willi what result ? What occurred in India 
in 18.57? For what is the succeeding year noted? 8. In 18fi9 what 
occurred? In 1877? What wars were carried on during 1853-1877? 
9. Give an account of the Afghan war of 1880-81. 



280 



England. 



Afghans. England became alarmed, sent an army into the 
country, aefeated the adherents of the Russian faction, and 
reestablished her own prestige. The hero in this war was 
General Roberts. The victory of Tel-el-kebir (1882) ended 
a short war in Egypt against the rebel Arabi. 

10. In 1883 the brave General Gordon, who had been 
sent into the Soudan to keep in check the tribes there, was 

besieged in Khartoum by the 
Mahdi, or False Prophet. 
Khartoum was taken by 
treachery and Gordon slain 
just on the eve of relief by 
General Wolseley. In 1886 
Juigland annexed Burmah to 
her East India possessions. 
The next year Stanley, the 
African explorer, made his 
famous expedition for the re- 
lief of Emin Bey, governor of 
the equatorial provinces of 
Egypt. Stanley found Emin on the shores of Lake Albert 
N'yanza, and conducted him safely to the coast. 

11. Since 1887 the foreign relations of England have been 
peaceful, and attention devoted to matters of domestic moment. 
Of these by far the most prominent is legislation in respect 
to Ireland. Her champion has been William E. Gladstone 




William E. (Iladstonk. 



QUESTioxs.— 9. AVho was its hero ? What event in 1882? 10. Give 
an account of General Gordon's operations and fate in the Soudan. 
What event in 1SS6? Who was Stanley? Whom did he rescue? 
11. What has absorhed Knglaiid's attention since 1SS7? Who has been 
Ireland's friend? 



England. 



281 



In 1886 he introduced a Home Rule Bill for Ireland, but 
was defeated. In 1892 he became Premier again distinctly 
on the Home Rule issue, and he again introduced a Home 
Rule Bill (1893), which passed the Commons, but was 
defeated in the House of Lords. In January, 1894, 
Mr. Gladstone resigned and the Earl of Rosebery became 




Windsor Castlk. 



Premier. Early in the Summer of 1895 Parliament was 
dissolved, and a general election held in July gave an over- 
whelming majority to the Tories, who in 1896 enacted the 
most liberal laud legislation that has yet been given to 
Ireland. They have also provided (1897) a measure of 



Qfestions.— 11. What has Gladstone clone for Ireland? Result of 
general election of 180.")? What has i lie jiresent Parliament done for 
Ireland ? 



282 England. 

denominational education for England. Since January, 1896, 
England has been embroiled with the Transvaal Republic. 
She has also (1896) sent an expedition up the Nile to re- 
conquer the Soudan. An amicable settlement of her old- 
time dispute with Venezuela has been made. 

12. In 1890 died Cardinal Newman. Cardinal Manning 
died in 1892. The same year died the Duke of Clarence, 
eldest son of the Prince of Wales, and Alfred Lord Tennyson, 
the Poet Laureate. The two great English Cardinals made 
a deep impression upon the Church and upon their age. 
Tennyson was the literary glory of the Victorian era. 

13. The reign of Victoria has been long and comparatively 
peaceful. It is marked by Parliamentary reform, the de- 
clining influence of the House of Lords, the growing weight 
and political power of " the people," the extension of the 
ballot, and the gradual broadening of British institutions. 
In private life the Queen has been a model of purity, and 
her personal virtues have strengthened the sentiment of loy- 
alty to the throne. 

QXTESTIONS. — 11. In what trouble has England been involved in South 
Africa? In the Soudan ? With Venezuela? 12. Wliat notable deaths 
in 1890 and 1S!»2 ? IS. What is said of the reign of Victoria ? What of 
the Queen lierself ? 



FRANCE. 



CHAPTER XLIL 

The Kingdom of the Franks — The Merovingian 
Race — The Carlovingian Race. 

1. The kingdom of France was founded by some war- 
like tribes from the northern parts of Germany, who crossed 
into Gaul towards the middle of the third century. From 
their name, Franks, which means free-men, the country was 
called France. 

2. At the head of one of the Frankish tribes was Mero- 
veus, who defeated the terrible Attila, king of the Huns, 
surnamed " the scourge of God." Meroveus gave his name 
to the first race of Frank kings, the Merovingians, and after 
him the crown became hereditary. His son, Childeric, suc- 
ceeded him on the throne. About the year 481, Clovis, the 
son of Childeric, became king of the Franks, and extended 
his sway over nearly the whole of Gaul, now France, and a 
part of Germany. 

3. Clotilda, the wife of Clovis, was a Christian, and 
through her means, Clovis and many of his subjects em- 
braced Christianity. It is related that at the battle of Tol- 
biac, the Franks had suffered terribly, and were already 

QlTERTTOXS. — 1. What is said of the inhabitants ? 2. What is said 
of Meroveus and his successors ? Of Clovis ? 8. What is said of Clo- 
tilda ? 

283 



284 France. 

wavering, when Clovis, raising his arms to heaven, exclaimed, 
" God of Clotilda, give me victory, and I shall serve thee! " 
Kallying his troops, he led them to the charge and won the 
day. The king kept his vow, and was baptized by St. Remy, 
Archbishop of Rheims. Clovis made Paris the seat of his 
government, and after a long and prosperous reign, left his 
kingdom to be divided between his four sons. 

4. Clovis died in 511, and the kingdom was more than 
once re-united and again divided under the nineteen kings 
of his race who succeeded. The Mayors of the Palace also 
gradually usurped the supreme authority, and one of them, 
Charles Martel, gave his name to the second race of kings, 
the Carlovingians. His son Pepin, surnamed the Short, took 
entire possession of the throne in 747. At this time the 
Lombards, who were already masters of the greater part of 
Italy, extended their ravages to the very walls of Rome. In 
his distress. Pope Stephen applied for assistance to the king 
of the Franks. 

5. Pepin immediately crossed the Alps, defeated the" 
Lombards, and obliged them to submit to humiliating terms 
of peace. Shortly after this, the Lombards again com- 
menced hostilities, and Pepin a second time defeated them, 
and solemnly bestowed on Pope Stephen and his successors 
in the pontifical chair, his conquest in Italy. It was by this 
means that the head of the Christian Church became a 
temporal prince. 



Questions. — 3. To whom did Clovis leave his kingdom ? 4. What 
took place in 511 and suhsequently ? What is said of the Mayors of the 
Palace? Of the Lombards? ".. What did Pepin do? What did the 
Loml)ards do ? By whom were they again defeated ? What followed ? 



France. 285 

6. Pepin was succeeded in 768 by his son Charlemagne, 
or Charles the Great. Charles is said to have been seven 
feet in height, of a robust and majestic appearance. He was 
eminent as a statesman, and as a warrior he far surpassed 
all the sovereigns of his age. He was frugal in his diet and 
plain in his dress, and took particular delight in appearing 
ornamented with the productions of his wife and daughters, 
who were usually employed at their needles. 

7. Charlemagne was the patron of sciences and letters, 
and liked to be surrounded by wise and learned men. He 
founded several public schools, and delighted in examining 
personally into the progress of the scholars. This wise 
sovereign bequeathed to his people a code of laws or ordi- 
nances, admired to tliis day, under the name of" Capitularies 
of Charlemagne." His title of Emperor descended to several 
of his successors. 

8. He died in 814, in the seventy-first year of his age, 
and forty-seventh of his reign. His son, Louis the First, 
succeeded to the throne. The reign of this monarch was 
rendered unhappy by the unnatural rebellion of his sons. 
The ungrateful children twice dethroned their father, and 
again restored him to the throne. After the death of Louis, 
which took place in 840, the most bitter contentions broke 
out between his three sons, and thousands of their unhappy 
subjects were slaughtered in the ruinous wars that followed. 
Peace was finally made by Louis receiving Germany ; Charles, 
France; and Lothaire, Italy and the Rhineland. 



Questions.— 0. By whom was I'epin succeeded ? What is said of 
Charles? His diet, dress, .fcc. ? 7. I tow did Ch:uii-iiiayiie protect sci- 
ence and encourage learning. Wiiat code of laws did he frame? 8. 
When did he die? By whom was he succeeded? What is said of his 
reign ? After his death, what took place? How was i)uace made ? 



286 



France. 




France. 287 

9, Under the weak kings of the Carlovingian race, 
numerous provinces fell under the domination of usurping 
nobles : so that but little was left of the kingdom now 
known as France, at the time of the death of Louis the 
Fifth, A. D. 987. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 



Thi: C'apktiax Rack of Kings ok France — From 
A. D. 987 TO 1328. 

1. Hugh Capet, Duke of France, was now elected king, 
to the exclusion of the uncle of the late monarch, and gave 
his name to the third race of kings, the Capetian. Hugh 
was an able sovereign, and his administration was directed 
with wisdom and moderation. He never assumed the ensigns 
of royalty, and even on great occasions appeared in a plain 
and simple dress. 

2. Robert, who succeeded Hugh in 996, regained Bur- 
gundy. The time of his reign embraced the year 1000, a 
period which had been looked forward to as the Millennium 
and the end of the world. The prevalence of this idea filled 
society with apprehensions. Hostilities were carried on with 
Normandy during the reigns of Henry the First, who 
ascended the throne in 1031, and of Philip the First, in 1060. 
William, Duke of Normandy, became William the Conqueror, 

Questions. — 9. What is said of France afterwards ? 1. What is said 
of Hugh Capet? 2. Who was his successor? What is said? What 
hostilities were carrie<l on, and i)y wliom ? What is said of William of 
Normandy ? 



288 France. 

of Et)gland, in 1066, and the hostilities thus begun between the 
French and English monarchs, were perpetuated by their 
successors. During the reign of Philip, the first Crusade was 
preached by Peter the Hermit, in 1 095. 

3. Philip was succeeded, in 110<S, by his son, Louis VI., 
an able and accomplished sovereign, who enjoyed a prosperous 
and useful reign. At the close of his life, when he found that 
death was approaching, he called his son, who was to succeed 
him, and addressed him in these words : " My son, remember 
that royalty is nothing more than a ])ublic charge, of which 
you must render a strict account to Him who makes kings 
and will judge them." He died in 1 137, leaving his throne 
to Louis YII. 

4. Philip the Second, surnained Augustus, succeeded in 
1 180. He joined Richard the First, of England, in the third 
Crusade to Palestine. By the seizure of Normandy and other 
of the former provinces of France, Philip Augustus nearly 
doubled his domains. These steps brought on a war with 
John, king of England, and Otlio IV., of Germany. Their 
allied armies were entirely defeated by Philip at Bouvines in 
1214. 

5. Philip died in 1223, and was succeeded on the throne 
by his son, Louis VIII., who, after a short reign of three 
years, left his crown and throne to his son, I^/ouis IX. This 
prince, commonly called Saint Louis, was only twelve years 
of age when he ascended the throne, and during his minority 
his mother, Blanche of Castile, filled the office of regent. 



QfKSTTOXS.— 2. Of the first Crnsade ? :^. At the close of his life, how 
(litl lie iitkhess his Sim ? When did he (lit? 4, Who succeeded ? Whom 
did he join? What is .said of IVancr? .">. By whom was he succeeded? 
'J"(i whom did lie leave the throne? 



France. 289 

6. In the person of St. Louis were united all those emi- 
nent qualities that distinguish an illustrious sovereign, with 
all the virtues that adorn a Christian. Every action of his 
life was distinguished for benevolence, piety, and purity of 
intention. His illustrious and pious mother watched over 
his infancy and youth with the most tender solicitude, and 
endeavored by word and example to instil into his youthful 
mind sentiments of piety and religion. 

7. Frequently she would say to him: "My son, I love 
you devotedly ; but I would prefer to see you laid in the 
silent tomb rather than hear that you had committed one 
mortal sin.'^ Oh ! beautiful example of true Christian virtue. 
May the mothers of our country impress the same maxims 
upon their children ; and may children, from the example 
of the youthful Louis, learn to listen with docility to the 
advice of their parents. 

8. In the early part of his reign France was invaded by 
Henry the Third, of England ; but he was signally defeated 
by St. Louis, near Taillebourg, and finally compelled to sign 
a treaty of peace. The deplorable condition of Palestine 
deeply afflicted the generous soul of St. Louis, and prompted 
him to engage in two disastrous crusades, in the second of 
which he died of fever, near Tunis, in the fifty-sixth year 
of his age, and forty-fourth of his reign, A. D. 1270, leaving 
Philip the Third as his successor. 

9. In 1285 the throne of France was occupied by Philip 
the Fourth, the grandson of St. Louis. The reign of this 

QiESTloxs.— (3. What is said of St. Louis ? What did his mother do ? 
7. What would she frequently say to liira ? 8. In the early j)art of his 
reign, what took place? What afflicted his soul? ITow di.l he die? 
Who was his successor? [t. Who succeeded ? 
19 



290 France. 

monarch is rendered memorable for the trial of the Knights 
Templars, and the suppression of their order. The Knights 
Templars were a military order, instituted at Jerusalem for 
the purpose of defending the Christians of the Holy Land 
against the attacks of the Infidels. They occupied a build- 
ing in the city which stood near the site of Solomon's Temple, 
from which the order derived its name, 

10. Charges of the greatest magnitude were brought 
against the order, and a committee was appointed in Paris, 
before which a great number of the knights were examined ; 
all, with the exception of three, acknowledged that they were 
guilty of the denial of Christ, of sacrilege, and many other 
enormous crimes. 

11. But as the persons accused belonged to an order which 
was religious as well as military, it became necessary to refer 
the affair to the ecclesiastical authorities. Accordingly, a 
general council was convened at Vieuue, before which the 
investigation of the conduct of the Templars was laid. The 
examination into the affair had already occupied nearly five 
years, and now, after a deliberation of four months more, 
the order was suppressed, and the property belonging to it 
transferred to the order of the Knights Hospitallers of St. 
John. 

12. Louis the Tenth ascended the throne left vacant by 
his father in 1302, and died in 1316. In the succession of 
Capetian kings, son had hitherto followed father upon the 

Qfestions. — 9. For what is his reign memorable? Who were the 
Kuights Templars ? From what is their name derived ? 10. What was 
brought against them ? Of wiiat did they confess themselves guilty? 
11. What is said of the ])ersons accused ? What was convened ? What 
is said of the examination '' 12. \Vhi> succeeded Philip? What is said 
of the succession ? 



France. 291 

throne for more than three hundred years. The heir of Louis, 
however, died in infancy, a year after his father, and Philip, 
the brother of Louis, who had meanwhile been regent, 
ascended the throne in 1317. Louis left a daughter, but by 
a law passed at this time, called the Salic Law, females were 
then and forever after excluded from inheriting the crown 
of France. Charles the Fourth succeeded his brother Philip 
in 1322, and reigned for six years. He left no direct heirs, 
and the throne passed to his kinsman of the branch of the 
Valois. 



CHAPTER XLIV. 
Branch of Valois — From A. D. 1328 to 1498. 

1. In 1328, Philip the Sixth, the grandson of Philip the 
Third, ascended the throne. His succession, however, was 
disputed by Edward the Third of England, who claimed the 
crown of France in right of his mother, the daughter of 
Philip the Third. But, according to the Salic Law, his 
mother was unable to inherit the throne, and Philip contended 
that a mother could not transmit to her children a right 
which she never possessed. 

2. In the meantime, Edward invaded France at the head 
of a powerful army, and gained the famous battle of Cressy, 
in 1346, in which his eldest son, the Black Prince, so called 



Questions. — 12. Who succeeded Louis ? What was the Salic Law ? 
Who was the last king of the Capetian race? 1. In i;52S, what took 
place ? By whom was the succession disputed ? What is said of 
Edward's right ? 2. What did F.dward do ? 



292 France. 

from the color of his armor, displayed those military abilities 
which afterwards rendered him so illustrious. It was also at 
the battle of Cressy that the English first made use of artillery. 
They had four or five pieces of cannon, which greatly con- 
tributed towards obtaining the victory. 

3. Edward, pursuing his good fortune, took the city of 
Calais after an obstinate siege of twelve months. Enraged 
at the resistance he had met, he resolved that the inhabitants 
should atone for the perseverance with which they had 
defended the city, by the sacrifice of the lives of six of their 
most illustrious companions. He therefore added to the 
terms of surrender, that six of the chief citizens should 
come forth, with ropes about their necks, to present to him 
the keys of the city and castle. 

4. The news of this decree spread consternation among 
the inhabitants ; but the fearful gloom was dispelled by the 
noble patriotism of Eustace Saint Pierre, and his five com- 
panions, who offered themselves as victims to appease the 
anger of the British monarch. The six patriots, attended 
by the governor and many of the most distinguished citizens 
of Calais, presented themselves at the English camp and 
delivered the keys to Edward. 

5. The English barons, moved at the sight, entreated the 
monarch to spare the lives of the citizens ; but the king 
appeared in'Hexible, and ordered their immediate execution. 
At this moment. Queen Philippa, who had just arrived from 
Eno-land, entered his apartment, and threw herself at the 



Questions. — 2. "What did the English use for the first time in this 
battle? 3. What is said of Edward ? What did he resolve ? What did 
lie add, &c. ? 4. What is said of the news of this decree? AVhat did 
llie six companions do? .'). What is said of the barons? The king? 



France. 293 

feet of her royal husbaud, and by her tears and supplications 
prevailed upon him to revoke his sentence, and to spare the 
lives of the unfortunate victims. The city of Calais remained 
from this time in possession of the British for more than two 
hundred years. 

6. Philip died in 1350, leaving the throne to his son, John 
the Second, surnamed the Good. During the reign of this 
king, France was again invaded by Edward the Third of 
England. Edward, the Black Prince, son of the English 
monarch, commanded the army, and gained over the French 
the memorable battle of Poictiers, at which John, the French 
king, was taken prisoner, and afterwards led captive to 
London. 

7. After remaining in captivity for some time, John ob- 
tained his release on condition that he should pay the sum 
of one million five hundred thousand pounds sterling as the 
price of his ransom. But on his return to France, finding 
himself unable to comply with his engagement, he returned 
to England, saying that " if honor were banished from every 
other place, it should find an asylum in the breasts of kings." 
He was received with every mark of respect by Edward, and 
died in captivity A. D. 18G4. 

8. On the death of John, his son, Charles the Fifth, sur- 
named the Wise, succeeded to the throne. He labored to 
retrieve the losses and to remove the evils that had befallen 



Questions.— 5. Of Queen Philippa? How long did Calais remain in 
the hands of the Biitisli ? 6. When did Philip die ? During his reign, 
what is said of France? AVhat is said of Edward, the Blaclc Prince? 
Of John? 7. What did John obtain? What is related on his return 
to France? What did he say? 8. Who succeeded John? What is 
said of liiui ? 



294 France. 

the kingdom during the preceding reign. In this he was 
successful, and in the space of five years the English were 
deprived of all their possessions in France, except Calais 
and a few other places. Besides being an able statesman, 
Charles was a distinguished patron of literature. His library 
contained nine hundred volumes, which was a considerable 
number for that period, as the art of printing was yet undis- 
covered. 

9. Charles the Sixth ascended the throne of his father in 
1380. The reign of this prince was very unfortunate. He 
fell into a state of insanity, which rendered him incapable 
of attending to the affairs of government. Regents were 
appointed, whose misconduct threw the kingdom into civil 
war. Taking advantage of these calamities, Henry the 
Fifth, king of England, invaded France, and gained the 
memorable battle of Agiucourt, in 1415. 

10. After this victory a treaty was concluded, by which 
the French promised the throne to Henry on the death of 
C!harles. Henry and Charles both died shortly after this 
event, A. D. 1422. 

11. Charles the Seventh, surnamed the Victorious, asserted 
his right to the throne of his father, whilst the infant Henry 
the Sixth, of England, was proclaimed king of France, under 
the regency of his uncle, the Duke of Bedford. War ensued 
between the two nations, and the English invaded the 
country and laid siege to the city of Orleans. When the 

Questions. — 8. Of what was he the patron ? What is said of his 
library? 0. Who succeeded to the tlirone? What is said of liis reign? 
What did Henry the Fifth do ? 10. After this battle, what took place ? 
What is said of ilenry and Charles? 11. What did Charles the Seventh 
do? What did the En!,dish do? What is .said of the place? 



France. 295 

place was reduced to the last extremity, and on the point of 



Jm\n or Auc. 



yielding, it was delivered through the courage of the re- 
nowned heroine, Joan of Arc. 



296 France. 

12. Joan was a young girl, about seventeen years of age, 
who had lived an humble life in a village on the borders of 
Lorraine. When the hope of saving Orleans was almost 
abandoned, she presented herself to the governor, and told 
him, with all the appearance of youthful sincerity, that she 
had been divinely commissioned to raise the siege of that 
city and to procure the coronation of Charles in the city of 
Rlieims. 

13. After undergoing a rigid examination before a com- 
mittee aj)pointe(l for that purpose, and also before the court 
and the king himself, it was generally admitted that her 
mission was supernatural. She accordingly received the 
armor of a knight, and was intrusted with the liberation of 
Orleans. As she approached the city, her presence inspired 
the inhabitants with confidence, while it spread dismay 
among the English, who hastily abandoned the siege, and 
retired with precipitation. They were, however, pursued by 
Joan at the head of the French army, and entirely defeated 
at Patay, with a loss of five thousand men, while the French 
lost only one of their number. From this event Joan was 
called the Maid of Orleans. 

14. The second part of her mission, which remained yet 
to be accomplished, was equally arduous and dangerous. 
The city of Rheims, and the intermediate provinces, were in 
the possession of the English and their allies ; to gain admis- 
sion to that city under these circumstances seemed almost 



* Questions. — 12. What is said of Joan? To whom did she present 
herself? What did she tell him ? 13. What was admitted ? What was 
intrusted to her ? As she approached, what is said of her? By whom 
were they pursued ? From this event what was she called ? 14. What 
is said of the second part, &c. ? Of the city of Rheims ? 



France. 



297 




THK CaVUICDKAL of RUEIMS. 



298 



France. 



impossible. Charles, however, placed himself" under her 
guidance, commenced his march, and as he advanced all 




Burning of Joan of Arc. 
obstacles disappeared, or were easily overcome ; the citizens 

QCESTIOX.— 14. Of Charles? 



France. 299 

of Rheims expelled the garrison, and received him with every 
demonstration of joy. Here Charles was crowned in the 
great Cathedral, 1429. 

15. During the coronation Joan, in her warlike dress, and 
with her banner unfurled, stood near the altar ; and as soon 
as the ceremony was finished, she threw herself upon her 
knees, at the feet of Charles, declared that her mission was 
accomplished, and, with tears in her eyes, begged to be 
allowed to return to her former humble station ; but the 
king was unwilling to part with her services so soon, and 
entreated her to remain for some time with the army. With 
this request she at length was prevailed upon to comply. 

16. Her courage always remained the same after this 
event, but her good fortune seemed to forsake her. In 
attempting to raise the siege of the city of Compiegne, she 
fell into the hands of the English, who, to gratify their rage 
for the many losses they had sustained through her valor, 
condemned her under a charge of many pretended crimes, 
and caused her to be burned to death in the public square at 
Rouen, in 1431. Such was the unhappy fate of the Maid 
of Orleans. 

17. Charles died in 1461, and was succeeded by his son, 
Louis the Eleventh, at whose death, in 1483, Charles the 
Eighth, his son, the last of this family of Valois, ascended 
the throne, and died in 1498. He was without heirs, and 
Louis, duke of Orleans, great-grandson of Charles the Fifth 

QUESTION'S — 14. Of the citizens of Rheims? lo. During the coro- 
nation, what is said of Joan? What did she declare? What did the 
king entreat? 16. What is said of her courage? What happened to 
her? What did they do with her? 17. When did Charles die? Who 
were his two successors ? 



.300 France. 

of France, succeeded as the first of the Orleans branch of 
the Valois. 



CHAPTER XLV. 

Branch of Valois-Ori.eans — From the Accession of 
Louis XII. to the REKiN of Henry III., A. I). 1498 
TO 1589. 

