Chapter LXV: Introduction

CHARACTER OF THE PERIOD.--One feature of this period is the efforts made by the nations to improve their condition, especially to increase the thrift and to raise the standing of the middle class. An illustration is what is called the "mercantile system" in France. Along with this change, there is progress in the direction of greater breadth in education and culture. In both of these movements, rulers and peoples cooperate. Monarchical power, upheld by standing armies, reaches its climax. The result is internal order, coupled with tyranny. Great wars were carried on, mostly contests for succession to thrones. The outcome was an equilibrium in the European state system, dependent on the relations of five great powers.

FIRST SECTION OF THE PERIOD.--In the first half of the period, the East and the West of Europe are slightly connected. In the West, _France_ gains the preponderance over _Austria_, until, by the Spanish war of succession, _England_ restores the balance. In the East, _Sweden_ is in the van, until, in the great Northern war (1700-1721), _Russia_ becomes predominant.

SECOND SECTION OF THE PERIOD.--In the second half of the period, the East and the West of Europe are brought together in one state system, in particular by the rise of the power of _Prussia_.

CHIEF EVENTS.--The fall of _Sweden_ and the rise of _Russia_ and _Prussia_ are political events of capital importance. The maritime supremacy of _England_, with the loss by England of the _American_ colonies, is another leading fact. In the closing part of the period appear the intellectual and political signs of the great Revolution which broke out in _France_ near the end of the eighteenth century.