1. Louis the Twelfth was a wise and popular sovereign, 
and gained the title of father of his people. Being one day 
urged to punish those who had been his enemies during the 
preceding reign, he replied: "It is unworthy of the King 
of France to revenge the injuries done to the Duke of 
Orleans." He reduced Milan and Genoa, and for some time 
had possession of Naples. 

2. At his death, in 1515, he was succeeded by his cousin, 
who assumed the name of Francis the First. When Francis 
ascended the throne, he was in the flower of his age, of a 
chivalrous disposition, and fond of military glory. On the 
death of Maximilian, Emperor of Germany, Francis and 
Charles the First of Spain became rival candidates for the 
imperial throne. Charles was the successful candidate, and 
Francis, deeming himself injured, declared war against his 
rival. 



Questions. — 17. What occurred on the death of tlie last? 1. What 
is said of Louis the Twelfth ? When urged to punish, &c., what did he 
reply? What did he reduce? 2. By whom was he succeeded? On 
the death of Maximilian, what took place? What did Francis do? 



France. 301 

3. Francis, unfortunately, quarrelled with De Bourbon, 
one of the ablest of his generals ; the latter basely abandoned 
his country and his sovereign, and offered his services to the 
emperor Charles. Bourbon commanded the Spaniards at 
the battle of Biagrossa, in which the French were defeated, 
with the loss of their celebrated general, the illustrious 
Bayard, surnamed the " knight without fear, and without 
reproach." Bourbon is said to have wept like a child over 
the dying hero. " Weep not for me," exclaimed the mag- 
nanimous Bayard, " but for yourself I die in the service 
of my country ; you triumph in the ruin of yours." 

4. Francis now took upon himself the command of the 
army, marched to Italy, and laid siege to Pavia, but was 
there taken prisoner by the imperialists under the command 
of the traitor Bourbon. After a captivity of thirteen months 
he regained his liberty, and having crossed the boundary 
of his own dominions, he mounted his horse, and waving his 
hat, he exclaimed : " I am yet a king ! " 

5. The conditions on which he obtained his release were 
so unreasonable, that Francis refused to comply with them, 
and this refusal brought on another sanguinary contest be- 
tween the two rivals. After the war had raged for some 
time, with but little advantage on either side, a truce was 
concluded, and Charles and Francis were brought to a per- 
sonal interview, at a village on the borders of France, where 
the warmest expressions of friendship passed between them. 



(iVESTloxs. — 3. With whom did he quarrel? 'Whora did Bourbon 
command? What is said of Bourbon? What did Bayard exclaim? 
1. What did Francis do? How long did he remain in captivity? 
Having crossed, &c., what did he exclaim? 5. What is said of the 
conditions? What followed? What is related of Charles and Francis? 



302 France. 

The truce was not lasting, but no important results followed 
the subsequent state of war during the reign. 

6. Francis died in 1547, aud was succeeded by his son, 
Henry the Second. The reign of this monarch was signal- 
ized by his wars with Charles the Fifth and his son Philip 
the Second, of Spain, husband of Mary, Queen of England, 
and by the recovery of Calais, which was taken by the cele- 
brated Duke of Guise, after it had remained in the possession 
of the English for two hundred and ten years. His death 
w'as occasioned by an accident that happened him at a tour- 
nament, in 1559. 

7. He was succeeded by his son, Francis the Second, hus- 
band of Mary, Queen of Scots, who died after a short reign 
of a little more than one year, and left the throne to his 
brother, Charles the Ninth, then a boy in the tenth year of 
his age. The reign of this prince was considerably distracted 
by the civil wars that were carried on on account of religion. 
During these contests, the Protestants lost their most distin- 
guished leader, the Prince of Condc. On the other hand, 
Charles had to lament the loss of the firmest support of his 
throne, the Duke of Guise, who was cut off by assassination. 
At length peace was restored, and the Protestants obtained 
free toleration in religion. 

8. The most memorable transaction in the reign of Charles 
was the massacre which took place on Saint Bartholomew's 
day, 1572. So various and contradictory are the accounts 

Questions.— ti. Hy whom was Francis succeeded? What is said of 
his reign? How was his death occasioned? 7. By whom was he suc- 
ceeded ? What is said of- the reign of this prince ? Whom did the 
Protestants lose? What had Charles to lament? 8. What is the most 
memorable transaction of this reign? 



I' ranee. 



803 




Catherine de Medici and Charles IX. 

given of this event, that it is a very difficult task, at the 
present time, to arrive at the true state of the facts. On the 



304 France. 

occasion of the marriage of the sister of Charles, Coligny 
and other Protestant leaders were invited to court. It hap- 
pened, shortly after their arrival in Paris, tiiat Coligny was 
severely wounded as he passed through the streets. 

9. His wounds were not dangerous, but his followers 
crowded to his residence, and their threats of vengeance so 
terrified the ministers and the mother of Charles, that in a 
secret council the king was prevailed upon to give his assent 
to the destruction of the leaders of the Protestant party. It 
does not appear from the close connection of events which 
preceded the massacre, that it was a studied or preconcerted 
plan, and that the Protestant leaders were invited to the 
capital under a show of friendship, that they might the 
more easily be destroyed. It was rather dictated by fear 
and the dread of vengeance. 

10. The massacre took place during the night of the 23d 
of August, and a part of the following day. The residence 
of Coligny was forced, and he was assassinated, with several 
of his friends. The people joined in the work of death, and 
every Protestant that fell in their way was sacrificed to their 
fury. Although the massacre was only intended for the cap- 
ital, yet the tragedy of Paris was imitated in several other 
cities. 

11. AVith regard to the number of the victims, it is im- 
possible to speak with certainty. Some writers exaggerate 
the number to sixty thousand, some to thirty, and others to 
twenty or fifteen thousand. The martyrologist of the Re- 

QrESTloNS.— S. WhowtMciiivited tocoin-t? What happened ? 0. What 
is said of his followers? Of the massacre? 10. When did the massacre 
take place? 'What is said of the people? II. What is said of the 
number ? Of some writers ? 



France. 305 

formers adopted a meaus of ascertaining the real number, 
which may enable us to form a probable conjecture. He 
procured from the ministers in the different towns where the 
massacre took place, lists of the number of persons who 
suffered ; he published the list in 1582, and in all France lie 
could discover the names of no more than seven hundred 
and eighty-six persons. 

12. No sooner was the awful deed committed, than shame 
and remorse filled the breasts of those who had been the 
authors of it. Charles, in order to palliate his conduct, wrote 
to all the courts of Europe, stating that, having detected the 
Protestants in a horrid plot against his life and his authority, 
he had cut off the leaders of the party, and thus escaped the 
imminent danger to which he was exposed. 

13. Many cf the surrounding princes, deceived by this 
statement, and being unacquainted with the true nature of 
the facts, congratulatetl him on his good fortune. Among 
others, Pope Gregory the Thirteenth, on receiving the account 
as given by Charles, offered up public thanks — not, indeed, 
that he rejoiced in the death of the supposed traitors, but for 
the preservation, as he thought, of the French monarch and 
his kingdom from ruin. Charles was succeeded, in 1574, by 
his brother, Henry the Third, a weak and fickle prince. 
Henry was assassinated by James Clement, a Dominican 
friar, A. D. 1589. He had, himself, the year before, caused 
the assassination of the Duke of Guise, the son of the former 

Questions. — 11. How many according to the Reformed martyrologist ? 
12. "What did Charles do? 13. What is said of many princes? Of Pope 
Gregory? By whom was Charles succeeded? What was his fate? 
What further is said of him ? 

20 



306 France. 

duke, Avho aspired to the throne. The house of Valois 
became finally extinct in Henry. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 



House of Bourbon — From Henry IV. to the Death 
OF Louis XV.— From A. D. 1589 to 1774. 

1. After the death of the late king, without heirs of his 
own family, Henry de Bourbon, King of Navarre, ascended 
the throne of France as Henry the Fourth. A powerful 
faction was formed against hiin, but he completely defeated 
his opponents in the famous battle of Ivry. Henry had been 
educated in the Protestant religion, though the Catholic reli- 
gion was professed by the great majority of his subjects. 

2. The king began seriously to turn l^s mind to the sub- 
ject of religion, and asked several Protestant divines if he 
could be saved by professing the Catholic doctrine, and 
being answered in the affirmative, he concluded to embrace 
that religion. Accordingly, in 1593, although there were 
doubtless other motives for his doing so, he abjured the 
Protestant religion and declared himself a Catholic. 

3. Henry, having gained possession of the throne, was 
governed by principles of the wisest policy. By the cele- 
brated Edict of Nantes, in 1598, he granted free toleration 

Questions. — 1. Who next ascended the throne? What was formed 
against him? In what had Henry been educated? 2. To what did he 
turn his mind ? What did he aslc ? In 1593 what did he do ? 3. What 
did he grant by the Edict of Nantes? 



France. 



307 



in religion to all the Protestants within his dominions. 




<^f^^^^ 



MaKKIAUK IIP HkNRY IV. AM' 



While by his great abilities he was elevating France to a 
high state of prosperity and happiness, he fell a victim to a 



308 France. 

half-insane fanatic, named Ravaillac. As the king rode 
through the streets of Paris, his carriage was stopped by 
some obstruction in the way ; Ravaillac, seizing this favora- 
ble opportunity, mounted upon the wheel of the carriage and 
plunged a dagger into Henry's breast before any one could 
oppose him, A. D. 1610. 

4. No king has better deserved the title of Great than 
Henry IV. Brave almost to rashness, of a fond and gener- 
ous disposition, and great simplicity of taste, he loved his 
subjects as a father loves his children, and was ever disposed 
to clemency towards those who offended him, and even 
threatened his life. When Henry was besieging Paris, the 
inhabitants were a prey to all the horrors of starvation, and 
the city would have soon been compelled to surrender; but 
the heroic king, learning the fearful sufferings of the women 
and children, sent in provisions for the non-combatants. He 
preferred to listen to the voice of humanity, and delay vic- 
tory, rather than consult his own interests at the cost of his 
subjects' lives. Henry's private life, however, was not in all 
respects commendable. 

5. Henry was succeeded by his son, Louis the Thirteenth, 
at the age of nine years. On coming of age, Louis chose for 
his prime minister the celebrated Cardinal Richelieu. The 
abilities of Richelieu were conspicuous in all his under- 
takings. While he extended the glory of France, he became 
the zealous patron of literature, and instituted the French 



Questions. — S. Relate the manner of his death. 4. What was the 
character of Henry? Tell us about the siege of Paris. 5. By whom 
was Henry succeeded ? Who was j)rime minister ? Wliat is said of his 
abilities ? 



309 



Academy. Louis died in the thirty-fourth year of his reign, 
A. D. 1643. 

6. Louis the Fourteenth, surnanied the Great, succeeded 
to the throne at the early age of five years ; the affairs of the 
kingdom being managed by the prime minister. Cardinal 
Mazarin. The reign of this monarch was one of the most 
splendid recorded in history. The love of glory was his 
ruling passion. This he gratified, not only by the military 
achievements which illustrated the early part of his reign, 
but also by the patronage which he extended to literature 
and science. 

7. He also promoted the arts of peace by giving encour- 
agement to manufactures and commerce. He embellished 
the capital, and constructed the palaces of Versailles and the 
Louvre, and other great works. The reign of Louis the 
Fourteenth has been justly styled the Augustan Age of 
French Literature, and is distinguished for the number of 
eminent men who floui'ished during that period. Turenne, 
Conde, Villars, led the victorious armies of France ; Du- 
quesne, Tourville, Duguay-Trouin, made her navy equal, if 
not superior, to that of England ; whilst Vauban perfected 
the science of military engineering. The arts boasted of such 
names as Le Poussin, Lesueur, and Lebrun; and literature 
was enriched by Corneille, Racine, Moliere, La Fontaine, 
La Bruyere, Boileau. Meanwhile Bossuet, Bourdaloue, 
Massillon, and Fenelon, were creating imperishable models 
of sacred eloquence; and Mole, Laraoignon, and d'Agues- 

QUESTIONS. — 5. When did Louis die ? (i. Who succeeded to the throne ? 
What is said of his reign ? What was his ruling passion ? 7. What did 
he promote? What has his reign been styled, and why? Tell us the 
names of some of the eminent men. 



310 



seau, were upholding the dignity of the laws. I^ouis died 
in the 78th year of his age, and in the 73d of his reign, 
A. D. 1715, his son and his eldest grandson having preceded 
him to the tomb. 










The Palack of Vkrsailles. 

8. Louis the Fifteenth, the great-grandson of the late 
monarch, succeeded to the throne at the age of five years 
under the regency of the Duke of Orleans. Louis engaged 
in the war of the Austrian Succession, in wliich he supported 
the claims of Charles, the son of the elector of Bavaria, to 
the throne of Austria, in opposition to Maria Theresa, who 
was supported by Great Britain. 

9. In 1756 war broke out between France and Great 
Britain respecting their American possessions. This war was 



Questions. — 7. When did he die? 8. Who succeeded ? In what did 
Louis engage? 9. In 1756 what took place? 



France. 311 

terminated by the peace of Paris, in 1763, by which the 
most important possessions of France in North America were 
ceded to Great Britain. Louis died in 1774, in the 65th 
year of his age, and the 59th of his reign. The reign of this 
monarch and that of his predecessor occupied a period of 
one hundred and thirty-two years. The immoral example 
of this court in latter years proved most pernicious to the 
people. 



CHAPTER XLVII. 
Louis the Sixteenth — The Revolution — Bonaparte. 

1. Louis the Sixteenth, the grandson of the late monarch, 
succeeded to the throne in 1774. This virtuous and benevo- 
lent prince commenced his reign under difficulties of no ordi- 
nary nature. The nation was deeply in debt, and the people 
groaned under a heavy weight of taxation. 

2. In the early part of his reign, he acknowledged the 
independence of the United States, openly received Franklin 
and Deane as her ambassadors, and generously resolved, at 
the cost of a war with England, to aid the Americans in 
securing the liberty of their country. This noble action on 
the part of Louis the Sixteenth should endear his memory 
to every American. 

3. Various reasons might be assigned for the origin of the 

Questions. — 9. How was this war terminated ? When did Louis die ? 
What is said of his reign, &c. ? 1. Who succeeded to the throne? 
What is said of him ? Of the nation ? 2. In the early part of his reign 
what did he do? What is said of this noble action ? 



312 



Fr 



French Revolution. The j)iihlic debt Inul heeii increased by 
the benevolent effort of Louis in aiding the people of the 
United States; a love for republican princi])les was spread 
throughout France, on the return of the French officers and 

soldiers, after the suc- 
cessful termination of 
the American Revolu- 
tion ; a general cor- 
rui)tion of morals, and 
contempt for religion 
prevailed ; while the 
jirinciples of atheism 
and infidelity were 
widely diffused by the 
writings of Voltaire, 
Rousseau, and others. 
These may be consid- 
ered as the principal 
causes that brought 
about the fearful storm which spread desolation over France, 
and convulsed the continent of Europe. 

4. In order to restore the deranged condition of the 
finances, an assembly, called the Notables, was convoked, 
and shortly afterwards a demand was made for the convoca- 
tion of the States General, which comprised the three orders 
of nobility, clergy, and commons. This body met at Ver- 
sailles in 1789, but it was not long before the members disa- 




l.c.uis XVI. 



QrESTloNS.^.?. What are some of the causes assigned for tlie Freiicli 
Revolution? 4. In order, &c., what assembly was convoked? "What 
ileiiiaiiil was nunle? Wlu'ii ilid this hodv inci-t ? 



France. olo 

greed among themselves ; the commons seized upon the 
legishitive authority, declared themselves the representatives 
of the people, and styled themselves the National Assembly. 
Of this Assembly, Bailly was president, while the Duke of 
Orleans and Mirabeau were the two most prominent members. 

5. In the mean time a violent insurrection broke out in 
Paris. The Hotel des Invalides was taken by surprise, and 
thirty thousand muskets were seized ; the ])rison of the Bastile 
was demolished, the governor was assassinated and his head 
carried through the streets amidst the shouts of the infuriated 
mob. At the news of these proceedings, Louis hastened to 
the capital, in the hope of being able to allay the tumult. 
In this he was successful. He addressed the people with the 
warmest expressions of affection. The whole multitude 
shouted, "Vive le Roi ! " and the king again returned to 
Versailles. 

6. But scarcely had he departed, when the insurrection 
was renewed with increased violence. The mob directed 
their vengeance against those whom they considered as their 
ojjpressors, and the whole city of Paris presented a scene of 
blood. They finally went in a body to Vei-sailles, and de- 
manded that the king should return to Paris. In compliance- 
with their request Louis, accompanied by the royal family, 
set out for the capital ; he was protected, however, from vio- 
lence, by the Marquis de Lafayette, who commanded a body 
of troops styled the National Guards. 

QrESTTONS.— 4. What did the commons do? Of this assembly who 
was jn-esidciu':' 5. What broke out? What phices were taken, and 
what was done ? What did Louis do? (>. What was renewed? What 
did the mob do? Where did tliey <rn? Where did Louis return? ]^v 
whom was he proteetoil ? 



314 France. 

7. The Revolution now began to make rapid advances ; 
the privileges of the nobility and clergy were abolished ; the 
Church lands were confiscated, the monasteries suppressed, 
and royal authority was nearly destroyed. The National 
Assembly drew up a new constitution, and was afterwards 
called the Constituent Assembly. 

8. In the mean time, the king and the royal family left 
the palace of the Tuileries, and endeavored to escape from 
France; but they were overtaken near the frontier and 
brought back to Paris. The Constituent Assembly separated 
on the .'^Oth of September, 1791, and another body was con- 
vened in October, styled the Legislative Assembly. 

9. Previous to this period, several political associations 
were formed, of which the Jacobin Club was the most prom- 
inent. The members of this factious association, men of the 
most abandoned principles, governed the proceedings of the 
Assembly, and proved a source of innumerable evils to the 
country. Another association, styled the club of Cordeliers, 
surpassed even the Jacobins in their open contempt of reli- 
gion, government, and law. 

10. On the 21st of September, 1792, a new body was 
convened, styled the National Convention. At its first meet- 
ing, the regal government was abolished, and France declared 
a republic. The next step was to consummate the drama: 
the king himself was arraigned before the Convention to 



Qfestioxs. — 7. What is said of the Revolution ? The privileges of 
the nobilit}-? Tlie church lauds? The monasteries? 8. What did the 
king do? What did the Constituent Assembly do? 9. What were 
formed? What is said of the members? What is said of the club of 
Cordeliers? 10. In 1792, what was done ? At its first sitting? What 
was the next step ? 



France. 



315 



answer various charges. In vain did Louis refute the absurd 
charges of which he was accused ; his enemies thirsted for 
his blood, and the sentence of death was pronounced upon 
him. 




I^OUIS XVI. ON THE SCAFFOLU. 



.II. On the 21st of January, 1793, Louis the Sixteenth, 
after taking an affectionate leave of his w^fe, his children, 
and his sister, the princess Elizabeth, was led to execution. 
On reaching the scaffold he viewed the spectators with calm- 
ness, and addressed them, saying : " I die innocent ; I pardon 
all my enemies, and I pray that France may not suffer for 

Questions. — 10. What sentence was pronounced upon him? 11. In 
January, 1793, what took place ? On reaching the scaflFold, what is said 
of him ? What did he say ? 



31 H France. 

the blood she is about to shed." At this moment his voice 
was drowned by the noise of the drums; he then calmly- 
placed his head under the guillotine, and as the fatal axe 
descended, the courageous priest who attended him exclaimed, 
"Son of Saint Louis, ascend to heaven ! " 

12. Within a year after the death of the king, his amia- 
ble and virtuous consort. Queen Marie Antoinette, was led 
to the scaffold and executed, amidst furious cries of Vive la 
Rrpublique. A few jnonths 'after tliis the princess Elizabeth 
shared the fate of the queen, and in 1795 the young dauphin, 
Louis the Seventeenth, an interesting child, died of a disease 
contracted from confinement and the cruel treatment re- 
ceived. Of all the members of the royal family who were 
within reach, the daughter of Louis was the only one that 
escaped the fearful storm that desolated France. 

13. During these dreadful proceedings the National Con- 
vention became divided into two factions — the one called the 
Mountain Party , headed by Robesjjierre, Danton, and Marat ; 
the other styled the Girondists, of which Brissot and Con- 
dorcet were the leaders. The Mountain Party prevailed, and 
Brissot and all the leaders of the Girondists were put to 
death. Among the rest was that monster of vice and cru- 
elty, the Duke of Orleans, father of Louis Philip, wh(j 
su tiered by the hands of those very men whom he had raised 
to power. 

14. The dominion of Robespierre is styled " The Reign 



Ql'KSTlONS. — 11. What was done? What did the priest exclaim? 
IL'. Who was next led to execution ? Who shared tlie fate of the (jueen ? 
Who escaped? 13. During these proceedings, wiiat occurred? What 
were the names of the two parties? Which prevailed? Who was 
among the rest? It. Wiiat was the d<)iiiiiiif)n of lioliespierre styled? 



France. 317 

of Terror." The cruelties of this man almost exceed belief. 
Hundreds and thousands were sacrificed to his vengeance, 
and to that of his associates. Many were seized and hurried 
off to the guillotine without trial, or without even being 
informed of the charges for which they suffered. Happily 
for mankind, his bloody career was destined to be of short 
continuance. His own friends became frightened at his 
cruelty, and formed a party against him ; being condemned 
on a charge of tyranny and cruelty, he atoned for his crimes 
upon the scaffold in 1794. In 1795 the Convention adopted 
a new Constitution, intrusting the executive authority to a 
Directory, consisting of five members. 

15. Previously to the death of Robespierre, the Conven- 
tion had carried its proceedings to the most extravagant 
excess. The Christian religion was suppressed, and a decree 
passed, declaring that the only deity to be worshipped here- 
after in France, should be Reason. A republican calendar 
was formed. Having renounced God and His saints, they 
substituted for every saint's name on the calendar the name 
of some vegetable. As it was customary with the people, 
when a child was born, to give it the name of the patron 
saint of that day, the poor mothers were much distressed 
when their republican husbands, taking down the almanac, 
would read out, "Carrot," "Turnip," or "Celery," as a fit 
name for their new-born babe. The Sunday was abolished, 
and in its place every tenth day was appointed as a day of 
rest. The churches were despoiled of their ornaments and 
treasures, and the bells cast into cannon. 



QUKSTloxs.— 14. What is said of his acts? Of his career? What 
was his fate? What followed ? 15. What took place? What of their 
calendar? What is said of Siinday.s? Of tlie churches? 



B18 France. 

16. The sovereigns of Europe, alarmed at the fearful pro- 
gress of the French Revolution, entered into a coalition 
against France ; but their combined forces, under the com- 
mand of the Duke of Brunswick, were driven beyond the 
Rhine, and that river was made the eastern boundary of 
France. 

17. In 1796 Napoleon Bonaparte, then in the 27th year 
of his age, was intrusted with the command of the French 
army. This extraordinary man was a native of the island 
of Corsica, and was born in the year 1769. At an early age 
he gave indications of great military talents ; and, while at 
school, when the season would ])ermit it, his favorite amuse- 
ment was that of making fortifications of snow and fighting 
l)attles with sn()wl)alls. 

18. Being now placed at tiie head of the French forces, 
Bonaparte soon astonished all Europe by the brilliancy of his 
victories. In 1797 and the following year, he became mas- 
ter of Northern Italy, invaded P>gypt, defeated the Egyp- 
tians in the famous battle of the Pyramids, and took pos- 
sessron of Cairo and all the Delta. After this he returned 
to France, abolished the Directory, and caused himself to be 
elected First Consul. He then placed himself at the head of the 
French army, cro.«-sed the Alps, and defeated the Austrians in 
the celebrated battle of Martngo, in 1800. By the treaty of 
Amiens, in 1802, Europe, for the first time since the com- 
mencement of the Revolution, enjoyed the blessings of peace. 

Ql'ESTioxs. — '.G. Wliat is .said of the sovereigns of Europe? What 
was the result? 17. In 17!'() what took j)Iace? What is said of this 
man? At an early age? While at school ? 18. Being now jilaced, &c., 
what is said of Bonaj)arte ? After this, what did he do ? Where did he 
defeat the Austrians? By the treaty of Amiens, what took place? 



France. 



319 




N.VPOLEOX Crossing thi: ali >. 



320 France. 

19. During the suspension of hostilities, Bonaparte em- 
ployed himself in works of public utility. He re-established 
religious worship in France, published a new code of laws, 
offered great encouragement to commerce, and embellished 
Paris by erecting several splendid buildings and monuments. 
In 1802 he caused himself to be created Consul for life; an<l 
in 1804 he assumed the imperial dignity, and was crowned 
Emperor of the French. 

20. The peace of Amiens was of short duration. In 1805 
another coalition, between England, Austria, Russia, Sweden 
and Pru*isia, was entered into against France. The emperor 
immediately took the field against the combined forces of the 
allied powers, and captured the Austrian army of thirty-three 
thousand men at Uim ; and, in the memorable battle of 
Austerlitz, defeated the united forces of Austria and Russia. 

21. Elated by his astonishing success, the emperor set no 
bounds to his ambition. In 1806 he deposed the king of 
Naples, and placed his own brother, Joseph Bonaparte, upon 
the Neapolitan throne. In the same year he made his brother 
Louis king of Holland, and in the following year erected 
Wurtemburg into a kingdom for his brother Jerome. In 
1808 he transferred Joseph to the throne of S[)ain. He 
obliged Francis the Second to resign his title of Emperor of 
Germany, and take that of Emperor of Austria; he also 
raised the electors of Bavaria and Saxony to the rank of 
kings. 



QrESTlox.s.— It). What did Jie n-cslablish ? What did he publish. 
<tc. ? In 1802 what did he do? And in 1804? 20. In 1S05 what took 
place? What is said of the emperor? Whom did he capture? Whom 
did he defeat? 21. Whom did he depose, &c.? Whom did he make 
kiniis? l"ranci> .Second? 



France. 321 

22. In 1812 he invaded Russia at the head of four hundred 
thousand infantry and sixty thousand cavalry, and with one 
thousand two hundred pieces of artillery. His progress was 
interrupted by the Russians, whom he defeated at Smolensk, 
and again at the desperate battle of Moskowa, a few miles 
from Moscow, at which nearly thirty thousand fell on each 
side. When he arrived at Moscow, the capital of Russia, 
he found the city abandoned by its inhabitants. Soon after 
his arrival fires broke out in different quarters, and the city 
was enveloped in flames. The Russians had preferred to 
destroy their magnificent capital rather than see it in posses- 
sion of the invaders. Bonaparte immediately commenced 
his retreat towards France. The sufferings of the French 
army, on its return, were almost incredible ; thirty thousand 
horses are said to have perished in a single day, and of this 
immense army, only thirty thousand men returned to France. 

23. On his return, the emperor raised another army of 
three hundred thousand men, defeated the allied powers at 
Bautzen, repulsed them at Dresden, but was ultimately over- 
thrown in the tremendous battle of Leipsic, with a loss of 
forty thousand men in killed, wounded, and })risoners. After 
this battle, Bonaparte fled to Paris, and abdicated the throne 
of France; and after some deliberation, the island of Elba 
was selected as the place of his future residence. Louis 
XVIII., the brother of the unfortunate Louis XVI., was 
then restored to the throne of his ancestors, A. D. 1814. 

Ql'ESTioxs.— L>2. In 1812 what did he do? Where did he defeat the 
Russians? How did he find Moscow? What did he immediately do? 
1 low many horses died ? How many men returned ? 23. On his return 
what did he do? Wlicre was he overthrown ? Ai'ter this, what did he 
do ? AVhere was lie sent ? AVhat followed ? 

21 



322 



France. 



24. In a few months after this event, to the astonishment 
of Europe, Bonaparte returned from exile ; he marched 
through France, and was again proch\imed emperor, amidst 
the loudest acclamations of the people. As soon as this 




NAIVILEdX AT St. IIki.kn - 

event was made kuown, a formidable coalition was formed 
against him by nearly all the powers of Europe. The em- 
peror once more placed himself at the head of his army, but 
was entirely defeated by the allies under Wellington and 
Blucher, in the memorable battle of Waterloo, with a loss 
of upwards of forty thousand killed and wounded. This 
battle took place on the 18th of June, 1815. 

Questions. — 24. In a few raonths what took place? What was formed 
against him? Where and by whom was he defeated? With what loss? 



France. 323 

25. After this battle, Bonaparte fled to Paris, aud again 
resigned the crown ; he then surrendered himself to Captain 
Maitland, the commander of a British sloop of war, and asked 
an asylum in England. But it was agreed among the allied 
sovereigns that he should be sent a prisoner to the island of 
St. Helena, where he died on the 5th of May, 1821, in the 
sixth year of his captivity. An indelible stain is stamped 
on the national honor of Great Britain by this breach of 
faith towards the vanquished foe, who had trusted in British 
generosity ; and the name of Hudson Lowe, governor of St. 
Helena, has been consigned to infamy for his shameful treat- 
ment of the illustrious captive. The remains of Napoleon 
were brought to France in 1840. 

26. Louis was again restored to the throne of France, and 
was succeeded, iu 1824, by his brother, under the title of 
Charles the Tenth. A revolution took i)lace in 1830, which 
ended in the expulsion of Charles and the election of his 
cousin, the Duke of Orleans, to the throne, who took the 
name of Louis Philip. During the spring of 1848, another 
revolution took place, when Louis Philip, in his turn, was 
expelled, and France declared a republic. A new constitu- 
tion was formed, and Louis Bonaparte, the nephew of Napo- 
leon, was elected the first president. 

27. In December, 1851, a plot formed by the ultra or 
Red-republicans for the overthrow of the government was 
discovered by the president, who caused all the leaders to be 

Questions. — 25. What did Bonaparte do? "What was agreed? Where 
did he die? What is said of the conduct of (Jreat Britain? What oc- 
curred iu 1S46? 2(1. By whom was liOiiis succeeded ? What took place 
iulS.W? And 1848? \Viio was ch'cl.d llie first j. resident ? 27. What 
followed ? 



324 France. 

arrested in the night preceding the day fixed for the out- 
break. Louis Napoleou \vas elected president for ten years, 
and a change in the government was then proposed. The 
question of the establishment of the Empire was submitted 
to poj)ular suffrage, and the president became Emperor by a 
majority of several millions of votes. 

28. The Empire dates from December 2d, 1852, and 
Louis Napoleon reigned as Napoleon the Third. The title 
of Napoleon the Second was presumed to belong to the son 
of Napoleon the First and Maria Louisa of Austria, who 
never reigned, and who died in 1832, at the age of twenty- 
one. Thus, by the mysterious decree of Providence, the 
nephew of the captive of St. Helena was seated on the impe- 
rial throne founded by his uncle, and France was greater 
and more prosperous for a time, by peaceful means, than the 
first Napoleon ever made her through victories and conquests. 

29. In 1854 France united with England in the war 
against Russia for the defence of the Ottoman empire. The 
capture of Sebastopol, which was mainly accomplished by 
the French, ended the war in 1856. In 1859 the Emperor, 
as ally of Victor Emmanuel of Italy, took the field against 
Austria, and was victorious at the battles of Magenta and 
Solferino. In 1863 he invaded Mexico, in order to enforce 
the payment of claims due the French, and retired, leaving 
there the short-lived government of the Emperor Maximilian. 

30. In 1869 the emperor of his own will surrendered per- 
sonal power, and changes were made whereby the govern- 

QUESTIOXS. — 27. "What cliaiiLics then took place ? Tims, Sn-., what is 
said? 2S. What is s-.iid of tlie Euipire ami the title of Napoleon? 'J'.K 
What occurred in 1^54? In IS'.fi? In ISij.', ? ;;u. What changes were 
made in the government in ISliO? 



Fiance. 



325 



ment became constitutional, with a responsible Ministry. 
The following year Napoleon, in order to make firm his 
power, suddenly undertook an unlucky war against Ger- 
many. The campaign, short but decisive, closed with the 
capitulation of Paris in January, 1871. The empire had 
fallen in September, when a provisional government was 


















.Scene ih'rino tiik Bombardment ok Pabis. 

formed. When the war was over, tlie results to France were 
the loss of a hundred thousand men, a billion of dollars to 
Germany to pay war expenses, and the cession to the latter 
power of two provinces, Alsace and Lorraine. 

31. After a fearful time of uproar and bloodshed, a re- 



QfESTloxs.— 30. Ill the following year what did Napoleon do? With 
what results? 31. What form of government was established in 1871, 
and who was eleeied President? 



326 France. 

public was established in 1871, with M. Theirs as president. 
He was succeeded in office (1873) by Marshal INIacMahon. 
In 1875 a Senate was added to the Chamber of Deputies, 
and a Parliamentary government, or one marked by a re- 
sponsible Ministry, took the place of the personal rule of the 
President. Marshal MacMahon, in L'^79, resigned the presi- 
dential chair, and M. Grc'vy was elected. 

32. During the period extending from 1882 to 1884, 
France was engaged in slight wars with Madagascar, Ton- 
quin, and China. In 1887 President Grevy resigned his 
office, and M. Sadi-Carnot was chosen as his succes.sor. Soon 
after his inauguration, General Boulanger stirred up a violent 
agitation. He pretended to be a Republican and the cham- 
pion of cleaner political methods. But Boulanger was a 
Monarchist, and, powerfully supported by the friends of the 
monarchy, and aided by some other elements of disaffection, 
he roused a movement that, for a day, threatened the Repub- 
lic. Only for a day, however, for Boulanger was no leader, 
and when his real designs became exposed, the government 
had but to raise its hand firmly to suppress him. 

33. In 1889 an International Exposition at Paris attracted 
great attention. After the Boulanger affair the history of 
France remained without special event until 1892, when 
gross frauds in connection with the Panama Canal enter- 
prise, and involving the reputation of many of her public 
men, raised a great storm. On June 24, 1894, President 



Questions.— .n. Who succeeded him? In 1875 what was done? 
Who succeeded MacMahon ^ ."?•.'. What events from 1882 to 1884 ? Who 
succeeded President Gr^vy ? Give an account of the Boulanger affair. 
.S3. What event in 1880? What great scandal in 1802? What tragedy 
in 1894 ? 



France. 327 

Carnot was assassinated at Lyons by an Italian socialist, and 
was succeeded by M. Casiiuir-Perier. He resigned in the 
following January, and M. Felix Faure was chosen to suc- 
ceed him. In 1895 the French again declared war against 
Madagascar, which they have since conquered and made a 
French colony. In 1897 its queen was sent into exile. 

34. Upon the formal establishment of the Republic (1875) 
the course of the government at first was most hostile towards 
the Church. A main object Avith the Republicans was to 
deprive the schools of all religious instruction. In 1880 they 
succeeded in having a law passed to tiiis effect, and to-day 
education in the official or governmental schools is only of a 
worldly character. Since 1880 the relation between the gov- 
ernment and the Church has somewhat improved. The pro- 
nounced hostility of a few yeai-s back has been toned down 
into opposition, and the conciliatory tendency is growing. 
The party known as Old Catholics— a faction that grew out 
of opposition to the Decree of Papal Infallibility— is said to 
be declining. France showed a wonderful degree of vitality 
in so promptly paying the immense war indemnity imposed 
by Germany in 1871. Intelligent, industrious and frugal, 
the French have continued to prosper, save in the lines of 
growth of population and colonial policy. In the former 
there is a stand-still, and in the latter field success has been 
meagre. 

QrESTloxS.— 33. Who beciune President in 1894? Who in 1895? 
What conquest was begun by France in 1895? 34. What at first was 
the bearing of tiie government towards the Church ? A main object 
with the Republicans ? Tiie relations of Church and State since ISSO? 
What is said of the Old Catholic party ? What of the French people ? 



IRELAND 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

The Early Inhabitants — The Introduction of 
C'liRFsriANrrY hy St. Patrick. 

1. The early inhahitant.s of this country, according to the 
best authorities, were of" Celtic origin, and arrived in Ireland 
from the western coast of Spain. The early religion of the 
people was similar to that of nearly all the western nations 
of Europe. They adored the sun under the name of Baal, 
and the moon under the title of Re ; fire was also sacred 
among them. 

2. The country was divided into a number of small king- 
doms, each governed by its own king, and the whole subor- 
dinate to a supreme monarch. One of the most illustrious 
of the Irish monarchs was Cormac Ulfadah, who reigned 
about the middle of the third century. He was a man of 
srreat learning, and is said to have founded three academies 
at Tara, the ancient residence of the monarchs of Ireland. 
In the first, the science of war was taught; in the second, 
history ; and in the third, law. Towards the close of his 
reign, Cormac abdicated the throne in favor of his son, and 

QrF.STioxs. — 1. What is said of the early inhabitants ? The religion ? 
What did they adore? 2. What is said of the country? Of Cormac 
Ulfadah ? Wliat academies did Cormac form ? 

328 



Ireland. 



829 



retired to an humble cottage, where he devoted himself to 
literary pursuits. 
3. Nothing of any particular importance occurred in the 

history of Ireland un- 
til the introduction of 
Christiafiityby the 
illustrious apostle, St. 
Patrick. This holy 
man, according to the 
best authorities, was 
born in Britain, of 
respectable parentage, 
about the year 887. 
In his youth he was 
taken captive to Ire- 
hmd, and sold to a 
man named Milcho, 
by whom he was em- 
ployed in attending 
flocks. After six years 
of captivity, he es- 
caped to his native 
country, and after 
spending some time 
with his parents, he repaired to the monastery of St. Martin, 
at Tours, where, it is believed, he was raised to the ecclesi- 
astical state. 




St. Patrick's Hi.i 



QUESTION'S. — ;?. By whom was Christianity introduced ? When and 
where was he born? Wliat liapjiened in liis youth? What is said 
of hi in ? 



330 



Ireland. 



4. Shortly after this period Pope Celestine commissioned 
St. Patrick to convert the people of Ireland to Christianity. 
The Saint immediately set ont for the scene of his labors, and 
arrived in Ireland during the year 432. The most abundant 
success attended his labors; he travelled 
from province to province, and by his 
eloquence converted to Christianity all 
who heard him. He was permitted to 
explain the sacred truths of Christianity 
before Lorgerius, the chief monarch of 
the country, and converted many mem- 
bers of the royal family. 

5. In a few years he built a number 
of churches, and founded several monas- 
teries, designed for the education of per- 
sons for the priesthood. He is said to 
have banished all the vipers and noxious 
animals from the island ; whether this 
be true or not, it is certain that they 
will not live in the country at the present 
time. The Saint died on the seventeenth 
of March, in the year 465, and in the 
seventy-eighth year of his age. 

6. During the seventh and eighth centuries Ireland was 
famed for her literary institutions; her schools were crowded 
by thousands from all parts of Europe, and at the same time 
Irish scholars were invited to impart instruction in foreign 




Celtic Cross. 



Questions. — 4. What did Pope Celestine do ? What is said of the 
Saint? When did he arrive in Ireland? What was he permitted? 5. 
What did he do? What is he said to have done? When did he die? 
6. During the seventli and liirhth centuries, wliat is said of Irehiud? 



Ireland. 331 

countries. Towards the close of the eighth century Ireland 
was invaded by the Danes, who held possession of certain 
parts of the country for more than two hundred years, during 
which period an almost continual war was carried on between 
the natives and the invaders. 

7, In the year 1014 the Danes collected their forces near 
Dublin, with the intention of subduing the whole countrv. 
It happened at this time that the chief throne of Ireland 
was occupied by the famous Brian Boru. This illustrious 
monarch, learning the intention of the Danes, resolved to 
intercept their advance ; and placing himself at the head 
of his army, he marched forward to meet them where they 
were encamped on the plains of Clontarf A fierce and 
obstinate battle followed, which lasted from sunrise until the 
close of the evening, but terminated in the defeat of the 
Danes, who were driven from the field with great slaughter. 

8. Brian, who is said to have triumphed in fifty battles, 
was destined to fall in the moment of victory by the hand 
of an assassin. In the midst of the confusion and carnage 
that followed the retreat of the Danes, a Danish soldier took 
refuge in a small wood not far from Brian's tent. At that 
moment the Irish monarch was at prayer upon his knees, 
with his hands uplifted to heaven ; the soldier, seeing him 
thus engaged, and almost unattended, rushed into the tent 
and plunged a dagger into his breast. The Danes never 
recovered from the overthrow at Clontarf; they gradually 



QuESTioxs.— 6. When was Ireland visited by the Danes? 7. In 1014 
what took place? Who occupied the chief throne? What did this 
monarch resolve ? "What followed ? 8. What is said of Brian ? Relate 
the circumstances of his death. What is said of the Danes? 



332 



Ireland. 







Death of Kino Brian Rciir. 

diminished in numbers, and finally disappeared from the 
country. 



Ireland. 333 

9, During the invasion of the Danes, and the series of 
wars that followed, Irish literature naturally declined. But 
as the invaders retired, the schools and monasteries of Ireland, 
which had been laid in ruin?, again arose from their ashes; 
and during the eleventh century, the fame of her literary 
institutions spread abroad, and her shores were visited by 
students from all parts of Europe. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 
Ikkland Invaded by Henry II., of England. 

1. As early as the year 1155, the English monarch con- 
ceived the design of invading Ireland ; but not having any 
legal right to the country, nor any other grounds to justify 
an invasion of it, he was compelled to abandon the design 
for the present. Some years after this an event took place 
which favored his ambitious views. Dermot AlacMurchad, 
king of Leinster, being expelled from Ireland on account 
of his crimes and cruelty, fled to England, and applied to 
Henry for aid, promising, if restored to liis kingdom, to hold 
it as a vassal to the English crown. 

2. Dermot, having received from Hen ry permission to raise 
forces in England, soon succeeded in gaining the assistance 
of several persons of distinguished rank. Among these, the 

Questions. — 9. During tho invasion, Ac, wliat declined? But as 
they retired, what is said? 1. Wiiat is said of tiie P^ni^lish monarch? 
What is said of Dermot, itc. ? _. What di<l Dermot do ? 



334 Ireland. 

Earl of Pembroke, surnaraed Stroiigbow, and two brothers, 
Maurice Fitz-Gerald and Robert Fitz-Stephen, were the most 
prominent. Being thus successful, Dermot returned to Ire- 
land, and was shortly afterwards followed by a strong force 
of English troops, under the command of Robert Fitz- 
Stephen, A. D. 1169. 

3. Dermot immediately joined the invaders, and together 
they made an attack upon Wexford, which finally yielded to 
their arms. Previous to the surrender of the city, about 
seventy of the principal inhabitants were taken prisoners by 
the assailants. Every effort was made by their fellow-citizens 
to obtain their release, but without effect; the invaders had 
determined on their death. The unfortunate prisoners were 
hurried off to the high rocks near the city, where their limbs 
were broken, and they were then cast into the sea. 

4. Unfortunately, Ireland at this period was greatly dis- 
tracted by civil contentions — a circumstance which aided the 
designs of the English monarch, and led to the easy triumph 
of his arms. In the year 1171 Henry himself landed in 
Ireland at the head of a considerable army. His first care 
seems to have been to impress upon the minds of the people 
that he had come rather to protect them against the oppres- 
sion of others, than to ac(piire any advantages for himself 
This refined policy will account for the little resistance he 
met with during his progress through the country. 

5. He received the submission of most of the chieftains, 
and finally that of Roderic O'Connor, the last chief monarch 



Questions. — 2. Who were among these ? What followed ? ?,. What 
did Dermot do? Who fell into their hands? Relate the manner of their 
death. 4. AVhat is said of Ireland? Jn 1171? What was his first 
caro ? ■>. What did he receive, «fcc. ? 



Ireland. 



335 




Mabriage of Eva and Strongbow. 



of Ireland. In 1175 a treaty was concluded between Henry 
and Roderic, according to which all the succeeding kings of 



336 Ireland. 

Ireland should hold their dominions as tenants or vassals 
of the English crown. 

6. On the death of Roderic, Plenry transferred the gov- 
ernment of Ireland to his son, John, then a youth in his 
twelfth year; but the insolent behaviour of the young prince 
soon roused the indignation of the Irish chieftains; they flew 
to arms, and in a short time had nearly expelled the English 
•from the country. Henry, alarmed at the danger which 
threatened his power in Ireh\nd, recalled the prince, and 
placed the whole power of the government in the hands of 
De Courcy. Such is a brief outline of the establishment 
of the dominion of Great Britain over Ireland — a dominion 
which rests U})on treachery and injustice, and tiie career of 
which has been written in characters of blood from the days 
of Henry II. to those of the latest English monarchs. 

7. After the execution of the unfortunate Charles the 
First of England, the loyalty of the Iri.<h manifested itself 
in favor of his son, Charles the Second. Oliver Cromwell 
was sent over to Ireland by the parliament, to reduce the 
country to subjection. After a protracted siege, he took the 
city of Drogheda, and ordered the garrison to be put to the 
sword. Cromwell next took the city of Wexford, where all 
the horrors of Drogheda were renewed, the con<iueror strictly 
forbidding his soldiers to give quarter. 

8. At the conclusion of the war, the greater })art of the 
Irish nobility and gentry had sought an asylum in foreign 

Qi'ESTlONS. — 5. In 1175 what took place? 6. On the death of Rod- 
eric, what did Henry do? What is said of the young prince? What 
did Henry do? What is observed? 7. After the execution, &c., what 
is said? What is said of Cromwell? What cities did he take, and 
what followed? x. What took place at the conclusion <>f the war? 



Ireland. 337 

lands; their estates were forfeited, and the English parlia- 
ment prepared an ordinance for settling the deserted districts 
of Ireland, which declares in its first clause that it was the 
intention of the English parliament " to extirpate the Irish 
nation." By this ordinance, which went into effect in 1653, 
a great portion of Ireland was distributed among the fol- 
lowers of Cromwell and the supporters of the parliament. 

9. Nothing of any particular interest occurred in the 
history of Ireland from this time until the dethronement of 
James the Second. James, after being expelled from Eng- 
land, retired to France; but on learning that the Irish were 
faithful to his cause, he repaired to Ireland, and proceeding 
to Dublin, was received amidst the joyous acclamations of 
the people. William, who had succeeded to the English 
throne, hastened to oppose him. 

10. On the memorable first of July, in the year 1690, the 
two monarchs met on the banks of the River Boyne. A 
fierce and bloody conflict ensued, which was sustained for 
some time with determined bravery on both sides. William 
frequently mingled in the thickest of the fight, while James 
stood upon a distant hill, that he might in safety view the 
contest. When he beheld the destructive charge of the Irish 
dragoons, we are tpld that he exclaimed : "Spare, oh spare 
my English subjects." Owing to the weakness and cowardice 
of James, the scale of victory turned in favor of William. 

11. Before the fate of the battle was known, James fled 
to Dublin, and embarked for France. After his departure, 

QrESTlONS.— 8. By this or.ler what took place? 9. What is said of 
.Tames? Of William? 10. What took place in 1G90 ? What ensued? 
What is said of William? Of .Tames? What did he exclaim? In 
whose favor did the victory turn ? 11. W^hat did James do? 

22 



338 



Ireland. 



the Irish leaders for some time nobly sustained the cause of 
their country. At length, James, having obtained a quan- 
tity of military stores, and a small force, from the king 
of France, sent them over to Ireland under the command 
of Saint Ruth, an experienced French general. Saint Ruth, 




Hantky Rav. 

after taking coniiuand of the Irisli forces, took up a position 
near the ruins of the castle of Aughrim ; here he was met 
by the English army, under the command of General 
Ginkle. 

12. An obstinate battle ensued ; the Irish fought with 

Questions.— 11. The Irish leaders? At length wliat diil .Tames do? 
What is said of Saint Ruth ? 12. What ensued? 



Ireland. 339 

heroic bravery, and the English were repulsed at every 
charge ; a few moments more must have sealed their destruc- 
tion. At this critical juncture, Saint Ruth fell by a cannon 
ball discharged from the enemy's battery. This unfortunate 
event changed the fortune of the day, and the scale of vic- 
tory turned in favor of the English. 

13. After the battle of Aughrira, the Irish forces, under 
the brave and patriotic Sarsfield, retired to the city of Lim- 
erick, which was besieged by the English. The war, how- 
ever, was soon terminated by a treaty, known by the name 
of the treaty of Limerick. By this treaty tiie Roman Cath- 
olics were to enjoy the free exercise of their religion, and 
were required to take no oath, except that of allegiance. 
Two days after the treaty was signed, a French fleet appeared 
off the coast, with re-enforcements, and a large supply of 
military stores. The assistance, however, arrived too late ; 
the honor of the nation was pledged by the treaty of Lim- 
erick, and the fleet was dismissed. 

Questions. — 12. Wliat was the fate of Saint Ruth ? What followed? 
13. Where dlil the Irish forces retire? How was tiie war terminated? 
What is said of the treaty of Limerick? What hai>i)ened two days 
after? 



340 Ireland. 



CHAPTER L. 
The Insurrection ok 1798. 

1. For centuries the Irish people had groaned under the 
weight of oppression and tyranny which a despotic govern- 
ment exercised over them. Often was the father's heart 
ready to break within his bosom as he looked uj)on the son 
of his affection, and reflected on the wretchedness to which 
that son was born ; often had the tear of sorrow dimmed the 
mother's eye, as she h)oked abroad upon the misery that 
rested on her native land, and taught her child for the first 
time to lisp the name of Ireland. 

2. When ready to sink under the weight of these accu- 
mulated evils, they were cheered with the delusive hope that 
the future would unfold a brighter prospect, and open to 
their view a happier era ; but, alas ! each succeeding year 
only added a new link to the chain of their misery, and 
rendered more bitter the cup of their sorrow. However, 
they still hoped to be able to obtain a redress of their griev- 
ances by the power of reason and moral influence. For this 
])urpose an association, styled the United Irishmen, was 
formed in Belfast during the year 1791. 

3. The leading principle of this association seems to have 
been a pure and disinterested love of liberty. It was formed 
for the purpose, as they themselves declared, of forwarding 

Questions. — 1. What is said of the Irish people? What of the 
father? Of the mnthe: ? 2. How were they cheered, &c. ? What did 
they still hope? What association was formed? 'A. What were the 
leading ohjects of this association ? 



Ireland. 341 

a brotherhood of affection, a communion of rights, and a 
union of power among Irishmen of every religious denomi- 
nation, thus to obtain a complete reform in the legislature, 
founded on principles of civil, political, and religious liberty. 

4. Another association grew into existence about this time 
called the Orange Association. The object of this associa- 
tion was to support the measures of Government, and to 
oppose reform. The first Orange Lodge was formed on the 
2l8t of September, 1795, in the village of Youghall. The 
members pledged themselves by the most solemn oath, to 
support and defend the king and his heirs, so long as he or 
they shall support the Protestant ascendency. 

5. Finding their condition hopeless, and despairing of 
ever being able to obtain relief of the British Government 
by a peaceable course, the United Irishmen resolved to 
appeal to arms, and to the more forcible arguments of the 
sword. They secretly applied to France for aid ; but, before 
any effectual assistance could arrive, and before their plans 
could be organized, the people were driven into hostilities 
by the cruelty of the Government. Martial law was pro- 
claimed in several provinces; a savage soldiery emulated 
each other in acts of barbarity; the torture of whipping, 
half-hanging, and the pitch-cap, were put into active opera- 
tion, and the most liberal rewards were held out to informers. 

6. Early in the spring of 1798, the insurrection broke 
out in the counties of Kildare and Carlow. The first im- 
portant battle took place at Carlow. The Irish, who were 

Questions.— 4. What other association was formed? What was the 
object of it? 5. What did the United Irishmen resolve? What was 
proclaimed? What were put in operation? (5. In 1798 what took 
place ? 



342 



Ireland. 



armed with clumsy pikes and a few muskets, fought with 
desperation ; but they were finally defeated, with a loss of 
four hundred slain, and two hundred taken prisoners; the 
unfortunate prisoners were all executed under martial law. 




The Ciiapkl Royal, Drni.iN. 

Thejrish patriots defeated the British at Oulart Hill, and 
took the city of Waterford ; but they lost the desperate 
battle of Ballynahinch. After this, they intrenched them- 
selves on Vinegar Hill, where they were finally defeated by 
the royal army, on the 22d of June. This defeat termi- 

QCESTIONS. — 6. How were the Irish armed? What was the fate of 
the prisoners? Where did they defeat the British? Where did they 
intrench themselves ? 



Ireland. 343 

nated the eventful struggle of Ireland for her national rights 
and the redress of her grievances. 

7. Shortly after this event, the question of the Union 
began to be agitated, the object of which was to destroy the 
National Parliament of Ireland, and oblige her representa- 
tives to meet in the Parliament of England. The measure, 
at first, was decidedly unpopular, but by an unparalleled 
degree of bribery and corruption, it was carried about the 
middle of year 1800. On the first of January, 1801, the 
Union standard was, for the first time, mounted on the Bed- 
ford tower, in Dublin, while the guns from the royal battery 
in the Park, announced to prostrate Ireland that her national 
independence was no more. 

8. In 1829, Catholic emancipation was obtained, chiefly 
through the exertions of the illustrious O'Connell. By this 
act, the disabilities under which the Catholics had groaned 
for centuries, were removed ; they were permitted to hold 
office ; since 1793 they had been allowed to vote at elections. 
They are, however, still excluded from the throne, and from 
the office of Lord Lieutenant. It is only within the last thirty 
years that a Catholic could be Lord Chancellor of Ireland. 

9. In 1843 the repeal of the Union with England was 
warmly agitated. The rebellion of 1848 and the Fenian 
movement of 1866-68 were put down by the strong hand 
of authority. Since the disestablishment of the Episcopal 
Church (1871) and the partial reform of the land laws, the 

QUESTION'S.— 7. What was the object of the Uniou? What is said 
of the measure? In 1801 what took place? 8. In 1S2D? What was 
the effect of this ? From what are they still excluded ? y. What events 
occurred in 1843? What events occurred in 1848, 1866-68? What is 
said of the country since 1871 ? 



344 Ireland. 

country has shown some improvement. Yet great discon- 
tent with English rule prevails. The causes lie deep in 
the hearts of the people, and long years must pass before 
centuries of wrong can be forgotten. Oppressive laws and 
alien land-owners were mainly instrumental in redufing the 
population of Ireland from 8,00(),0U0 in 1841 to 4,700,000 
in 1895, while the population of England and of Scotland 
grew. Emigration gave the only relief, and millions of the 
Irish have found refuge in the United States. 

10. In 1886 Mr. Gladstone introduced into Parliament his 
Home Rule Bill, having in view an Irish Parliament, to deal 
with local affairs, and the repeal of the unjust laws governing 
land-holdings. It failed of passage, and Lord Salisbury, Mr. 
Gladstone's political opponent, became Premier. 

Mr. Gladstone was ably supported by Mr. Parnell, the 
leader of the Irish Nationalist party. Most unhappily Mr. 
Parnell became involved in a scandal which impaired his 
personal influence and divided his followers. His death 
(1891) was followed rather by a deepened factional bitter- 
ness, and Ireland's cause almost seemed lost. Aifairs have 
not improved. The Irish factious are as far.aj)art as ever. 
Mr. Gladstone, in 1892, became Premier again distinctly on 
the Home Rule issue; and he then (189.S) introduced a 
Home Rule Bill, acceptable to the great body of the Irish 
people. It passed the Commons, but was rejected by the 
Lords. 

QiESTioxs. — <J. Of the oppressive laws and alien landlords? 10. 
Wlii'ii and by whom was the first Jlonie TUile Kill introduced? The 
result? Who was Mr. Gladstone's Irish sui)j)orter? The fate of Mr. 
Parnell ? When and by whom was the second Home Rule Bill intro- 
duced? "What was its fate? 



Ireland. 



345 



11. Ireland, though crushed to the earth by the iron 
despotism of England, has been fruitful in men of genius, 
and has given to the world some of the greatest generals, 
statesmen, orators, and poets of modern times. The elo- 
(juence of the patriotic Daniel O'Connell shook the very 

throne of England, and 
obtained for Ireland what 
her armies could not 
achieve. The name of 
this great man is identi- 
fied with his country's his- 
tory. At an early age he 
engaged in her cause, and 
for upwards of forty years 
he labored in her service. 
The last few years of his 
public career were spent 
in endeavoring to obtain 
a repeal of the legislative 
union between Great Brit- 
ain and Ireland, and thus to restore to Ireland her national 
parliament. His health at length began to decline, and he 
was advised to travel on the continent. He never returned 
to his native land, but died at Genoa, in Italy, in the seventy- 
eighth year of his age. 

12. Wellington, the hero of Waterloo, and perhaps the 
greatest general of Europe, was an Irishman, though no 




Charles Stewaut I'a knell. 



Questions. — 11. What is said of Ireland? What of the eloquence 
of O'Connell? Of his name? How long did he labor in her service, 
&c.? Wliat did he endeavor to obtain? When did he die? 12. What 
is said of Wi-lliuL;tt>ii ? 



346 Ireland. 

friend to the land of his nativity. Ireland's sons, in foreign 
lands, have frequently acquired imperishable fame. During 
our own Revolutionary contest, our armies were led to battle 
and victory by the brave and patriotic General INIontgoniery, 
who finally fell in the noble effort to achieve American lib- 
erty. More recently the names of General Shields, Reily, 
and others, have reflected honor upon American arms, antl 
have acquired renown under the banner of tlieir adopted 
land. 



<j»rKsTi(iN. — IJ. What is .saiil ^>[' Iri'lainl's son-; iii foreign lamls? 



ITALY. 



CHAPTER LT. 

1. We must go with our young readers to Italy, the laud 
of the C'jesars, and standing amidst its magnificent and classic 
ruins, we will view its former greatness and its present beauty. 
Legend has it that Romulus laid the foundation of Rome, at 
present a magnificent city, and ruled over it for forty years. 
After his death, the monarchy continued for ujiwards of two 
hundred years; but at length the regal government was 
abolished and a republic established. After the republic 
had continued for several centuries, it was overthrown by 
Julius Ctesar, who seized upon the government, and the 
country became an Empire. 

2. During the reign of Augustus, the first who assumed 
the title of emperor, the Roman empire included within its 
limits almost the entire known world. It had carried its 
conquests over a great part of Asia, a portion of Africa, and 
nearly all of Europe. Germany was subdued, Spain was 
conquered, and even Britain had yielded to its arms. Shortly 
after the promulgation of Christianity, even before the death 
of the Apostles, the light of the Gospel spread over the 

Questions.— 1. What <li<l Romulus doV What happened? What 
continued? IJy whom was tlie republic overthrown? 2. During the 
reign of Augustus, what is said ? What haj^pened shortly after the pro- 
mulgation of Christianity? 

847 



348 Italy. 

empire. Saint Peter established his see at Rome, the capital 
of the empire ; and Saint Paul carried the knowledge of 
Christ within the very palace of the Ciesars. 

3. Many of the Roman Emperors were wicked and cruel, 
and raised violent persecutions against the Christians. During 
the first persecution under the tyrant Nero, Saint Peter and 
Saint Paul, the two illustrious Apostles, suffered death. Saint 
Peter was crucified with his head downwards, but Saint Paul 
being a Roman citizen, had tiie honor of dying by the sword. 
During the reign of Constantine the Great, an end w;is put 
to the persecution of the Christians, and Christianity became 
the religion of the Roman empire, A. D. 323. 

4. Constantine built the city of Constantinople, which he 
called after his own name, and made it the capital of the 
Roman empire. Afier his death in 3.)7, the empire was 
generally governed by two emperors, the one residing at 
Constantinople, and the other at Rome. In 31)5 the former 
city became the seat of the Eastern or Greek empire, which 
endured for 1,058 years longer, while the Western empire, 
with Rome for its cApital, rapidly declined in power and 
importance. A race of people from the north of Germany, 
called the Goths, emerging from their forests, began to make 
inroads upon the fertile plains of Italy, and under Alaric, 
tlieir king, they carried their devastations to the capital 
itself, A.D. 41(). 

5. Rome, which for ages had been the mistress of the 
world, and had enriched herself with the spoils of nations, 

QUESTION'S. — 3. What is said of the Roman emperors ? Of St. Peter 
and St. Paul ? In the reijjn of Constantine, what took place ? 4. What 
did Constantine do? What occurred in 337 ? In 30.1? What did a race 
from the north do? 5. What is said of the city? 



Italy. 349 

was uow besieged, and finally taken by a people who had 
often trembled at the terror of her name. In 476, another 
barbarons race, called the Heruli, overran Italy, conquered 
the country, and compelled Romulus Augustulus, the last 



T \ 





-.^^ 



Cathedral and Lka.nin« Towkk ok Pisa. 

of the Roman emperors, to resign his crown, while Odoacer, 
their leader, assumed the title of the King of Italy. Thus 
terminated the Roman Empire of the West. The city of 
Rome, and a portion of Italy, were wrested from the Goths 

QrESTiox.— .:. In 47t; wlmt took placi'? 



350 Italy. 

in 552, during the reign of Justinian, Emperor of the East. 
Italy continued for two hundred years to be governed by 
persons appointed by the Eastern emperors. 

6, About the middle of the eighth century the Lombards 
extended their conquests over a great part of Italy, and 
carried their ravages to the very walls of Rome. In their 
distress the Roman people applied for assistance to the em- 
peror of Constantinople, in whose name the government of 
Rome was still exercised. The emperor, however, neglected 
to send them aid, and they were compelled to apply for 
assistance to Pepin, the king of France. Pepin immediately 
responded to their call, and having defeated and expelled 
the Lombards, he bestowed his conquered territories in Italy 
on Pope Stephen and his successors in the pontifical chair. 
It was in this manner the Pope was raised to the dignity of a 
temporal prince. The territory which he governed was gen- 
erally called the Papal States. 

7. The Pope was not only a temporal prince, but is also 
the head of the Catholic Church. The city of Rome has 
lieen, with some slight interruptions, the residence of the 
Popes from the days of St. Peter to the present time. Cath- 
olics throughout the world look to Rome as the common 
centre of unity, and acknowledge the Sovereign Pontiff as 
their common father, to whom they owe implicit obedience 
in all matters of religion. It is on this account that they are 
frequently called Roman Catholics, to denote that they hold 

Questions. — 5. By whom was Italy jjoverned ? 6. About the middle 
of the eighth century what took iilace? What did the jieople do? 
Where were they compelled to apply for assistance? What did Pepin 
do? 7. What is said of the Pope? The city of Rome? What do 
Catholics do? 



Italy. 



351 



communion with the bishop of Rome. Catholics, however, 
do not hold the doctrine that the Pope has any authority 
over them in temporal affairs. 

8. During the middle ages the Sovereign Pontiff was fre- 
quently applied to, as the head of Christendom, to settle 












, -..^5g>=?=>. 



.St. Peter's, Kome. 



disputes between contending princes, and the laws and usages 
of that period gave him even the right of absolving subjects 
from the allegiance due to their rulers. His decisions were 
generally respected by the ruling powers. The exercise by 
the Pope of this authority, strange as its possession must 



Qfestions.— 7. What do they not hohJ ? 8. What is said of the 
Popes during the middle ages ? What power had they ? 



352 



Italy. 



seem to us at this day, proved a means of protecting oppressed 
peoples and of bringing lawless princes to a sense of duty. 

9. During the pontificate of Gregory the Seventh, Henry 
the Fourth, of Germany, made many encroachments upon 

the rights of the Church, 
and carried on a shame- 
ful traffic in ecclesiastical 
dignities, bestowing them 
on those who offered 
him the largest sums of 
money. Gregory, at 
length, in 1076, in com- 
pliance with the repeated 
request of his oppressed 
subjects, excommunicat- 
ed the monarch, and at 
the same time absolved 
the Germans from their 
oath of allegiance to him. 
At the news of this event 
Henry was alarmed, aud hastened towards Italy to seek a 
reconciliation with the Pontiff. The emperor presented him- 
self at the gates of tlie castle, and with every expression of 
grief, acknowledged his guilt, and manifested a willingness 
to make all the satisfaction in his power. 

10. Gregory, who had frequently experienced the insin- 
cerity of Henry, kept him in suspense for three days; at 




(aRhG()R\ VII. 



QrESTIONS. — 8. "What is said of it? \K During the pontificate of 
Gregory the Seventh, what took place? What did he at length do? 
What did Henry do ? 10. What is said of Gregory ? 



Italy. 353 

length he gave him an audience, and absolved him on certain 
conditions. The repentance of Henry was of short dura- 
tion. He returned to Germany, and having raised a powerful 
army, he entered Italy, and taking the city of Rome, he 
caused the excommunicated bishop of Ravenna to be declared 
Pope, under the title of Clement the Third. In the mean- 
time, Gregory retired to the castle of St. Angelo, where he 
remained until the arrival of Robert Guiscard, the leader 
of the Normans, who compelled Henry to retire. During 
the unsettled state of affairs that followed, Gregory, the ven- 
erable Pontiff, removed to Salerno, where he shortly after- 
wards died. A few moments before he expired, the holy man 
made use of these words: "/ have loved truth and hated 
iniquity; therefore I die in a strange land." A.D. 1085. 

11. The subsequent history of Italy presents few events 
of importance, until the French Revolution. The French 
overran the ecclesiastical states, took the city of Rome, and 
dragged the venerable Pontiff, Pius the Sixth, into France, 
where he died in 1799. During the year 1809, Napoleon, 
the Emperor of France, requested Pope Pius the Seventh 
to close his harbors against British commerce. To this the 
Pontiff returned a positive refusal, saying that, " being the 
father of all Christian nations, he could not, consistently 
with that character, become the enemy of any." 

12. This magnanimous reply so enraged the emperor that 
he immediately ordered the dominions of the Pope to b^ 
annexed to the empire of France. The Pontiff was sent into 

Questions. — 10. Of Henry? Where did Gregory retire? When 
and where did he die? What were his last words? 11. What did the 
French do ? In 1809 what did Napoleon request ? What did the Pontifi" 
reply ? 12. What is said of this reply ? 



354 



Italy. 



exile, and remained in captivity until after the first dethrone- 
ment of Napoleon, when he again returned to Rome, A. D. 
1814. 

13. The great and good Pius IX. was elected to the pon- 
tifical throne in 1846. His first act was to grant his subjects 
all the civil liberties that would conduce to their happiness; 

hut his generosity was re- 
warded by ingratitude, and 
during the revolutionary 
troubles that convulsed Eu- 
rope in 1848, Rome was 
taken possession of by the 
revolutionists. The venera- 
ble Pontiff was compelled 
to seek refuge at Gaeta, in 
the kingdom of Naples. 
In- i\ 14. In 1850, after an exile 

of about a year and a half, he 
was reinstated with the aid of the French troops of Napoleon 
III. Thus, by a strange dispensation of Providence, the heir 
of Napoleon, the despoiler of the Papal dominions, became 
for a time the protector of the Pope. In 1859 France and 
Sardinia joined their armies in a war against Austria, and 
the great battles of Magenta and Solferino were followed by 
the Treaty of Villafranca. By this treaty Venetia was con- 
firmed to Austria, but Lombardy was taken from her and 
given to Sardinia. Through the efforts of the French em- 

QUESTIONS. — 12. AVhat became of the Pontiff? l.S. What happened 
in 1846? In 1848? What became of Pius IX.? 14. What occurred 
in 1850? What great battles were fought in 1859? What were the 
terms of the treaty of Villafranca ? 




Italy. 355 

peror, Napoleon III., the other Italian States were formed 
into a confederation under the Presidency of the Pope. 

15. In 1860 Savoy and Nice were ceded to France. The 
same year Victor Emmanuel, King of Sardinia, added to his 
dominions a large part of the Papal States, together with the 
possessions of the other Italian princes, and in 1861 he took 
the title of King of Italy. In 1866 Austria was beaten by 
the combined forces of Prussia and Italy, and made to give 
up Venetia to the latter power. Until the outbreak of the 
war between France and Germany, Rome remained in the 
possession of the French, in spite of the revolutionary efforts 
of Mazzini and Garabaldi ; but on September 20, 1870, the 
troops of Victor Emmanuel entered Rome, put an end to the 
Pope's temporal power, and made this city the political cap- 
ital of Italy. Victor Emmanuel died in 1878, and was suc- 
ceeded by his son, the present king, Humbert IV. The 
government is Parliamentary, or representative. 

16. The Pope still resides in Rome. In this city, in 1869, 
assembled the OEcumenical Council of the Vatican. It 
opened on the 8th of December, under the Presidency of 
Pius IX. The following year the Declaration of Infalli- 
bility was made. Pius IX. died in 1878, and Cardinal Pecci 
was chosen his successor, under the name of Leo XIII. 

17. In 1883 Italy entered into an alliance with Germany 
an^ Austria. It has become famous in history as the Drei- 

QUESTIONS. — 14. What was done through the efforts of Napoleon III. ? 
15. What happened in 18(50? In 1861? In 1866? What occurred on 
September 20, 1870? When did Victor Emmanuel die, and who suc- 
ceeded him ? 16. Whatgreat council assembled in 1860 ? Under whose 
presidency ? What important Catholic dogma was promulgated in the 
following year? When did Pius IX. die, and who succeeded him ? 17. 
Explain the Dreibund ? 



356 



Italy. 



bund or Triple Alliance. By it these three great powers 
stand pledged to act together against j)ublic enemies. This 
alliance was renewed in 1889, and again in 1891. 

I8. Since 1883 foreign affairs were unimportant till 1896. 

An attempt at coloniza- 
tion, a year or two later, 
on the eastern coast of 
Africa, proved a failure. 
In 1890 the lynching at 
New Orleans of a num- 
ber of Italian despera- 
does, brought on a diffi- 
culty with the United 
•States. The matter was 
l)eaceably settled. In 
1892 the 400th anniver- 
sary of the discovery of 
America by Columbus 
was fitly commemorated 
at Genoa, the birth-place 
of the renowned navigator. Towards the close of this year 
a commotion throughout Italy was raised by the detection 
of great Bank Frauds. Millions were lost to honest people. 
In 1893 Leo XIII commemorated his Episcopal Jubilee. His 
Jubilee, as a priest, he had celebrated eight years before. 'At 
the close of 1895 Italy undertook to extend her colony of 
Erythria in Africa. A war with Abyssinia followed, and 
the Italians met disaster in the battle of Adowa, March, 1896. 




Lko XIII. 



QrESTioNS.— 18. What occurred in 1800? What events in 1892? 
What commemorations in 189."?? What disaster befell Italy in 1896? 



Italy. 357 

The Italian Premier, Signor Crispi, was driven from office 
into disgrace, and was succeeded by the Marquis di Rudini. 
A peace was concluded with Abyssinia which is altogether 
advantageous to it. 

19. The government of Italy is controlled by those who 
are hostile to the Church. The Pope's position continues 
without change. The law of the Papal Guarantees (passed 
by the Italian government in 1870, when Rome became the 
political capital), declaring the Pope, with his immediate 
surroundings, independent of the Italian government, and 
granting him, yearly, 4,000,000 francs, remains in force. 
The francs, however, though offered every year, the Pope 
has never taken, as accepting them would be a sign of con- 
sent to the seizure of his temporal possessions. The moral 
strength of the rising Italian generation is said to be declin- 
ing. A main cause is the exclusion of religious teaching 
from the governmental schools. Excessive militarism, high 
taxes, and hard times, are pressing the people sorely, and 
very many are emigrating. 

QfESTiONS. — 1(1. What is the position of the goverument towards the 
Chureli ? K.\i)lain the h\w of the Papal Guarantees. What is said of 
the risini' Italian t;eiifratii)n ? What is the tjeneral condition of Italy ? 



SPAIN 



CHAPTER LI I. 

1. Spain, or Iberia, as it was formerly styled, is one of the 
oldest countries in Europe, and the one, perhaps, in which 
there has been the greatest mingling of races. The Celts, 
who originally peopled that country, were civilized by the 
Phoenicians, who built the city of Cadiz, 900 years B. C 
Subsequently, the Carthaginians took possession of Spain, 
and held it until the destruction of their power by the 
Romans. 

2. Early in the fifth century, the Suevi and other barba- 
rian tribes from the north invaded Spain and wrested that 
province from the Romans. Soon after this conquest the 
country was subdued by the Visigoths, who founded there a 
monarchy. In the eighth century, the Gothic kings were 
overthrown by the Saracens, or Moors, the followers of 
Mohammed. 

3. The Moors built many fine cities, and divided the con- 
quered territory into several independent sovereignties or 
Caliphates; but they seldom enjoyed peace, for the Chris- 
tians made continual war upon them, the Moors gradually 

QrESTiONS. — 1. What is the origin of the Spaniards? 2. What hap- 
pened from the fifth century to the eightli '! '.',. Tell us ahout the Moors 
in Spain. 

358 



Spain. 



359 




,«,r >" ^=«a T 'l^^n 








llllO .\l.( A/.VK ()!■ M.VIM.K, 



860 Spiiiii.. 

losing their possessions until, in the year 1492, the fall of 
Granada terminated their empire, 

4. Spain, which had been divided into several sovereign- 
ties, was now united into one monarchy, under Ferdinand 
and Isabella. The reign of these wise and great sovereigns 
was marked by the most important event of modern times — 
the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. Spain 
then became the leading power of Europe. In 1520 Charles 
I., of Spain, was elected Emperor of Germany, under the 
name of Charles V., and thus his dominion was extended over 
Germany, the Netherlands, and a part of Italy. He had, 
besides, immense possessions in the New World. 

5. Charles had to sustain long and bloody wars, princi- 
pally with Francis I., of France, who had been his rival for 
the imperial crown. He was eventually successful; and, at 
the very time when peace and prosperity had been established 
in his vast empire, the great eni])eror astonished the world by 
resigning his throne and authority into the hands of his son, 
Philip, and retiring to the monastery of St. Just, where he 
remained in peaceful seclusion until his death. 

6. The most important event of the reign of Philip II. 
was the loss of the Low Countries, or Netherlands, whose 
people revolted, and succeeded in gaining their independence 
after a bloody struggle. These provinces formed a confed- 
eration under the title of the Seven United Provinces of 
Holland, A. D. 1579. 

7. The history of Spain from this period presents few 

Questions. — 4. What is said of Spain ? What important event took 
place during this reign? What happened in 1520? 5. Tell us about 
the reign of Charles V. (i. What happened under Philip II. ? 7. What 
are the interesting events in the subsequent history of Spain? 



Spain. 361 

events of great importance, until tlie invasion by the French 
in 1808, who drove Ferdinand VII. from the Spanish throne 
and placed thereon Joseph Bonaparte, the brother of the 
Emperor Napoleon. The Spaniards rose in fierce opposition 
to the invailers of their soil, and, with the assistance of the 
English, succeeded in expelling the French, after the long 
and bloody contest known as the Peninsular War. At the 
restoration of peace in 1814, Ferdinand resumed the crown. 

8. Spain gradually lost nearly all her American posses- 
sions; and, torn by civil dissensions, that nation, once so 
proud, declined rapidly into comparative insignificance. Of 
late years she seems to have once more entered the road of 
progress, and, by judicious reforms, to be endeavoring to 
secure that internal tranquillity so necessary to national 
j)rosperity. 

9. Ferdinand VII. was succeeded in 1833 by Isabella II. 
Her weak administration and personal misdoings caused 
great discontent, and in 1868 she fled the country before a 
popular uprising. The following year a constitutional form 
of government was adopted, with Marshal Serrano regent. 
In 1870 Amadeus, a son of Victor Emmanuel, was chosen 
king. He was an amiable prince, and earnestly sought the 
good-will of his subjects ; but Spaniards have a special dislike 
towards a foreign ruler, and after an unhappy reign of three 
years he abdicated the throne. 

10. A republic was at once proclaimed, with Figueras as 

Questions. — 8. What followed, and what is the present condition of 
that country? 9. Who succeeded Ferdinand VII. ? What is said of her 
administration? What was the next form of government? Who was 
chosen king in 1870? What is said of him ? 10. What form of govern- 
ment was next proclaimed? 



362 



Spain. 



president, succeeded almost immediately by Erailio Castelar. 
It was a time of great danger and confusion, from Commu- 
nistic and Carlist insurrections. To put these down the 
president assumed extraordinary powers. The Cortes, or 
national legislature, refused to acknowledge them, and Cas- 




THK Ar.IIAMIJRA. 

telar, resigning his office, was succeeded in 1874 by Marshal 
Serrano. That same year the monarchy was restored, and 
Alfonso, son of ex-Queen Isabella, proclaimed king, under 
the title of Alfonso XII. 

II, In 1876 the Carlist plottings and risings which for a 
number of years had been distracting Spain, came to an 
end. The leader, Don Carlos, claimed the throne through 
the male line of the Spanish sovereigns. Queen Isabella and 

Qfkstions. — 10. Who wpre the presidents ? What is said of the state 
of the country ? Wiio suceeocled Castelar V In what year was the nion- 
arcliy restored? Wl»© was proclaimed king? 11. Wkat happen«d ia 
1S76? 



Spain. 863 

her heirs represented the female line, and were held to be 
excluded by the Salic law, forbidding the throne to women. 

12. On the whole, Alfonso's reign was successful. He 
died suddenly in 1885, and his Queen, Christina, became 
regent under circumstances threatening the order and peace 
of the country. The next year the Queen-dowager gave birth 
to a son, who is now king, under a regency, as Alfonso XIII. 

13. For many generations Spain has been politically un- 
important. Once so powerful in Europe, she has fallen into 
a third rate state. From early in 1895 she had to contend 
with formidable insurrections in the two chief colonial pos- 
sessions left to her, namely, Cuba and the Philippines. That 
in the latter had temporarily subsided, but broke out again 
in the beginning of 1898. As that in Cuba led to war with 
the United States, resulting in the loss of both colonies to 
Spain, this subject is discussed in connection with tlie history 
of the former country, The government is representative, 
with a responsible ministry. Recently the republicans and 
the anarchists have given trouble. 

14. The great and good Columbus was not born in Spain, 
but its pious and beautiful Queen Isabella was his truest 
friend. Through her and the friends her friendship made 
for him, he got the money to build and equip his ships. 
From a seaport in Spain he bravely set forth on his voyage, 
and to Spain he first gave the glorious news of his discovery. 
Hence, in the Columbian celebrations of 1892 and 1893 
Spain bore, as she ought to have borne, a leading part. 

Questions.— 11. What of Don Carlos and his claims? 12. What is 
said of Alfonso's reign ? When did he die ? Who succeeded? Who is 
now king? 13. What is said of the Spanish nation ? What trouble in 
recent years? 14. What are the relations of Spain to rolunihiis? 



PORTUGAL. 



CHAPTER LIII 

1. Portugal has one common origin with Spain, of which 
it was formerly a part. In ll^^O the Portuguese threw off 
the yoke of Spain, and formed an independent kingdom, with 
Alphonso I. as their king. 

2. Portugal sustained many successful wars against the 
Moors and the Spaniards, and b came distinguished by the 
progress her seamen made in navigation. From 1418 to the 
middle of the following century, these hardy navigators made 
a large number of discoveries, not the least important of 
which were the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope, in 1487, 
by Bartholomew Diaz, and the doubling of this cape, in 1497, 
by Vasco da Gama, who accomplished the first voyage to the 
Indies. 

3. In 1580 Portugal was seized upon by Philip II., who 
united it to the crown of Spain ; but the Spaniards were 
driven out of the country in 1640 by the Duke of Braganza, 
who was crowned king under the title of John IV. 

4. The Portuguese preserved their Brazilian possessions 
until 1825, when Brazil was declared an independent empire, 

QUESTION'S. — 1. What is the origin of Portugal ':* 2. For what did 
Portugal become distinguished ? What discoveries did they make ? 3. 
What happened in 1580 and 1640? 4. Tell us about tiie empire of 
Rrazil. 

;]G4 



Portugal. 365 

and the regent, Dom Pedro, was proclaimed emperor. King 
John VI., of Portugal, having died, Dom Pedro, who was 
his eldest son, resigned his claim to the crown of Portugal in 
favor of his young daughter, Maria da Gloria, but Dom 
Miguel, a younger son of King John, usurped the throne in 
1828. The usurper was subsequently expelled, and the 
crown restored to the lawful heir, in 1833. 

5. Pedro died in 1861. He was succeeded by his brother 
as Louis I. Louis's reign was long, comparatively quiet, and 
as a whole, beneficial to his country. It is marked by a 
gradual increase of republican sentiment, with now and then 
ineffectual outbreaks. The most memorable event was the 
liberation of the slaves (1876) on the islands of St. Thomas 
and Cape de Verd. Louis died in 1889, and his son Charles, 
the present ruler, became king. 

6. Portugal has a number of colonies in Africa and other 
parts of the world. The Catholic religion is established, but 
all other forms of worship are tolerated. There is one univer- 
sity at Coimbra, and the public school system is general. 

Questions. — 4. The subsequent events in Portugal. 5. When did 
Pedro die? Wlio succeeded? What is said of Louis' reign? What 
event in 1876? Whatinl88!l? 6. Where has Portugal colonies? What 
is said of her religious and educational condition ? 



POLAND. 



CHAPTER LIV. 

1. Although the name of Poland has been stricken out 
from the list of nations by the ruthless hand of grasping 
tyranny, that name will ever awake feelings of respectful 
sympathy in all who honor courage and patriotism. 

2. Founded in the sixth century, the kingdom of Poland 
attained some pre-eminence only in the early part of the 
fifteenth century. Casimir III., surnamed the Great, who 
then occupied the throne, was a sovereign of uncommon 
wisdom and al)ility. By the wise laws which he promul- 
gated, and the encouragement he gave to commerce and 
industry, he secured the prosperity of his kingdom. An 
enlightened patron of learning, he founded the University 
of Cracow, which acquired great celebrity. 

3. In 1506 Sigismund I. ascended the throne, and under 
his wise rule Poland soon attained a high degree of pros- 
perity, which she preserved under his successors for nearly a 
hundred years; but continued wars with her neighbors, the 
Russians and the Turks, gradually weakened her, and she 
began to decline. 

4. In 1674 John Sobieski, a man of great military talents 
and eminent civil virtues, was proclaimed King of Poland. 

Questions. — 1 . AVhat have you to say about Poland ? 2. When was 
that kinji;dom founded, and what is its early history? .3. What hap- 
pened in 150(5? 4. In 1674? 

366 



Poland. 



367 



He vanquished the Turks, and restored peace and prosperity 
to his kingdom. His reign, which lasted twenty .two years, 
was an era of happiness for the Poles. 




John Sobieski. 



5. The national prosperity of Poland may be said to have 
ended with the death of the great Sobieski. The throne 



QrESTlON.— 5. "What, took place after Sobieski's death ? 



368 Poland. 

remained vacant for twelve months, after which Frederick 
Augustus, Elector of Saxony, was proclaimed king. This 
prince declared war against Charles XII., King of Sweden, 
but was defeated and compelled to abdicate. Subsequently, 
however, he displaced his successor, Stanislaus, and regained 
his dominions, which, after his death, passed to his son, 
Frederick Augustus II. 

6. After the reign of this prince, Poland was torn by civil 
dissensions, excited by the surrounding powers, who finally 
accomplished their unjust projects in 1772, by dismembering 
that unfortunate country. Russia, Prussia and Austria 
seized upon the richest provinces of Poland, and compelled 
her to sanction her own spoliation by legislative enactment. 

7. A new division was made by these three powers in 
1793, after the successful invasion of Poland by Russia — a 
war in which the gallant Kosciusko, who had recently taken 
such an active part in the American Revolutionary war, 
commanded in chief the army of his unfortunate countrymen. 
In 1798 Stanislaus, the last king of Poland, died, having 
resigned his crown three years before ; and what remained 
of his former dominions was seized upon by the three 
powers. 

8. Thus was a brave and independent nation crushed out 
of existence by the unjust and wicked rapacity of its stronger 
neighbors. Europe was convulsed by the wars arising from 
the great French Revolution, and the dismemberment of 
Poland was permitted by the other nations, who were too 
busily engaged with their own troubles. The Poles have 

Questions. — 6. What followed? 7. Was another division made? 
What followed? 8. Tell us about the subsequent fate of Poland? 



Poland. 369 

made several efforts to regain their liberty, but the fruits of 
these efforts have been only new sufferings for this ill-fated 
people. 

9, Russia is now busily engaged in crushing out every 
feature of Polish nationality. The Polish language is for- 
bidden to be used. Many of their churches have been closed ; 
they are not allowed to show public honors to the memory 
of some eminent men of their nation. Russia is endeavoring 
by persecution to force the Polish Catholics into the Greek 
Church. Their clergy and bishops have been imprisoned or 
banished. The last Polish bishop left in office died of ill- 
treatment in 1869 while on his way to his place of exile in 
Siberia. 

Question. — t). Describe the receut course of Russia towards Poland? 



24 



RUSSIA 



CHAPTER J.V. 

1. The early history of the trihes of northern barbarians 
who founded the empire of Russia is involved in nuich obscu- 
rity. These tribes, continually at war with each other, were 
at length partially subjugated by the Tartars. In the fifteenth 
century the invaders were finally overcome by John Basilo- 
witz, known as Ivan III., who was the first to take the title 
of Autocrat of all the Russias. 

2. But Russia could scarcely claim rank among the civil- 
ized nations of Europe until the reign of Peter the Great, 
who succeeded to the throne in 1689. Coarse, ignorant and 
impetuous, the victim of a neglected education, and of natu- 
rally fierce passions, Peter had much to contend with at his 
advent to power. But he was gifted with extraordinary 
energy and uncommon mental abilities ; he resolved to raise 
his people to the rank of a civilized nation, and he com- 
menced to qualify himself for this task, by the most perse- 
vering practical study. 

3. Under the dress of a common laborer, he found employ- 
ment in the dock-yards of Holland and England, and during 
sixteen months he worked daily at the art of ship-building. 

Questions. — 1. What do we know about the early history of Russia? 
2. ^Who ascended the throne in 1GS9? What was the character of this 
prince? 3. How did he proceed? 

370 



Bus. 



371 



On his return he created a navy. He sent his young nobles 
to the different courts of Europe, and he himself subsequently 
visited these countries in order to study their laws and cus- 
toms. He sustained several wars against the Turks, and a 
long but eventually successful contest witli the warlike 




ThK 1'1'.0HI-K of KaSA.N ^UliMITTlNC TO IVAX. 

Charles XH., King of Sweden, whom he vanquished at 
Pultowa in 1709. 

4. Peter's indomitable courage, the extraordinary abilities 
he manifested in the government of his empire, certainly 
entitled him to the surname of Great ; but if, forgetting the 

QiTESTiON.— 4. AVas Peter truly great ? 



372 



Russia. 



monarch, we look only for the man, we find the vile and 
ferocious instincts of the brute. Intemperance, and the other 
vices which usually accompany it, degraded the private char- 
acter of the czar. 

5. The Empress Catharine, a peasant girl whom Peter had 
married, succeeded to the throne at his death in 1725. Her 

reign, which lasted two years, 
was prosperous. So was the 
short reign of Peter II., and 
that of his niece, Anne, who 
succeeded him. After Anne's 
death, her infant heir was de- 
posed, and the crown given 
to Elizabeth, the daughter of 
Peter the Great, in 1741. 

6. P^lizabeth seems to have 
inherited many of her father's 
great talents, with his vices. 
During her brilliant reign the Russian arms were constantly 
victorious, and Russia ceased to be looked upon as a country 
of half-civilized barbarians. The successor of Elizabeth was 
her nephew, Peter III. This weak prince was dethroned by 
his wife, Catherine of Anhalt, and afterwards assassinated. 

7. Catherine was proclaimed empress, under the title of 
Catherine II., in 1762. Possessed of extraordinary abilities, 
she attracted the eyes of all Europe upon her court, patron- 
ized the arts and sciences, encouraged manufactures, and 
greatly extended her dominions by important conquests. But 




l^ETKK TllK (il<i;AI 



Questions.—."). What followinl afUT Peter' .s death? G. What have 
you to .say of Elizabeth ? 7. What of Catherine TI. ? 



Iiii6sia. 



373 



whilst she showed greatness as a sovereign, she was, in private 
life, a vicious woman. 

8. Catherine's son, Paul, who succeeded her in 1796, was 
a tyrant. He was assassinated, after a short reign, A. D. 
1801. His eldest son, Alexander I., succeeded to the throne. 
This prince showed much wisdom and talent in government, 




and became very popular. He joined Austria against Napo- 
leon the First, but was defeated in several battles. 

9. A peace was signed at Tilsit, but hostilities were re- 
sumed in 1812, when Napoleon invaded Russia. The Rus- 
sians gave proof of their savage heroism by burning their 

Questions. — 8. Who were Catherine's successors? 9. Did peace reign 
after iliis? 



874 Euiisia. 

beautiful city, Moscow, after it had been entered by the vic- 
torious enemy. The grand French army, which seemed 
invincible, could not withstand the rigors of a Russian winter. 
These veteran troops perished by thousands from the exces- 
sive cold, as they retraced their steps over the snow-covered, 
barren soil. 

10. Alexander died in 1825, and was succeeded by his 
brother, Nicholas I. This prince showed marked ability as 
a ruler, and during the early years of his reign waged suc- 
cessful war against the Tersians and Turks. His measures 
towards the unfortunate Poles, however, were tyrannical and 
cruel, and have left an indelible stain on his character. 

11. In 1853' Nicholas again declared war against the 
Turks, and invaded their territory. This involved Russia 
in a war with France and England, the allies of Turkey, 
which is known as the Crimean war; Crimea having been 
the theatre of hostilities. This war, commenced in 1854, 
lasted two years, and ended in the defeat of the Russians and 
the fall of their famous stronghold, Sebastopol. Nicholas 
died in 1855, during this siege, and was succeeded by his 
son, Alexander II. 

12. In 1861 the emperor, or czar, set free the serfs. These 
were a kind of slaves, not bought and sold, but attached to 
the land, and whoever owned the land was their master. 
Their freedom made a great change in the condition of 
Russia. In 1863 the Poles rose against their Russian rulers 
and made a brave resistance, but were beaten and forced to 

Questions. — 10. Who succeeded Alexander ? 11. What happened in 
1853, and what was the consequence? How long did the war last, and 
how did it end ? Who succeeded Nicholas? 12. What did the emperor 
do iu 1801 ? In ISft.S what occurred? 



Russia. 



375 



su 



bmit. Poland was once a free nation in the centre of 







''*^ ii^■■^?"''■^:-'•^W^■^ 



Europe, sunouiiueu uy ivussia, i'russia, ;unl ^A.u^i^ia. More 
than a hundred years ago these powerful neighbors joined 



376 Rtima. 

their armies in a cruel war against Poland, and having con- 
quered it, divided it among themselves. The Poles have 
often risen in arms in the hope of becoming free again, but 
have always been beaten. 

13. In 1877 Russia invaded Turkey, her object being to 
improve the wretched condition of the Christians in the 
Turkish provinces. A bloody war ended, the next year, in 
the defeat of the Turks and the treaty of San Stefano. The 
Great Powers of Europe thought the terms of this treaty too 
favorable to Russia — hence Great Britain, Germany, Austria, 
France, and Italy compelled Russia and Turkey to meet their 
representatives at Berlin, where a new treaty, called the 
Treaty of Berlin, was signed. By this treaty the whole of 
Northern Turkey was either taken from her or her control 
over it greatly lessened. Bosnia and Herzegovina were given 
to Austria ; Bulgaria and Eastern Roumclia became semi- 
independent states, paying a tribute to Turkey ; Montenegro 
and Servia were each made independent, with additional ter- 
ritory; and, while Roumaniawas declared independent also, 
she was required to cede one of her ])rovinces, Bessarabia, to 
Russia. Russia gained, in addition, a large section of Asiatic 
Turkey south of the lib^ck Sea. These newly-made powers 
are known as the Balkan States, because the Balkan Moun- 
tains pass through them, and the rivalry between Russia and 
Austria for influence over them is a constant danger to the 
peace of Europe. 

Questions.— 12. What is said of Poland and the Poles? 13. What 
occurred in 1877? With what result? What did the Great Powers 
think of the Treaty of San Stefano? What did they then do? Stat« 
the terms of the Berlin treaty. What did Russia gain ? What is said 
of the Balkan States? 



Russia. 377 

14. In 1881 Alexander II. was assassinated by the Nihi- 
lists, and was succeeded by his son as Alexander III., splen- 
didly crowned at Moscow two years later. The Nihilists — 
called Socialists in Germany and Communists in France — 
are revolutionists who wish to destroy the present order of 
society and government and replace it with a peculiar gov- 
ernment of their own. They have been very active in Russia, 
where the government is a despotism — that is, the country 
is governed, not by a Parliament or Legislature elected by 
the people, but by the emperor and those whom he appoints. 
The Nihilists had often threatened to kill Alexander II. 
unless he gave them a freer government. 

15. Of late years Russia has been pushing her conquests 
in Central Asia east of the Caspian Sea. The key to the 
India possessions of England is Herat, the northern capital 
of Afghanistan. Russia has been mananivring to possess it, 
or at least to acquire there a controlling influence. With 
this end in view General Komaroff seized and occupied in 
force (1884) the oasis of ^lerv in Toorkastan, which, in rela- 
tion to Herat, is of first military importance. England was 
roused. Negotiations and expeditions followed (1884—1886), 
and war with Russia avoided only by the latter's agreeing to 
delimit her Asiatic frontier. 

16. The period intervening between 1886 and 1891 is 
marked by a fierce persecution of the Jews. It reached a 
crisis in 1891, when the body of the Jews were cruelly ex- 

QUESTIONS. — 14. When and liow did Alexander die ? Who succeeded 
him ? Tell us al)out the Nihilists and the Russian form of government. 
1.'). What has been occupying Russia of late years ? Why did she wish 
to possess Herat? Result of her designs on Herat ? Ifi. What occurred 
between 18SG and 18111 ? What in ISfU ? 



378 Russia. 

pelled from the country. The same year a large portion of 
the empire was desolated by famine. The famine was followed 
by a deadly epidemic of cholera. Alexander III. died in 
1894 and was succeeded by his son, the present czar, Nich- 
olas II., who was crowned in 1896 at Moscow amid such 
splendor as was never before witnessed. Russia is a very 
powerful military state, of vast resources, and destined to 
play a most important part in the future history of the 
world. 

Questions.— 16. What followed the famine ? What events in 1894 and 
l.S'.tO? What is said of the liussian nation ? 



PRUSSIA AND THE GERMAN EMPIRE. 



CHAPTER LVI. 

1. Thk Duchy of Prussia was united to the Electorate of 
Brandenburg in 1525, and became a kingdom in 1701, under 
Frederick I. In 1713 his sou, Frederick William I., and in 
1740 his grandson, Frederick II., styled the Great, succeeded 
to the throne. The latter signalized his accession to power 
by the conquest of Silesia. This great warrior then turned 
his arms against Saxony, and so alarmed Europe by his 
conquests that an alliance was formed against him by France, 
Russia and Austria. The war lasted seven years, and its 
termination, in 1763, left Frederick in the peaceful enjoy- 
ment of his possessions. 

2. Frederick gave much attention to the development of 
agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, and was a pro- 
tector of literature; but what principally engrossed his care 
was the organization of his army. He made of the Prussian 
soldiers perfect models of discipline, living machines to be 
moved at will. He died in 1786, aged seventy-four years. 

3. Frederick William II. succeeded to the throne. His 
short reign was marked by no important event, and he was 
succeeded by his son, Frederick William HI., in 1797. The 

Questions.— 1. AVhat is the origin of the kingdom of Prussia ? What 
kings succeeded to the throne? 2. To what did Frederick turn his at- 
tention after the seven years' war? 3. What about Frederick William 

II.? 

379 



380 



Prussia (Did the German Empire. 



reicjn of this j)riiico was made memorable by the part which 
he took in the l-'rench war. Defeated by Napoleon at Jena, 




Fkkdkkk K I UK <;ki; \i . 



and deprived of half of his dominions by the treaty of Tilsit, 
he was destined to give the last blow to the great conqueror ; 



Question. — .?. What made the reign of Frederick William III. re- 
markable ? 



Priisda and the German Empire. 381 



the arrival of the Prussian troops under Blucher decided the 
fate of the battle of Waterloo and the downfall of Napoleon. 

4. Great events took place under William I., who suc- 
ceeded Frederick William IV. in 1861. In 1864 Prus.<ia 
and Austria joined in a most unjust war against Denmark, 
and compelled that power to cede the duchies of Schleswig, 
Holstein, and Lauenburg. 

5. The two allies then quarrelled over the spoils, and 
Prussia joined Italy in a war upon Austria. Austria was 
beaten and the foundation of the great German Empire laid. 
Before this, Germany had been in a divided condition and 
the common battle-ground of Europe. After the downfall 
of Napoleon a confederation of German States was formed, 
controlled, now by Austria, now by Prussa, during a period 
of fifty years. Gradually the power of Austria lessened, 
while that of Prussia increased. The battle of Sadowa, or 
Koniggriitz, in 18G6, removed Austria from being the head 
of the South German States, and under the lead of Prussia 
united the other German States in what became known as 
the North German Confederation. Complete unity followed 
the successful end of the war between France and Germany 
(1870-71), when the North German Confederation became a 
part of the empire, and the imperial crown was placed upon 
the head of King William. 

6. The empire, with Prussia at the head, includes the 
North German Confederation, the South German States, and 

Questions.— 4. What is said of William I.? What happened in 
1864? 5. Did Prussia and Austria remain friends? What was the 
result of this war? Tell us of the state of affairs after the downfall of 
Nai)oleon. What was the consequence of the battle of Sadowa ? What 
of the North German (Confederation ? (i. ^Vhat does the Prussian empire 
iuclude? 



382 



Prussia and the German Emjyire, 



Alsace and Lorraine. It occupies the central and most fertile 
part of Europe, has a vast commerce, the people are all of 
the same race and well educated, and the army, which re- 
ceives great attention, is 
one of the most powerful 
in the world. German 
unity is mainly due to the 
guiding hand of her prime 
minister, Prince Bismarck. 
7, This eminent states- 
man, known as the " Iron 
Chancellor," was born in 
1815. After studying at 
Gottiugen and Berlin, he 
entered the army. We 
next find him a member 
of the Diet of Saxony, 
then of the General Diet, 
where he was remarkable 
for the boldness of his 
speeches, declaring on one 
occasion that all great cities should be swept from the face 
of the earth as being the centres of democracy and con- 
stitutionalism. In 1851 he entered the diplomatic service, 
and in turn represented Prussia at Vienna, St. Petersburg 
and Paris, resigning this last position to become the Prussian 
minister for foreign affairs. 

8. At the close of the war (1864) waged by Prussia and 

Questions.— 6. Tell us of its people and army. To whom is German 
unity mainly due? 7. When was Bismarck born? His early life? 
Where do we next fiiitl liini ? In 1S."»1 wliiit ilid he do? 




Otto von Bismarck. 



Prussia and the German Empire. 383 

Austria against Denmark, he saw the opening for realizing 
his long-cherished design of making Prussia the real head of 
Germany. A war, therefore, soon followed against Austria, 
and at Sadowa her influence in Germany was destroyed. 
Provinces and kingdoms were now rapidly annexed to Prus- 
sia ; the city of Frankfort was compelled to receive a Prussian 
garrison ; Hanover became a part of the Kingdom of Prussia, 
and by the end of the year 1866, Bavaria, Baden and Wur- 
teraberg were in close alliance with Prussia. In 1867 Bis- 
marck, now created a count, organized the powerful North 
German Confederation, embracing, with Prussia at the head, 
twenty-two states and a population of twenty-nine million. 
At the same time he was made chancellor of the confederation 
and president of the Federal Council, and two years after 
became foreign minister. 

9. In the war with France (1870-71) he attended the king 
throughout the campaign, drew up the terms of peace after 
the surrender of Paris, succeeded finally in uniting all Ger- 
many into a powerful empire, and on January 18, 1871, had 
the satisfaction of seeing King William of Prussia crowned 
Emperor of Germany in the palace of the French kings at 
Versailles. In the same month he was made chancellor of 
the empire, and soon after raised to the rank of prince. His 
policy was ever high-handed and aggressive, but (in a politi- 
cal sense) brilliant and Successful. He stands foremost in 
giving shape to the history of his age. 

10. In 1872 a law was passed suppressing the Jesuit 

QiKSTioNs. — 8. Describe the rise of Prussia from l.S(J4-0G. In 18G7 
what did Bismarck do? 9. What of him iii tiie war with France? To 
what rank was he raised in 1871 ? What of his policy and position in 
the history of his age? 10. What law passed in 1872 ? 



384 



Prussia and the German Evij)ire. 



Houses and related orders. In 1873 the Falk laws were 
published, whereby the state exercised a large control over 
the Catholic clergy. An open rupture with the Papacy fol- 
lowed. In 1879 a severe 
law against the Socialists 
was passed. In 1880 there 
was a violent outbreak 
against the Jews through- 
out the empire. In 1884 
Germany developed a colo- 
nization policy, ciiicfly in 
Africa. It has not been 
remarkably successful. In 
1888 William I. died. He 
was succeeded by his son 
Frederick. The Emperor 
Frederick died, of cancer 
of the throat, a few months 
after reaching the throne, 
and was succeeded by his 
son, William II., the pres- 
entruler. The young em- 
peror is tiery and self-willed. He soon quarrelled with the 
imperious Bismarck, removed him from office, and appointed 
Gen. Von Caprivi, who soon gave way to Prince Hohenlohe. 
II. Within recent years the government's bearing towards 
the Church has undergone a marked change for the better. 
The change began soon after Leo XIII. became Pope. Bis- 




WlM.IAM I. 



Questions.— 10. In 187:5? In 1879? What was done in 1884? What 
event in 1888? Who succeeded William I.? Who succeeded Fred- 
erick ? Why was Bismarck removed ? Who succeeded him ? 



Prussia and the German Empire. 385 



marck, feeling the need of the Centre, or Catholic party, in 
the Reichstag, to carry his measures, made advances towards 
conciliation. These advances were met. The harsher fea- 
tures of the anti-Papal legislation were repealed, and the Falk 
laws so changed as to be practically dead letters. 

12. Germany is the originator and head of the Dreibund, 
or Triple Alliance — the military union of Germany, Austria 
and Italy. Militarism has here its centre. The Army ! the 
Array ! the Army !— how to support it — how to improve it — 
how to increase it — is the one thought of the government. 
The result of this excessive militarism is : Business depressed, 
labor in distress. 



Questions.— 11. Why did Bismarck try to conciliate the Church? 
What was the result? 12. What Power originated the Dreibund? 
What is the Dreibund ? AVhat is the one thought of the government? 
The result of excessive militarism ? 



25 



THE AUSTRIAN EMPIRE. 



CHAPTKIl LVII. 

1. The independent principalities into which Germany 
was formerly divided, became consolidated when Charle- 
magne established the new Empire of the "West. In 843 
this empire was divided into three monarchies — France, 
Germany and Lotharingia ; the title oi Empire remaining to 
Germany. 

2. The reigns of a long line of German emperors who 
succeeded to the throne, from the foundation of the empire to 
the year 1273, present few events of importance, save con- 
tinual quarrels with the Popes about their possessions in 
Italy. In the last-mentioned year, Rodolph, Count of Haps- 
burg, ascended the imperial throne, and became the founder 
of the present house of Austria. 

3. One of the greatest sovereigns of this house, after 
Charles V., was Maria Theresa, who claimed the throne left 
vacant by the death of her father, Charles VI., in 1740. 
There was no male heir. Charles, elector of Bavaria, dis- 
puted the claims of the princess. A contest ensued, which 
is known as the war of the Austrian Succession. In 1748 
Maria Theresa was finally acknowledged the rightful empress 

QcESTioxs. — 1. Tell us about the early history of Geriuany. 2. What 
happened irom the foundation of the empire to the year 127;{ ? 3. What 
great sovereign claimed tlic throni' in 1740? Tell us about her. 
386 



The Austrian Empire. 387 

of Austria. She governed the empire wisely during seven- 
teen years. 

4. In 1806 Napoleon compelled Francis II. to resign the 
title of Emperor of Germany, and to absolve the German 
states from their allegiance. He therefore became Francis 
I. of Austria. Thus the German empire, after subsisting for 
a thousand years, ceased to exist; but, on the fall of Napo- 
leon, the German states formed a new union, called the Ger- 
manic Confederation, over which the Emperor of Austria 
presided. 

5. Francis I. was succeeded by his son Ferdinand in 18o5, 
who in 1848 resigned the crown to his nephew, the present 
emperor, Francis Joseph. In 1859 a short war of two 
months with France led to the loss of Lombardy, in Northern 
Italy. In 1860 a constitutional form of government went 
into effect. The Seven Weeks' War, as it is called, with 
Prussia, in 1866, led to the Treaty of Prague, by which 
Austria was removed from the headship of the South Ger- 
man States, lost Venetia, in Northern Italy, gave up all 
claim to the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, and was re- 
quired to pay war expenses to the amount of fifteen million 
of dollars. 

6. Hungary is a part of the Austrian Empire, and in the 
year 1867 her constitution, which Austria had taken from 
her, was given back to her, and the emperor was crowned as 
King of Hungary. In the division of the northern part of 
Turkey, as the result of the war between Russia and Turkey 

QUESTioxs.— 4. What happened in 1806? Wliat was the result? 5. 
Who were the successors of Francis? What were tlie principal events 
in 1859 and 1S60? What were the consequences of the Seven Weeks' 
War in 1866? 6. Tell us about Iluugary ? 



388 The AudHan Empire. 

3K 

(1877-78), Bosnia and Herzegoviua fell to Austria. Though 
recent wars have been of an unlucky character, Austria is 
yet prosperous and powerful, and keeps her place in the front 
rank of European nations. 

7. Since 1878 no event of importance in foreign affairs 
occurred until 1883, when Austria, with Germany and Italy, 
formed what is known as the Triple Alliance. Its object 
was to be a defense against a feared combination of France 
and Russia. The Alliance was renewed in 1889, and again 
in 1891. 

8. The Emperor, Francis Joseph, is a pious Catholic, and 
very friendly towards the Pope. Although he is an ally of 
the King of Italy, he has steadily refused to visit him at 
Rome, because he thinks the Italian king holds Rome against 
the right of the Holy Father. Austria is, perhaps, the most 
(piiet country in Europe — that is, for some years past it lias 
been freer from lal)or strikes and the commotions stirred up 
by those who want to overturn the present order of affairs, 
such as Communi.sts and Socialists. 

9. Like all the other Euroj)ean countries, Austria is 
afflicted by being forced to keep on a war footing very large 
and very expensive armies. The European nations lie next 
to each other, and they all are so afraid of each other that 
they must have these immense armies, which not only cause 
the people to be sorely taxed for their support, but greatly 
lessen the amount of food and production by taking men 
from the harvest fields and other common callings of peace. 



QiESTioxs. — (3. How were Hosniu iind Herzegoviua acquired? What 
of the present state of the empire ? 7. AVhat occurred in 1883 ? 8. Why 
has the Emperor refused to visit tlic Italian King at Rome? What is 
said of the social state of Austria? i'. How is Austria aflBicted? Result 
of liiilitarisui ? 



SWEDEN, DENMARK AND NORWAY. 



CHAPTER LVIII. 

1. In the latter part of the fourteenth century Sweden, 
Denmark, and Norway were united into one kingdom. 
During the reign of Christian II., King of Denmark, a rev- 
olution took place, and the Swedes, forming an independent 
government, elected Gustavus Vasa their king. A, D. 1527. 

2. Sweden, although a small country, played a conspicuous 
part in the wars which were so often waged between the 
powers of Europe. Gustavus Adolphus, who occupied the 
Swedish throne in 1611, was one of the greatest generals of 
his times. He waged successful wars against Austria, Den- 
mark, Russia, and Poland. 

3. Charles XII., who ascended the throne in 1697, at the 
age of fifteen years, also sustained a war against those three 
powers, and signally defeated their forces. In the celebrated 
battle of Narva, he defeated a Russian army of 80,000 men, 
and took 30,000 prisoners. His own army numbered only 
8,000 men. He reduced Courland and Livonia, entered 
Poland, and took Warsaw and Cracow ; but having invaded 
Russia in midwinter, he suffered a disastrous defeat at Pul- 
towa in 1709. The Russians were commanded by Peter the 
Great. 

QrESTlONS. — 1. When did Sweden separate from Norway and Den- 
murk ? 2. What warlike prince occupied the throne in 1611? 3. Tell 
about Charles XTT. 

389 



390 Sweden, Denmark and Norumj. 

4. Charles fled into Turkey, where he sustained a battle 
against 2U,000 Turks. Overcome by numbers, he had to 
succumb, and finally returned to Sweden, where he immedi- 
ately set about the conquest of Norway. He invaded that 
country and met his death from a cannon-ball at the siege 
of Frederickshalle in 1718. 

5. In 1814 Korwav was taken from Denmark and annexed 
to Sweden. The throne of Sweden having become vacant in 
1818, by the death of Charles XIII., who had no children, 
the crown was given to Bernadotte, one of Napoleon's gen- 
erals, who had been adopted by the king, and declared 
Crown Prince, in 1809. Bernadotte had a peaceful reign, 
and was succeeded by his son, Oscar, in 1844. Oscar died 
in 1859, and left the throne to his son, Charles XV. 

6. In 1872 Charles died and was succeeded by his brother 
as Oscar II., the present king of Norway and. Sweden. In 
1879 Nordenskjold made his celebrated voyage to China by 
way of the Arctic Ocean and Behring's Straits. Since 1880 
a political struggle has been going on in Norway between 
the king and the Legislature, the king holding that his min- 
isters are entitled to seats in the legislative body, and that he 
has a right to an absolute veto in all matters relating to 
changes in the fundamental law of the country. 

7. The history of Denmark, as we have seen, is blended 
with that of Sweden. The government was originally elect- 
ive, but in the year 1660 it was changed by the voice of the 
people into an hereditary and absolute monarchy. 

QUESTION'S. — 4. Where did he go after liis defeat? 5. AVhen was 
Norway annexed to Sweden? What took place? tj. When did Charles 
XV. die? Who succeeded hira ? What celebrated voyage was made in 
187'.»? Since 1880 what political struggle has been going on? 7. Tell 
ua about Deuuiark. 



Sweden, Denmark and Norway. 



391 



8. The wars in which Denmark engaged were principally 
against Sweden, but the Danes have sutfered at the hands of 
stronger powers. In 1808 Copenhagen, the Danish capital, 
was bombarded by a British fleet, under the pretence that 
Denmark intended to join France. The Danish fleet, con- 




sisting of eighteen ships of the line and sixteen frigates, met 
with complete destruction in that unjustifiable attack. 

9, The present king of Denmark is Christian IX., who in 
1863 succeeded Frederick VII. In the following year Prus- 
sia, as we have already seen, aided by Austria, wrested from 
Denmark the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein and Lauenberg, 

QtTKSTiONs. — S. From what powers did Denmark suffer? 9. Who is 
the present king of Denmark? 



392 Sweden, Denmark and Norway. 

and gained her wished-for frontier on the North Sea. The 
recent history of the country is marked by the steady increase 
of the liberal and radical parties, and of a desire for Parlia- 
mentary rule. Denmark, though it has lost so much of its 
territory, yet prospers under the steady industry and thrifty 
character of the people. Many of the Danes have found 
homes in the United States. 

10. Sweden has been free from political disturbances, and 
of late years has prospered. She has made great improve- 
ment in manufactures, arts, and sciences, while the moral and 
social condition of the people has advanced. 

11. The constitution binding Sweden and Norway is very 
much like the constitution of the United States, save in this 
important particular — that, whereas general legislative pow- 
ers are exercised by the Diet or Congress of the Union, the 
Diets of the individual States are bound by specified powers. 
In America it is just the other way ; for here it is the Con- 
gress of the United States that has specified or restricted 
powers, while the legislatures of the individual States exercise 
general powers, or all those powers not reserved to the gov- 
ernment of the Union. 

12. The Norwegians have always been noted as daring 
and successful sailors. They are noted, too, for their honesty 
and worth of character. Like the Danes and Swedes, many 
have settled in the United States. 

QtTESTIONS. — 9. What provinces were wrested from lier in 1864? 
What of the recent history of the country ? Its present contlition V 10. 
Tell us about Sweden. 11. How does the constitution of Sweden and 
Norway differ from that of the United States? V2. For what are the 
Norwegians noted ? Where have many settled ? 



HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. 



CHAPTER IJX. 

1. The countries now known as Belgium and Holland 
were united to Germany subsequent to the reign of Charle- 
magne. They regained their independence in the teuth cen- 
tury, were subjected to Burgundy in 1443, and subsequently 
again transferred to Austria. 

2. Resigned to Philip II., of Spain, by the Emperor 
Charles V., in 1555, they revolted and gained their indepen- 
dence. During the wars of the French Republic and Empire 
they were seized by, and became temporarily united to France ; 
but after the fall of Napoleon, they were erected into a king- 
dom, under the government of the Prince of Orange, who 
assumed the title of King of the Netherlands. The latest 
king was William III., who ascended the throne in 1849. 

3. Holland has large and important possessions in the 
East Indies, the greater part of the Malay Archipelago being 
under her rule. In 187."V76 an expensive war was carried 
on in Acheen, in the island of Sumatra. With this excep- 
tion, Holland has been peaceful since the treaty with Belgium 
in 1839, and has made great strides in prosperity and wealth. 

Questions. — 1. When were these territories united to Germany? 
What subsequent changes took place? 2. To whom were they resigned 
in \')'>ri? What happened during the French war? :i. Tell us about 
IIoHand ? Present state of the country ? 

393 



394 



Holland and Belgium. 



4. The union between Holland and Belgium was not a 
happy one. The Hollanders, or Dutch, were a slow, con- 
servative people, while the Belgians, from their intercourse 
with France, had adopted the lively manners and the modes 
of thought of that country. The Dutch, too, looked upon 




The Dikes of Holland. 

the Belgians as a conquered people, and, though the less 
numerous body, ruled the country almost entirely in their 
own interests. In 1830 the Belgians, roused by a popular 
outbreak in Paris, rose in arms for separation from Holland. 
War followed between the two States, and the difficulties 



Qttesttoxs. — 4. What of the union between Holland and Belgium? 
The character of the people? What occurred in 1830? 



Holland and Belgium. 395 

were finally settled by a convention of the five Great Powers 
of Europe, assembled in London. The result was the disso- 
lution of the kingdom of the Netherlands ; and in 1831 the 
National Congress elected Prince Leopold, of Saxe-Coburg, 
king. The Dutch made another attempt to subdue Belgium, 
and it was not till the treaty of London, in 1839, that its 
independence was recognized by all the States of Europe. 

5. In 1865 Leopold died, beloved by the people and greatly 
respected by the other monarchs of Europe. He was suc- 
ceeded by his eldest son, the present king, Leopold IL He 
governs through a responsible Ministry. Since 1879 a struggle 
has been going on between the Catholics and the liberal 
party, growing out of an educational bill passed that year 
by the Legislature. Before this the clergy gave instructions 
in the public schools and exercised a large control over their 
general conduct. By this bill they were excluded and in- 
struction placed entirely in the hands of the civil authorities. 
In 1884 the Catholics came into power, and the educational 
laws have undergone changes. 

6. In 1890 William III , King of Holland, died. He 
was succeeded by his daughter, Wilhelmina, under the re- 
gency of Queen-dowager Emma. 

7. Within recent years Belgium has taken special interest 
in the development of Central Africa. Her hand was mainly 
instrumental in founding the Congo Free State. By the 

Questions.— 4. How were the difficulties settled ? With what result? 
What treaty followed the second attempt of the Dutch to subdue Bel- 
gium? 5. When did Leopold die? Who succeeded him? Since 187!> 
what struggle has been going on ? In 1884 what changes were made? 
(J. When did King William die? Who succeeded him? 7. What has 
Belgium done in Africa ? 



•>96 Holland and Belyiwn. 

terms of a Convention met in 1890, this State, at the end of 
ten years, is to be annexed to Belgium. In 1893 the Belgians 
voted universal suffrage. Belgium is the most densely popu- 
lated country of Europe. The constitution is liberal. The 
lands are finely cultivated. The people are prosperous. 

Questions. — 7. What occurreil in isiiV? What is said in respect to 
the general condition of Belgium .' 



SWITZERLAND 



CHAPTER LX. 

1. In the year 1273 Rodolph of Hapsburg, who was pos- 
sessed of considerable territories in Switzerland, was raised 
to the throne of Germany. Obliged to acknowledge the 
supremacy of the empire, the Swiss Cantons, though free in 
their internal government, became restless and discontented. 
The Emperor Albert, son and successor of Rodolph, indignant 
at the spirit of freedom they occasionally manifested, deter- 
mined to force them to subjection. 

2. Gesler, one of his officers, had erected a pole in the 
nmrket-square, on whicli he placed his hat, commanding the 
passers-by to pay it homage. William Tell refused. He was 
sentenced to death, l>ut his sentence was changed into a com- 
mand to shoot an apple from the head of his son, and if he 
failed, both he and his son were to be executed. Tell hit the 
apple, but an arrow having been discovered in his possession, 
which he confessed was intended for Gesler's heart in case of 
failure, he was imprisoned. Placed on board a boat to be 
conveyed across Lake Lucerne, a storm arose, and Tell was 
unbound, that his skill might save the vessel. He guided 
her course to the shore, where, leaping upon a rock, he killed 
Gesler with an arrow, and then escaped to his friends, alreadv 

QrESTioxs.— 1. To what couutry were the Swiss subject? 2. Relate 
the st<iry of William Toll. 

397 



39S Switzerland. 



arming in defence of their endangered liberties. It is due to 
truth, however, to say that recent researches cast great doubt 
upon the whole legend of " William Tell." 

3. At the battle of Morgarten the brave mountaineers, 
with thirteen hundred infantry, defeated the emperor Leopold 
at the head of twenty-one thousand cavalry. This battle was 
fought A. D. 1315, and the independence of the Swiss glori- 
ously w m. Switzerland is the mountain-centre of Europe, 
and in the wars that have swept that continent its roughness 
of surface has generally saved it from invasion. It is, besides, 
under the protection of the Great Powers of Europe, they 
having in l''^19 guaranteed its independence. 

4. The States, or Cantons, are joined in a confederation. 
The present Constitution was adopted in 1848 and revised in 
1874. The laws are made by an Assembly, consisting of 
two bodies, very much like our Congress, and the executive 
power, answering to our President, is in the hands of a 
Federal Council of seven members, chosen for three years. 
There is no standing army, but the children are given mili- 
tary training in the schools. Manufactures receive great 
attention. In five of the cantons thirty-six thousand work- 
men make, every year, five hundred thousand watches. 

5. The head of the Federal Council is elected annually. 
The history of Switzerland in recent times is without im- 
portant events. Its limited area and mountain location tend 
to give protection against the march of armies and the 

Questions. — 3. Describe the battle of Morgarten. What of the nat- 
ural features of Switzerland ? When was its independence guaranteed, 
and by whom ? 4. What of the constitution and the law-making bodies? 
Of the armv and schools? Mannfactnros ? 



Switzerland. 399 



cupidity of neighbors. Hence its comparative freedom from 
those commotions and wars that have desolated other Euro- 
pean countries. The Swiss are a brave, ingenious and pros- 
perous people. 

Questions. — 5. Why has Switzerland been so exempt from wars? 
What is said of the Swiss ? 



GREECE (MODERN.) 



CHAPTER LXI. 

1, In 1821, after einluring for four hundred years the 
weight of Turkish (lesi)otisni, the Greeks, animated by a 
desire for liberty, openly revolted. After the war had con- 
tinued several years, Great Britain, France and Russia inter- 
posed in their behalf in 1827. The Turks rejected the 
proffered mediation, and Ibrahim Pacha, with a Turkish- 
Egyptian fleet, entered the bay of Navarino. While lying 
there in order of battle, the combined British, French and 
Russian fleets approached, and a deadly conflict ensued, the 
entire Turkish fleet being either burned, sunk or disabled. 
This event secured the independence of Greece. The Greeks, 
true to their history, had chosen a republican form of gov- 
ernment, but the combined powers, having decided that the 
government must be monarchical, conferred the crown upon 
Otho, son of Louis, King of Bavaria, 1832. 

2. In 1844 the king was forced to grant a constitutional 
government. For the first ten years, under the new form 
of government, the history of Greece is marked by political 
uproar, insurrection and change. Upon the breaking out 

Questions.— 1 . lu what year did the Greeks revolt ? Who interposed 
in their favor? Describe the battle of Navarino. What form of gov- 
(;rnment was adopted ? 2. What form of government was granted in 
1844? 

400 



Greece. 



401 



of the Crimean war, between Russia on the one side, and 
Turkey and her allies on the other, Greece took a strong 
stand for Russia, the two countries being bound together by 
the ties of a common religion ; but England and France 




forced Greece to remain neutral. In 1861 England ceded 
the Ionian Islands to Greece. Irreconcilable constitutional 
disputes having arisen between King Otho and the Parlia- 
ment, he was forced to abdicate in 1862, and a successor was 

Questions.— 2. What of the country during the Crimean war? What 
led to the abdication of Otho in 1862 ? 

26 



402 



Greece. 



chosen by universal suffrage. Prince William, son of Prince 
Christian of Denmark, was elected, and ascended the throne 
under the title of George I. In 1866 a revolution in the 
island of Crete threatened to provoke a war with Turkey. 

3. Greece is a weak State, and its history without special 
event until this year ( 1897.) The Powers (England, France 



r 




Till'; AcRiiruLls. 



and Russia) which, in 1827, secured its independence against 
Turkey, still guarantee its independence. In 1 881 , by treaty 
with Turkey, it obtained a large territorial addition out of 
Thessaly and Epirus. In 1886 a threatened invasion of 
Turkey was checked by the Great Powers. In 1889 the 
Crown Prince of Greece wedded the Princess Sophia, of 
Prussia. The established religion is that of the Greek or 



Questions.— 2. Who succeeded him? What occurred iu 18()6? 3. 
How is the independence of Modern Greece guaranteed ? What addition 
of territory was made in ISSl ? What event iu 1886 ? In 1889? What 
18 Bald of reliiriou '.' 



Greece. ^^^ 

Eastern Church, whose political head is the Czar of Russia ; 
and the government is representative, with a responsible 

ministry. 

In April, 1897, war broke out between Greece and Tur- 
key. In January the Christians of Crete had risen in rebel- 
lion against Turkey, and Greece interfered in their behalf. 
The Great Powers tried to restrain her and to prevent war, 
but did not succeed owing to disagreement among themselves. 
Hostilities weie begun on the Thessalian frontier, and Greece, 
being much the weaker power, has been worsted. 

QUESTIONS.-S. Of the nature of the government? What has been 
Greece's latest trouble? 



ASIA 



CHAPTER LXIl. 

1. The largest and most populous of the continents, the 
cradle of the human race and of its civilization, has now, 
with the exception of Africa, the smallest number of inde- 
pendent and the least progressive countries. By far the 
greater part of it consists of dependencies of governments 
that have their seat in Europe. To Russia belongs the 
northern part and nearly half of the continent; to Turkey, 
Asia Minor, most of Armenia, Ancient Assyria and Baby- 
lonia, Syria, Palestine, and the best part of Arabia; to 
England, Hindustan or India, Burmah, &c. ; and to France, 
Tonkin, Cochincbina and a part of Siam, The only inde- 
pendent countries are Persia, Afghanistan, Beloochistan, 
Siam, China, Corea, and the island empire of Japan. 

2. The second Persian empire, that of the Sassanides, was 
overthrown in 641 by the Arabian followers of Mohammed. 
Afterwards the country belonged to the Kalifate of Bagdad. 
In- the thirteenth century it was overrun by the Tartars under 
Genghis Khan, and towards the end of the fourteenth by 
Timour or Tamerlane. In 1499 the Tartars were succeeded 
by a native and national dynasty, that reigned until 1736. 
Then there was a period of anarchy until most of the country 

Questions. — 1. How is Asia divided politically ? What are its iude- 
pendent countries ? 2. Give an account of Persia. 

404 



Asia. 405 

was united under the present dynasty. The late Shah or 
emperor, Nassr-ed-Din, who was assassinated by a religious 
fanatic in 1896, visited Europe in 1873. In the eighteenth 
century Afghanistan and Beloochistan separated from Persia, 
and have since, with frequent civil wars, been governed by 
Ameers. The latter is now an English protectorate. 

The vast English empire of India occupies the central one 
of the three great peninsulas of Southern Asia, with territory 
adjoining west beyond the Indus, east beyond the Ganges 
as far as China and Siam (including Burmah), and north 
to the Himalaya mountains. The primitive inhabitants were 
probably the Dravidians or Tamils, a dark race now found 
mostly in the south. At a period that cannot be exactly 
determined, the country was invaded by the Aryan Hindus 
from the western part of Central Asia, who established the 
religion known as Brahmanism. About six centuries before 
the Christian era the Buddhist religion was founded. After 
the time of Alexander the Great India was invaded by 
Grseco-Bactrians, Scythians and others. In the seventh cen- 
tury of our era Brahmanism had again become the religion 
of the countr}', when the first Mohammedan invasion took 
place. In the middle of the eighth century these invaders 
were expelled, and their co-religionists did not return for a 
century and a half, but this time they remained. Near the 
end of the thirteenth century took place the great invasion 
of the Tartars, who founded an empire that lasted over four 
hundred years and was ruled by descendants of Genghis 
Khan. Its capital was Delhi, on the upper Ganges. A 

Questions. — 2. What were the ancient religions of India? When 
did the Mohammedans invade India ? When was the Mongol empire in 
India founded ? 



406 Asia. 

century later Tamerlane ravaged the country. The Tartar 
empire in India broke up into a large number of separate 
states after the death of Aurungzebe in 1707. Less than 
half a century later the English conquest of India began. 

3. The first Europeans to establish a trading post in India 
were the Portuguese, who began that of Goa in 1509. They 
soon had many others scattered along the coast ; but nearly 
all except Goa, which is still in their possession, were taken 
from them by the Dutch in the following century. In the 
middle of the seventeenth century the British East India 
Company established trading posts at various points, the 
chief of them being on the sites of the cities of Madras and 
Calcutta, which they founded. Close to them French trading 
stations were set up in the beginning of the eighteenth cen- 
tury. About 1745 the governor of one of these, Dupleix, 
of Pondicherry, some distance south of Madras, conceived 
the idea of founding a great French empire in India. Eng- 
land and France were then at war in Europe. The English 
at Madras became involved in hostilities with the French at 
Pondicherry, and found a leader in Robert, afterwards Lord, 
Clive, who from being a clerk and writer became a great 
general. He repeatedly defeated the French, first in the 
Carnatic and afterwards in Bengal, and in 1760 their power 
in India came to an end. From that time until now they 
have had only a few unimportant towns. The dominion 
begun by Clive was soon afterwards vastly extended by 
Warren Hastings, who overthrew, ravaged and robbed one 

Questions. — 1. When did it come to an end ? 3. Who made the first 
European settlements in India? When did tlie English go there and 
what were their first stations? How did (lie English conquest of India 
begin ? Who were the chief founders of the British empire in India ? 



Asia. 407 

native state after another. England has kept on adding to 
her Indian possessions ever since, overtaxing the country, 
which has repeatedly suffered from famine and plague. In 
1839, and again in 1880, the English became involved in 
war with Afghanistan, and were victorious on both occa- 
sions. The most memorable of recent English wars in India 
are those with the Sikhs, a religious federation of the Pun- 
jaub, in 1845 and 1849, and the great mutiny of the Sepoys, 
native mercenaries of the British East India Company, in 
1857. 

Queen Victoria assumed direct control of the government 
of India in 1855. Until that time the government had been 
in the hands of the Company, who chose a Governor-General 
and Council. India was divided into three presidencies — 
Bengal, Madras and Bombay. Since then it has been en- 
trusted to a member of the British Government in London 
called Secretary for India, and an Advisory Council at home, 
represented in India by the Viceroy or Governor-General 
and his local council. In 1877 the Queen was proclaimed 
Empress of India. Famine and plague carried off enormous 
numbers of the people of Bombay in 1896 and 1897. 

4. Between British Burmah and the French possessions 
of Indo-China lies the Kingdom of Siam, which dates its 
independence from the thirteenth century. It is in danger 
of encroachments from its powerful neighbors. The south- 
eastern part of the continent of Asia is made up of French 

Questions. — 3. What has been the character of British rule there? 
When were England's chief wars with Afghanistan? The chief wars 
in India? What was the old form of government and when was the 
present system adopted? When was India made an Empire? What 
calamity recently befell India? 4. What is to be said of Siam? 



408 



Asia. 



colonies and protectorates which formerly belonged to the 
ancient Mongol empire of Annam. Cambodia became a 
French protectorate in 1863 ; Cochinchina a colony of the 







p ^NJIMJ jii y.iiLi i K.j M. .>^ 







TiiK I iiiNKSK Wall. 

same country in 1867 ; and Tonkin was conquered by France 
from 1873 to 1884. 

5. The origin of the Chinese empire is lost in fable. The 
country was settled by wanderers from near the Caspian Sea 
at an unknown period. It becomes somewhat historic about 



QUESTION'S. — 4. Of the French East India colonie.s and protectorates? 
5. What are the chief events in tlie early history of China? 



Asia. 



409 



the year 1000 B. C. In the sixth century B. C. lived the 
great Chinese philosopher, Confucius, who founded the na- 
tional religion. In the third century B. C. the great Chinese 

wall was built to keep 
out the Tartars. The 
Buddhist religion was 
introduced from India 
in the third century of 
our era. Before the 
year 1000 A. D. many 
inventions had been 
made, such as the com- 
pass, gunpowder, and 
printing from blocks. 
In the thirteenth cen- 
tury the famous Italian 
traveler, Marco Polo, 
visited China, which he 
called Cathay. In the 
beginning of the same 
century the great Tar- 
tar conqueror Genghis 
Khan, crossed the Chi- 
nesewall and established 
the Mongol dynasty, which ruled over the country until over- 
thrown by the native Ming dynasty in 1368. Princes of this 
house ruled till 1644, when the Manchu Tartars invaded the 

Questions. — 5. When did Confucius live? When and why was the 
Great Wall built ? Mention .souu' early inventions made by the Chinese. 
Who was Marco Polo ? When did the Tartars invade China? IIow long 
did the Ming dynasty reign? When did the Manchurians conquer the 
country ? 




Porcelain Towkr, Nankin. 



410 



country and set their own prince on the throne, which they 
have firmly held ever since. Attempts to expel them were 
made in 1850 and subsequently ; but this uprising, called 
the Tai-piug rebellion, was suppressed in 1863 by an English 
officer, called on that account "Chinese" Gordon. The 
commerce of foreign countries with China was quite limited 
until 1840-1842, when England by the opium war forced 
the country to open its ports. England and France again 
made war on China from 1858 to 1860, and wrested addi- 
tional privileges from it. In a war with Japan in 1894 and 
1895, the cause of which is explained under Corea, China 
was disastrously defeated. 

6. The empire of Japan, which is made up of a great 
number of large and small islands, was established about the 
year 660 B. C, by invaders from the mainland of Asia, who 
by the dawn of the Christian era had consolidated their sway 
over all the islands. In the fourth century of our era were 
introduced the literature and civilization of China. The 
chief ruler is called the Mikado, and was originally an abso- 
lute monarch; but much of his power was assumed in the 
seventh century by the Shogun, or chief commander of the 
armies, who also assumed the actual leadership in the State. 
In later ages a military feudalism grew out of this change. 
A fleet sent by the Tartars in 1281 to conquer the islands 
was shattered by a storm; and thus the country was saved 
as was England from Spanish invasion three centuries later. 

Questions. — 5. What was the Tai-ping rebellion and who quelled it? 
When did England make war on China, and why? AV'hen was the 
great war with Japan? 6. When does the history of Japan begin? 
When did it adopt Chinese civilization? When did the Shoguns rob 
the Mikado of power? Why did the Tartars fail to conquer Japan ? 



Ana. 411 

The country was almost ruined by civil war in the latter 
part of the fourteenth century ; but powerful rulers brought 
prosperity back to it during the sixteenth and seventeenth 
centuries. In the former Christianity was introduced into 
Japan by St. Francis Xavier, and flourished there until 
ruined by the intrigues of the Dutch traders in the middle 
of the seventeenth century. Japan was as exclusive of for- 
eign trade as China until 1854, when the Americans under 
Commodore Perry forced them to open their ports ; and other 
nations soon gained the same advantage. In 1868 a revolu- 
tion overthrew the Shogunate power and restored to the 
Mikado his ancient privileges. On again becoming in reality 
the chief ruler, he established a constitutional form of gov- 
ernment. In 1870 he welcomed foreigners to the country, 
and abolished the feudal system the following year. Since 
then the Japanese have adapted themselves to the ways of 
European civilization with marvelous rapidity. It was this 
change that enabled them to conquer the Chinese, with a 
country ten times as populous, in the " Yellow War " of 
1894-95. 

7. Corea, the " Hermit Kingdom," as it is called on ac- 
count of its exclusiveness, was the cause of this war. For a 
long time an integral part of China, it dates its independence 
from the eleventh century of the Christian era. Japan by 
treaty established a protectorate over it in 1876, which China 
claimed to be a violation of her ancient privileges. Repeated 

Questions. — 6. Who introduced Christianity into Japan ? When and 
V>y whom was Japan first forced to open its ports to European trade? 
When was the Shogunate power overthrown, and how has Japan pro- 
gressed in recent times? 7. How long has Corea been an independent 
kingdom ? 



412 Asia. 

disorders having arisen in the capital of Corea and in other 
parts of the country, China claimed her right to interfere in 
quelling them, and proceeded to do so in the early part of 
1894. Japan protested and sent troops to the capital. China 
did likewise and asked that those of Japan be withdrawn. 
Then, in July, the Japanese seized the Corean king and 
compelled him to appoint a regent. Open hostilities began 
on the 25th of that month, and war was formally declared 
on August 1st. In every engagement the Chinese were dis- 
astrously defeated both on land and on sea, and their fleet 
almost completely destroyed in the battle of the Yalu River, 
on September 17th. Then the Japanese invaded Chinese 
territory, captured Port Arthur in November, the naval 
station of Wei-Hai-AVei in Fel)ruary, 189.5, and were pre- 
paring to march on Fekin when China sued for peace. A 
treaty was concluded on May 8th, by which Corea's inde- 
pendence of China was recognized, and China agreed to pay 
an enormous indemnity and cede the large island of Formosa 
to Japan. 

Qttesttons. — 7. How did it cause the " Yellow War " between .Tapan 
and Chiim? Whut were the chief iiiciiU'iits ami the results of this 
war ':' 



AFRICA 



CHAPTER LXIII. 

1. Africa is no longer the " Dark Continent " that it was 
when the middle-aged and elderly men of to-day were school 
boys. Only the northern portion of it was known to the 
ancients, and even its shape was only guessed at until near 
the end of the fifteenth century, when Vasco da Gama sailed 
around the Cape of Good Hope. In the sixteenth Portuguese 
colonies were settled on the southwest and southeast coasts, 
and Jesuit missionaries travelled some distance inland. They 
have left a map showing the Congo river, but it has been 
overlooked by geographers. Only within the past generation 
have European explorers revealed the whole continent to us, 
and by far the greater portion of it is now nominally in pos- 
session of European countries. Morocco and Abyssinia are 
the only ancient independent States. Three others formed 
in the middle of the present century are Liberia, on the west 
coast, the South African Republic (Transvaal), and its neigh- 
bor, the Orange Free State, which are closed in by British 
and Portuguese possessions. 

2. The whole of North Africa formed a part of the Roman 
empire, and remained such until the invasion*of the Vandals 
in the beginning of the fifth century. It was recovered under 

Questions. — 1. What change has recently taken place in our knowl- 
eilge of Africa ? Who were the first Europeans in South Africa ? What 
are the independent countries of Africa at i)resent? 

413 



414 Africa. 

Justinian, iu the middle of the sixth, but was conquered by 
the Mohammedans in the seventh and opening years of the 
eighth centuries. In the breaking up of the Arab empire, 
the various Barbary States, Morocco, Algeria, Tunis and 
Tripoli were formed. Egypt was conquered by Turkey in 
the sixteenth century , and Tripoli and Tunis later on. Egypt 
has since been more or less tributary to Turkey except during 
its occupation by Napoleon (1798-1801). Mehemet Ali, the 
Turkish viceroy, tried in 1832, and again in 1839, to make 
the country independent, but the European powers interfered. 
Under the ruler or Khedive, Ismail (1863-1879), the Suez 
Canal was constructed ; and on account of it the country was 
placed under a joint English and French protectorate in 
1876. Ismail was deposed in 1879 because he objected to 
the foreign control, and his son, Tewfik, succeeded him. 
Because he kept the foreigners in office, the Nationalists, led 
by Arabi Bey, rebelled, but the revolt was soon crushed in 
1882 by England, which then proceeded to occupy the 
country until certain reforms were eftected. She still holds 
it. In 1883 the Soudanese revolted, led by a fanatic who 
called himself the Mahdi (Prophet), and began a fierce war 
which culminated in the capture of Khartoum, the murder 
of Gen. Charles G. ("Chinese") Gordon, and the enslave- 
ment of many Europeans, among them several priests and 
nuns, some of whom have since escaped. In 1896 an expe- 
dition was sent, up the Nile to reconquer the Soudan, and it 



QUESTloNf^. — 2. What are the modern toimtries of North Africa, ami 
how did they originate? When did Napoleon invade Egypt? What 
did Mehemet Ali try to do? When was the Suez Canal built? What 
was its political oonsequenee ? Who was Arabi Bey? How did the 
l.nglish gain conlrul in Egypt? What led to "Chinese" Gordon's 
death ? 



Africa. 415 

has been successful in that work. Mohammed Tewfik died 
in 1892, and was succeeded by his son, Abbas, the present 
Khedive. 

3. The Barbary (Berber) States were actively engaged in 
l)iracy until the present century, which led the United States 
to make war on them. France attacked Algeria in 1830, 
subsequently conquered it and made it a province, which it 
has recently (1896) extended so as to adjoin Senegambia, 
stretching inward from the west coast. Thus it has annexed 
the long mysterious city of Timbuctoo. It established a pro- 
tectorate over Tunis in 1881. Tripoli and the regions south 
of it to the Soudan still form a Turkish province. 

4. Morocco, a large empire in the northwest corner of 
Africa, was conquered by the Mohammedans shortly before 
their invasion of Spain. It was established as an independent 
monarchy in the fifteenth century. Two centuries later it 
was reorganized and became powerful. In 1580 King Sebas- 
tian of Portugal invaded the country, and he and his whole 
army were captured and enslaved. Until well on into the 
present century the ships of Morocco levied contributions on 
those of other nations trafficking in the Mediterranean. 
Christian slavery was abolished in 1814, and piracy de- 
prived of government support three years later. The country 
had disputes with France in 1844, 1851 and 1856, but they 
were settled amicably. A S|)anish army inva(le<l Morocco 
in 1859, because the Spanish flag had been insulted at Ceuta, 

Questions. — 2. What was the object of the latest English expedition 
up the Nile? Who is the present Khedive? 3. What are the Barbary 
States? What led to the French conquest of Al<,'eria? To whom d-i 
Tunis and Trijioli belong? 4. When did Morocco become an independ- 
dent empire? What European country lost its army and King there? 



416 Africa. 

and brought the Sultan to terms, besides securing increased 
commercial privileges and the cession of some desired terri- 
tory. Since 1892 Morocco has had repeated troubles with 
European governments. In that year an English envoy was 
dismissed by the Sultan, and British ironclads were sent to 
the coast. In 1893 some of the Spanish posts on the Medi- 
terranean coast of Morocco were attacked by the RifHan 
pirates, who were finally repulsed, and the Sultan, Mulai- 
Hassan, had to pay a large indemnity on their account. He 
died the following year and was succeeded by his son, Mulai- 
Abdel-Azis, only fifteen years old. 

5. Nearly all the territory between Morocco, the Congo 
and the Atlantic is now nominally French. Besides Sene- 
gambia, it includes the Niger basin, so that the English and 
other settlements on the coast, from Sierra Leone along the 
Gulf of Guinea, are cut oflf from very great expansion. 
Southeast of Sierra Leone is the independent negro republic 
of Liberia. Founded in 1842 by American philanthropists 
for the settlement of freedmen, it became independent in 
1847. As showing the capacity of the negro race for self- 
government, it has not been a great success. There is an 
absence of national progress an<l civilization, and it has 
become much more marked in the recent history of the 
country. North of the French Congo province is the small 
German colony of the Cameroons. 

6. South and east of the Congo, with a narrow strip north 
of it extending to the ocean, is the Congo Free State, erected 

Questions. — 4. What countries have had trouble with Morocco in 
recent times? And with what results? Who is the present sultati? '>. 
Give some idea of the extent of the French possessions in West Africa? 
Why and when was Liberia founded, and with what result? 



Africa. 417 

in 1885 under the protectorate of the King of the Belgians, 
and south of it is Portuguese territory. 

7. Abyssinia, in eastern Africa, south of the Egyptian 
Soudan, a part of ancient Ethiopia, is one of the oldest mon- 
archies in the world. Its origin is unknown, but its people, 
though black, are of the Caucasian race. It existed in the 
time of Solomon. Christianity was introduced into Abys- 
sinia in the fourth century from Egypt, which later on it 
followed in heresy; and the people are still Monophysite 
Christians. The country was repeatedly attacked by the 
Mohammedans during the Middle Ages. Portugal had close 
relations with it during the sixteenth and early part of the 
seventeenth centuries, but then they and the Jesuit mission- 
aries were expelled. In the middle of the present century 
an adventurer made himself negus or emperor of the whole 
country, and called himself Theodore. Because he got no 
answer to a letter he had sent to the Queen of England, he 
arrested and imprisoned the members of an English delega- 
tion. When he was asked to release them, and refused, an 
expedition was in 1867 sent against him under General 
Napier. Abandoned by his own people, he took refuge in 
the fortress of Magdala, where the English found him dead 
by suicide. There was confusion in the country until 1872, 
when the Ras or governor of the province of Tigre became 
negus as John II. He in 1875 waged war against the 
Egyptians and defeated them in two battles, but was himself 

Questions. — 6. What and how old is the Congo Free State? 7. 
Where and how old is Abyssinia? When was Christianity introduced 
into that country? What power threatened it in the Middle Ages? 
When and how long did Portugal have friendly relations with it? What 
was the cause ol" the English invasion of 1867 ? 
07 



418 , Africa. 

beaten in the third. In a war against the Soudanese in 
1889 he was defeated and slain, and was succeeded by Men- 
elek, King of Shoa. During the latter part of John's reign 
Italy established a colony at Massowah, on the Red Sea 
Coast, and added territory to it, since known as Erythrea. 
The Italians having tried to extend their influence over 
Tigr6, they were driven back by the Abyssinians, over whom 
they then claimed a protectorate. In order to enforce this 
and to enlarge their colony, they again invaded the country 
in 1895. At first successful, they then met with serious 
reverses, and their army was disastrously routed at Adowa 
on March 1, 1896. A few months later a treaty was signed 
by which Italy abandoned all claim to Abyssinia. 

8. South from Abyssinia to Zululand the country is divided 
into British, German and Portuguese protectorates. Between 
German East Africa and the Indian Ocean is the Moham- 
medan sultanate of Zanzibar, made up of the island of that 
name and a narrow strip of coast on the mainland. It was 
founded by Arabs in 1784. It is now under British protec- 
tion, and slavery was abolished there in 1897. 

9. The Cape Colony was founded by the Dutch in 1651. 
The following year Cape Town took its origin. In 1806 
Holland ceded it to England, and this cession was ratified by 
treaty in 1815. Since that time the English have had nu- 
merous wars with the native tribes — Hottentots, Kaffirs, 
Zulus and others, extending their sway after each, until in 

Questions. — 7. How long did King .Tohn 11. rule, and what were the 
chief events of his reign? With what foreign nation has his successor, 
Menelek, been at war? What was the cause of war with Italy? When 
was the battle of Adowa fought, and with what result? 8. How is 
Eastern Africa south of Abyssinia divided? Where is the Sultanate of 
Zanzibar, and what is its condition ? !». Who founded the Cape Colony ? 
When did England get possession of it ? 



Africa. 419 

1896 they reached the confines of the Congo Free State. The 
chief of the recent acquisitions are Basutoland, Bechuanaland, 
Mashonaland, and Matabeleland (Rhodesia). The most mem- 
orable of these wars was that with the Zukis in 1879, in which 
the Prince Imperial, son and heir of Napoleon III. lost his life. 
10. Hemmed in by British and Portuguese possessions are 
the two independent commonwealths of the Orange Free 
State and the South African Republic — tlie latter commonly 
called the Transvaal. The former is situated between the 
Orange and Vaal rivers, and the latter north of the Vaal. 
After the abolition of slavery in the British possessions, in 
1831, thousands of the Boers, or Dutch and French element 
in Cape Colony, migrated northward and founded these two 
States, whose independence was acknowledged by England in 
1852. But in 1878 the Transvaal was annexed by the British 
Government. In December, 1880, the Boers took up arms 
and shortly afterwards completely defeated a British force at 
Majuba. In 1881 self-government was restored except as to 
the control of foreign relations ; and even this was restricted 
in 1884. In 1895 a conspiracy was organized by the English 
to overthrow the Boer government. In consequence a raid 
was made into the republic under the leadership of Dr. 
Jameson, in January, 1896 ; but it ended in the defeat and 
capture of the raiders. In October, 1899, the two republics 
waged war against England. Successful during the first five 
months, they were conquered in the spring of 1900. 

QrKSTiONS. — 9. What has been England's course in South Africa? 
How tar do her possessions now extend ? Wlio was the chief victim of 
the Zulu war of 1879 ? 10. What are the independent republics of South 
Africa? When and why were they founded? When did England rec- 
ognize their independence? When did she attempt to annex the Trans- 
vaal? And wim what result? What new difficulty arose in 1896? 
What occurred in 1899-1900. 



THE MIDDLE AGES. 



CHAPTER T.XIV. 

1. The period from the close of the fifth century to about 
the middle of the fifteenth, is generally known by the name 
of the Middle Ages. Some writers, however, only enumerate 
the ninth, tenth and eleventh centuries as the Middle Ages. 
During the greater part of this period, the different nations 
of Europe were either engaged in foreign wars, or distracted 
by domestic feuds. 

2. This state of things interfered with the cultivation of 
the arts, which flourish best while peace prevails ; but it is 
doing an injustice to the Middle Ages to speak of them as 
dark. An accurate knowledge of the state of religion and 
learning in those times, and an attentive study of the arts 
and usages which prevailed, where war was not the constant 
occupation of the people, will convince the student of history 
that, as a general title, the term " Dark Ages" is misplaced. 
The writers who employ this term generally do so in the 
interest of a religious party. 

3. Before the invention of the art of printing, all books 
were transcribed, or written with a pen. The labor of tran- 

Ql'ESTiONS. — 1. What period is called the Middle Ages? How were 
the nations of Euroi)e then engaged? 2. What was the effect of this 
state of things ? Wiiat title is wrongly bestowed on these ages ? What 
should convince us that this title is misplaced ? Why is this title some- 
times emjdoyed? 3. Before the art of printing, what is said of books? 
420 



The Middle Ages. 421 



scribing a book was great, and the process slow ; hence the 
number of books was very limited. This circumstance tended 
in a great degree to retard the progress of general knowledge, 
but at the same time the most strenuous efforts were made by 
the clergy to keep alive the sacred flame of science, and to 
diffuse instruction among the people. In the council of Toul, 
held in the year 859, the bishops and princes of Europe were 
earnestly recommended to establish public schools, for the 
purpose of teaching sacred science and polite literature. 

4. The monasteries and abbeys, during the Middle Ages, 
were the asylums of learning. Here, secluded from the 
splendor of the court and the turmoil of the camp, the zealous 
monks and virtuous nuns taught, without distinction, the 
children of both rich and poor. The branches of learning 
taught in those days were of the more useful and solid kind. 
Of these, seven were termed the liberal arts, namely — gram- 
mar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and 
music. Besides these, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and philosophy 
were carefully studied. 

5. Monastic Institutions. — The monasteries and abbeys 
were religious institutions, designed for the reception of those 
who desired to retire from the world, and to pass their days 
in prayer and in other good works. Those who inhabited 
the monasteries of men were called monks ; the occupants of 
the like female institutions, nuns. These institutions were 
governed by strict rules. The inmates had their various 



Qi'KSTlONS.— 3. What did the clergy do? What was done in the 
council of Toul? 4. What is said of the monasteries? What did the 
monks and nuns do? What were the branches taught, &c. ? 5. What 
were tjie monasteries ? Who were the monks ? The nuns ? What is 
said of these institutions? 



422 The Middle Ages. 



duties af«signed theiu. While some were employed in tran- 
scribing books, others were engaged in teaching in the acad- 
emies attached to their institutions ; others were occupied in 
manual labor, in attending the duties of the farm, or the 
garden, or other domestic affairs ; they had at the same time 
certain hours set apart for devotional exercises. Besides 
those orders which employed their members in imparting 
instruction in learning and religion, and in composing and 
copying books, there were others devoted to the care of the 
sick, the redemption of captives, the hospitable reception of 
pilgrims, the reformation of vicious persons, &c. 

6. Mohammedanism. — Mohammed, the founder of Mo- 
hammedanism, was a native of Arabia, and was born at Mecca 
in the year 570. He pretended that he had received a divine 
commission to restore the Jewish and the Christian religions. 
which he maintained had fallen from their primitive purity. 
Being subject to certain fits, he attributed them to the visits 
of the Archangel Gabriel, by whom he pretended he was 
taught, but whose presence he could not bear without con- 
vulsions. 

7. The two leading principles of his religion were, that 
*' there is but one God, and that Mohammed is his prophet." 
The Koran, the book which contains his doctrine, was com- 
piled chiefly by a Nestorian monk, as Mohammed himself 
could neither read nor write. He propagated his religion 
by the sword, and stimulated the courage of his followers by 

Qi'KSTlONs. — 5. How were the inmates employed ? To what objects 
did some orders devote themselves? (3. Who was Mohammed? What did 
he pretend? To what did he ascribe the fits to which he was subject? 
7. What were the leadinu; principles of his religion ? By whom was the 
Koran compiled? How did lio ]>ropae:ate his religion? 



The Middle Ages. 423 



the promise of a martyr's crown in paradise to every one who 
should fall in battle. He even taught " that to fight for the 
faith was an act of obedience to God." 

8. A popular tumult being raised against him in his native 
city, Mecca, he fled to Medina. His flight on that occasion 
is called the Hegira, and forms the Mohammedan era, which 
corresponds with the year 622 of our era. Mohammed died 
at Medina, in the sixty-third year of his age, A. D. 632. His 
tomb, around which three hundred lamps are kept constantly 
burning, remains there to the present time. The Moham- 
medan religion is sometimes called the religion of Islam. 
Mohammedans are also called Mussulmans. They were gen- 
erally called in former days Saracens. 

9. Feudal System. — This system regulated, during the 
Middle Ages, the relations of persons with other persons, 
and of persons with property, in the following manner; 
those who held and occupied lands were bound to render for 
the same certain service, generally of a military character, 
towards their suzerains or superiors. The latter, in return, 
whether kings, prelates, nobles, or other chieftains, were 
bound to afford protection to those who were thus constituted 
their vassals. Vassals often held other vassals subject to 
themselves, and beneath all was the serf, or " villain," 
attached to the soil, and bound to cultivate it, or contribute 
other manual labor. These serfs were often the only laborers, 
while their superiors were engaged in warfare, or possibly in 
expeditions of pillage, employing the stronghold of the 

Questions. — 7. What did he teach? 8. What is his flight called, &c.: 
Where did he die? What is said of his tomb? 9. Explain the charac- 
ter of the ieudal system. What is said of chieftains ? Of vassals ? Who 
were the serfs? What is said of humble labor? 



424 



The Middle Ages. 



chieftain as a rendezvous. Humble labor was not held in 
respect by these chieftains, whose ideas have, no doubt, 
made an impression on society which is not yet effaced. The 
existence of Feudalism was unfavorable to the progress of 




FK1T)AL Casi i.l,. 



society. The changes introduced into Europe by the Crusades 
caused it gradually to disappear, although it had assisted 
the Crusades at tii"st by affording numerous followers to those 
who engaged in them. 

10. Chivalry, or knighthood, was a military institution 

Questions. — ••. What was the eflFect of Feudalism ? How did it dis- 
appear? KJ. What was chivalry ? 



The Middle Ages. 425 



which prevailed in Europe during the Middle Ages. Its 
early history is involved in obscurity ; but it took its rise 
from a noble design of protecting the weak and defenceless, 
especially widows, maids, and orphans. An apprenticeship 
in military and athletic exercises was begun in early life by 
him who aspired to become a knight, and he advanced to 
this honor only by regular degrees, which were conferred with 
impressive religious ceremonies. The true knight was chaste, 
brave, generous, and courteous, and held woman in high 
respect and deference. Knighthood gave rise to several 
military orders, some of which exist nominally to the present 
day. The most distinguished of these warrior-monks were 
the Knights Hospitallers, afterwards known as the Knights 
of Malta, and the Knights Templars. The principal object 
of these orders was to protect and defend the Christians of 
the Holy Land against the attacks and the insults of the 
infidels. 

Questions.— 10. What is said of its early history ? What course was 
followed by the candidate for knighthood ? What was the character of 
the true knight? What is said of military orders? What was their 
object? 



THE CRUSADES. 



CHAPTER LXV. 

1, The Crusades were military expeditions, undertaken 
by the Christians of Europe for the purpose of delivering 
the Holy Land from the dominion of the Turks. As early 
aa the year 637, the city of Jerusalem fell into the hands of 
the Saracens, but the Christians were permitted, for political 
reasons, to visit the holy places. In 1076, the city was taken 
by the Seljuk Turks ; from this time, the Christian inhabi- 
tants were exposed to every species of insult. The Christians 
of Europe, actuated by motives of religion, were accustomed 
to visit the places hallowed by the footsteps, and sanctified 
by the sufferings of the Saviour of man. But after reach- 
ing the Holy City, they were exposed, like the other Chris- 
tian inhabitants, to all the rigors of Mohammedan cruelty. 

2. Such was the condition of Palestine when Peter the 
Hermit, a native of Amiens, in France, undertook a pil- 
grimage to Jerusalem. Peter was greatly moved by the suf- 
ferings of the Christians in Asia, and prevailed upon Simon, 
the venerable Patriarch of Jerusalem, to write to the Pope 
and to the princes of Europe, for the purpose of soliciting 
their aid in arresting the tyranny exercised against the 



(^lESTioNs.— 1. What were the Crusades? In 037 what took place? 
Antl in 107f. ? What is said of the Christians of Europe? 2. What did 
Peter the Hermit do ? How was he received, ic<-. ? 

426 



The Crusades. 



427 



I 




PRE.VCniNr, THE C'KrSADE. 



428 The Crusade!<. 



Christians of the East. Peter immediately returned to 
Europe, and presented himself before Pope Urban the Second. 
He was kindly received by the Pontiff' who readily entered 
into his views, and commissioned him to go forth and preach 
in favor of the suffering Christians of Palestine, and the 
deliverance of Jerusalem from the hands of the infidels. 

3. Peter went forth, and travelled through Italy, France, 
and other countries, and by his eloquence induced thousands 
to engage in the sacred expedition. The subject was finally 
brought before a council, held at Clermont, in France, 
towards the close of the year 1095. The Pope himself 
addressed the assembled bishops and princes, and at the 
conclusion of his discourse, the whole assembly exclaimed : 
" God wills it!" As a mark of their engagement, it was 
proposed that a cross of some red material should be worn 
upon the right shoulder, and from this circumstance, these 
wars received the name of Crusades. 

4. Many of the most distinguished princes of that time 
engaged in the first Crusade; among them, Raymond, count 
of Toulouse ; Robert, brother of the king of England ; Hugh 
the Great, brother of the king of France, and Godfrey of 
Bouillon, duke of Lorraing. After many difficulties, they 
took the city of Jerusalem, and established there a Chris- 
tian kingdom, of which Godfrey was chosen the first king. 
The difficulties that surrounded the new kingdom of Jeru- 
salem soon obliged the Christians of Palestine to apply for 
aid to their brethren in Europe. This called forth a second 

Questions. — 3. Where did he travel ? AVhere was the subject brought ? 
What did the Pope do? From what is the word Crttsade derived? 4. 
Who were some of the princes of Europe at that time? What did they 
do? Who was chosen king? What followed? 



The Crusades. 



429 




Fiirii Li;ai)i;i« (if tiik First Cuusadk. 



430 The Crusades. 



Crusade, But before any effectual assistance could be ren- 
dered, Jerusalem again fell into the hands of the Turks, 

5. Six other Crusades, the last being in 1270, were 
undertaken to gain possession of the Holy City, but it was 
never eflisctually recovered ; and it remains to the present 
day under the dominion of the infidels. Nearly two mil- 
lions of Europeans are said to have lost their lives in the 
East during these wars. Though they failed to accomplish 
their primary object, the Crusades were, in many respects, 
beneficial to the people of Europe. By the frequent voyages 
of the Crusaders to Palestine, the arts of navigation and 
ship-building were rapidly improved, and commerce was 
promoted ; hence, from this period may be dated the great 
commercial prosperity of many of the nations of Europe. 
The learning and the arts of the East were also introduced 
to the knowledge of Europe. Indeed, the benefits that fol- 
lowed from the Crusades more than compensated for the 
material losses and disadvantages suffered while they were 
in progress. 

Questions. — 5. What were undertaken ? What was the number of 
the Crusades? What were some of the special benefits that followed 
from the Crusades ? And in general ? 



PROGRESS OF CIVILIZATION. 



CHAPTER LXVI. 

1. We have seeu, in the history of modern nations, that 
in their origin they were no more than savage tribes, led by 
some warlike chief. The people were divided into two classes : 
the warriors or free men, whose business it was to fight and 
govern ; and the laborers, or slaves, who tilled the land. 
Christianity, by its teachings, softened the rude chiefs, and 
elevated the degraded serfs, whilst commerce, by brino-ino- 
together the various nations, created a middle class, and 
society was organized. 

2. During the Middle Ages, study was considered as 
beneath the attention of those who followed the profession of 
arms. The monks, alone, devoted themselves to science, and 
to the education of youth, who, after being duly instructed, 
were known as clerks or scribes ; these did all the writing and 
reading for their lords and patrons. The earliest and most 
important inventions and discoveries came to light in the 
monasteries — the peaceful abode of the early votaries of 
science. 

3. In the ninth century, knowledge became more gener- 
ally diffused, under the enlightened rulers who held swav 

Questions. — 1. Tell us something of modern nations in tiieir origin. 
Into wliat classes were the people divided? How was society formed? 
2. What was the condition of learning before the Aliddle Ages ? 3. What 
change took place in the ninth century? 

431 



432 Progress of Civilization. 

over the principal countries of Europe, and it has steadily- 
extended, until, in our days, it has taken precedence of birth 
and wealth. 

4. Under the first kings of France and England, the 
homes of the wealthiest lords were far less comfortable than 
the log-cabins of our poorest backwoodsmen. Chimneys 
were unknown ; the iire was built on a large, flat stone, in 
the middle of the room, and the smoke ascended through a 
hole in the roof. A few rudely-shaped vessels of coarse 
earthenware were the only household utensils used; the 
dagger served as a carving-knife, and spoons and forks were 
not known. 

5. Window-glass was first used in the churches towards 
the middle of the fourth century ; bells were made during 
the sixth, and organs introduced during the seventh century. 
About the same time, the first candles were made for common 
use. 

6. Wise laws were gradually introduced, but the popula- 
tion in many places being lately reclaimed from barbarism, 
and not well regulated in their faith, were accustomed to 
invoke what was called the " Judgment of God" in trials 
where the evidence was not sufficiently clear to convict or 
acquit the accused person. In their strong, but us yet unen- 
lightened faith, they believed that God would show the guilt 
or innocence of the accused by the result of a duel with the 
accuser, or by submitting to dangerous tests, such as walking 
blindfolded over a spot where red-hot iron plates were laid. 



Questions. — 4. Describe the homes of the wealthy in those times. 
5. What discovery was made in the fourlli century? In the sixth? In 
the seventh ? 6. Tell us about the laws. State what was meant by the 
judgment of God in trials. 



Progress of Civilization. 433 



etc. If he escaped injury in these ordeals, his innocence 
was established. The legal duel was not abolished in 
England until 1817. 

7. Family crests and coats-of-arms originated during the 
Crusades, and became hereditary. Previous to that time, 
the knights chose fanciful emblems and mottoes, which they 
changed at will. 

8. In 989, a monk named Gerbert, who was subsequently 
Pope, under the name of Sylvester II., invented the pendulum 
clock. 

About the year 1022, the Italian, Guy or Guido, of 
Arezzo, invented the system of dividing juusic into a scale 
called the gamut ; thus enabling one to learn in a short time 
what was formerly the study of years. 

The nautical compass came into use in the beginning of 
the thirteenth century. 

9. During the fourteenth century, the two most important 
inventions were those of spectacles, and of paper made 
from rags. Previously, papyrus and parchment were used. 

But the following century was to bring a discovery of still 
greater importance. The art of engraving letters on blocks 
of wood or ivory had been long known, when, in 1440, the 
German Gutenberg invented the art of printing by means 
of metallic types. 

The art of oil-painting was discovered about 1410. 

10. Gunpowder, discovered during the thirteenth century, 
was not used in war until the fourteenth. Cannon were first 
made, then fire-locks, and finally pistols. This invention gave 

QrESTloxs.— 7. What originated during tiie Crusades? 8. Who in. 
vented the clock ? The division of music? What was invented in the 
thirteenth century ? 0. In the fourteenth ? 10. What about gunpowder? 

28 



434 Progress of Civilization. 

the death-blow to chivalry. The knights, who relied on their 
personal courage and vigor, were now at the mercy of the 
weakest coward wlio could speed a bullet in perfect safety 
from a distance of a hundred yards. The institution of 
chivalry disappeared rapidly, whilst the profession of arms 
became more general. 

11. The discovery of America, in 1492, gave a new im- 
pulse to commerce and navigation. The New World was, 
at first, a fiehl for the adventurous, the ambitious, and the 
avaricious ; it soon became a place of refuge for the persecuted 
of the Old World. 

America gave to Europe the potato, tobacco, and cane- 
sugar ; and soon after, coffee was introduced from Arabia. 

12. The seventeenth century is remarkable for the develop- 
ment of the arts and sciences, and the extraordinary impulse 
given to literature. Improvements in military discipline and 
tactics, and uniformity in the dress and equipment of the 
troops, were introduced during the seventeenth century. 

13. Among the important discoveries and inventions 
made during the eighteenth century, we must mention the 
developments connected with electricity; the chronometer, 
so useful to navigators ; inoculation and vaccination ; and 
the invention of balloons, which seem destined to reach a 
perfection that will enable man to traverse air as he does 
earth and sea. 

14. The present century (19th) has vastly improved and 
extended the valuable discoveries and inventions of preced- 

QrESTiONS. — 11. AVh.at event of importance took place in 1492? 12. 
For what is the seventeenth century remarkable ? 13. The eighteenth ? 
14. What ha.s the nineteenth century done in respect to past discoveries 
and inventions '/ 



Progress of Civilization. 435 

ing ages. It has given us, besides, railroads and ocean 
steamers. It lia.s so perfected the implements and engines of 
war and made them so destructive, as to lessen the likeli- 
hood of war. Nations hesitate longer now than heretofore 
to make war, in the face of such destruction. At the same 
time a gentle spirit of peace has been brooding, and nations, 
more and more, are inclined to settle difficulties by arbitra- 
tion. A case in point is the negotiation held iii the year 
1^93 at Paris, where arbitrators deliberated to smooth the 
dispute between the United States and England relative to 
certain territorial claims in the Behring Sea. Photography 
and other processes of painting by means of light, have 
placed works of art within reach of all. The steam print- 
ing press has aided wonderfully in the spread of literature. 
The construction of railroads across the continent of North 
America, and the opening of a ship canal through the 
Isthmus of Suez, have exerted great influence on the develop- 
ment and the course of trade. 

15. A leading mark of the century is Industrial Progress. 
Improved methods of production have resulted in a prodigious 
increase in the amount of production. There is vast wealth — 
but the distribution is, on the whole, unsatisfactory. Values, 
out of all proportion, have been gathered in by the com- 
paratively few, and most enormous fortunes in the hands of 
individuals or of corporations — fortunes undreamt of a cen- 
tury ago — bode the land no good. In one direction, it has 

i^i'KSTiONs. — 14. What modes of transit has it given? How has it 
affected war ? What other method of settling disputes between nations ? 
How has the century affected art and literature and trade ? 15. A lead- 
ing mark of the nineteenth century? What has created such vast 
wealth ? What is said of the distriljution ? 



436 Progress of Civilization. 

tended to make anarchists — those who plot the overthrow 
of the existing order of affairs. In another direction it has 
set going a current of thought that, finally, may find an 
expression in laws, imposing a graduated tax on incomes, or 
confiscating to the State the wealth of individuals exceeding 
a certain limit. 

l6. Another leading mark of the nineteenth century is the 
advance made in the applications of electricity — an advance 
so notable that this has been called the era of electricity. 
The magnetic telegraph (transmitting alphabetic charactei-s 
by means of the electric current) has been in use for a num- 
ber of years. At first it connected distant points over land. 
Now, continents are joined by the electric wire, laid along 
the ocean's bed, and the most distant points in the civilized 
world — points that, fifty years ago, required months for inter- 
communication — can to-day exchange messages within the 
space of a few minutes. A more recent application of elec- 
tricity is known as the telephone, whereby sounds and words 
are transmitted, and persons, hundreds of miles apart, can 
talk with each other as if face to face. Discoveries and inven- 
tions still more recent have utilized electricity as an agent 
for creating heat, and the most brilliant light ; and, what is 
of higher importance, as a means of n\otive jsower. It is 
now used to move light railway carriages and machinery of 
various kinds, and is destined, very likely — with improve- 
ments in motor-mechanism and cheapening of production — 
to take entirely the place of steam. At the same time we 
have scarcely more than touched, it may be, the capabilities 

QrESTlOXS. — 1(5. What is another leading mark of the century ? Give 
the various uses of electricity ? What motive power may eleciricity take 
the place of? 



Progress of Civilization. 437 

of this powerful and mysterious agent — mysterious, for really 
little is known about it. We know some of the effects of 
electricity; but as yet, learned men, after all their efforts^ 
are far from understanding its nature. It is highly probable 
that the area of its practical application we have scarcely 
entered upon ; nor is it improbable that, in connection with 
it, we are on the verge of profound discoveries. 

These events mark the material progress of civilized 
society. While war and violence desolate countries and 
divide nations, the peaceful pursuit of science and art confer 
great and lasting benefits on mankind, and supply a common 
ground of interest to the whole human family. 

Questions. — It?. Is the nature of electricity understood ? .\re further 
applications j>r<)l)ablo? Civilized society is marked chiefly by ilie pur- 
suit of what ? 



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