It would be interesting to trace the Complexity1 of Modern History. history of the civilized2 world since the fall of Napoleon; but any attempt to bring within the limits of a history like this a notice of the great events which have happened for thirty-five years, would be impossible. And even a notice as extended as that which has been presented of the events of three hundred years would be unsatisfactory to all minds. The common reader is familiar with the transactions of the present generation, and reflections on them would be sure to excite the prejudices of various parties and sects3. A chronological4 table of the events which have transpired5 since the downfall of Napoleon is all that can be attempted. The author contemplates6 a continuation of this History, which will present more details, collected from original authorities. The history of the different American States, since the Revolution; the administration of the various presidents; the late war with Great Britain; the Seminole and Mexican wars; the important questions discussed by Congress; the contemporary history of Great Britain under George IV., William IV., and Victoria; the conquests in India and China; the agitations7 of Ireland; the great questions of Reform, Catholic Emancipation9, Education, and Free Trade; the French wars in Africa; the Turkish war; the independence of the Viceroy of Egypt; the progress of Russian territorial10 aggrandizement11; the fall of Poland; the Spanish rebellion; the independence of the South American states; the Dutch and Belgic war; the two last French revolutions; the great progress made in arts and sciences, and the various attempts in different nations to secure liberty;—these, and other great subjects, can only be properly discussed in a separate work, and even then cannot be handled by any one, however extraordinary his talents or attainments12, without incurring13 the imputation14 of great audacity15, which only the wants of the public can excuse.
In concluding the present History, a very brief notice of the state of the civilized world at the fall of Napoleon may be, perhaps, required.
England suffered less than any other of the great powers from the French Revolution. A great burden was, indeed, entailed16 on future generations; but the increase of the national debt was not felt so long as English manufactures were purchased, to a great extent, by the Continental17 States. Six hundred million pounds were added to the national debt; but England, internally, was never more flourishing than during this long war of a quarter of a century. And not only was glory shed around the British throne by the victories of Nelson and Wellington, and the effectual assistance which England rendered to the continental powers, and without which the liberties of Europe would have been subverted18, but, during the reign19 of George III., a splendid constellation20 of Remarkable21 Men of Genius. men of genius, in literature and science, illuminated22 the world. Dr. Johnson made moral reflections on human life which will ever instruct mankind; Burke uttered prophetic oracles23 which even his age was not prepared to appreciate; and his rivals thundered in the senate with an eloquence24 and power not surpassed by the orators25 of antiquity26; Gibbon wrote a history which such men as Guizot and Milman pronounced wonderful both for art and learning; Hume, Reid, and Stewart, carried metaphysical inquiry27 to its utmost depth; Gray, Burns, Goldsmith, Coleridge, Southey, and Wordsworth, were not unworthy successors of Dryden and Pope; Adam Smith called into existence the science of political economy, and nearly brought it to perfection in a single lifetime; Reynolds and West adorned28 the galleries with pictures which would not have disgraced the land of artists; while scholars, too numerous to mention, astonished the world by the extent of their erudition; and divines, in language which rivalled the eloquence of Chrysostom or Bossuet, declared to an awakened29 generation the duties and destinies of man.
France, the rival of England, was not probably permanently30 injured by the Revolution; for, if millions of lives were sacrificed, and millions of property were swept away, still important civil and social privileges were given to the great mass of the people, and odious31 feudal32 laws and customs were broken forever. All the glory which war can give, was obtained; and France, for twenty years, was feared and respected. Popular liberty was not secured; but advances were made towards it, and great moral truths were impressed upon the nation,—to be again disregarded, but not to be forgotten. The territorial limits of France were not permanently enlarged, and the conquests of Napoleon were restored to the original rulers. The restoration of the former political system was insisted upon by the Holy Alliance, and the Bourbon kings, in regaining33 their throne, again possessed34 all that their ancestors had enjoyed but the possession of the hearts of the people. The allied35 powers may have restored despotism and legitimacy36 for a while; they could not eradicate37 the great ideas of the Revolution, and these were destined38 once more to overturn their thrones. The reigns39 of Louis XVIII., Charles X., and Louis Philippe were but different acts of the long tragedy which was opened by the convocation of the States General, and which is not probably closed by the election of Prince Louis Napoleon to the presidency40 of the French republic. The ideas which animated41 La Fayette and Moreau, and which Robespierre and Napoleon at one time professed42, still live, in spite of all the horrors of the Reign of Terror, and all the streams of blood which flowed at Leipsic and Waterloo. Notwithstanding the suicidal doctrines43 of Socialists44 and of the various schools of infidel philosophers, and in view of all the evils which papal despotism, and democratic license45, and military passions have inflicted47, and will continue to inflict46, still the immortal48 principles of liberty are safe under the protection of that Providence49 which has hitherto advanced the nations of Europe from the barbarism and paganism of ancient Teutonic tribes.
Germany Condition of Germany. suffered the most, and apparently50 reaped the least, from the storms which revolutionary discussion had raised. Austria and Prussia were invaded, pillaged51, and humiliated52. Their cities were sacked, their fields were devastated53, and the blood of their sons was poured out like water. But sacrifice and suffering developed extraordinary virtues54 and energies, united the various states, and gave nationality to a great confederation. The struggles of the Germans were honorable and gigantic, and proved to the world the impossibility of the conquest of states, however afflicted55, when they are resolved to defend their rights. The career of Napoleon demonstrated the impossibility of a universal empire in Europe, and least of all, an empire erected56 over the prostrated57 thrones and discomfited58 armies of Germany. The Germans learned the necessity and the duty of union, and proved the strength of their sincere love for their native soil and their venerable institutions. The Germans, though poor in gold and silver, showed that they were rich in patriotic59 ardor60, and in all those glorious sentiments which ennoble a great and progressive nation. After twenty years' contention61, and infinite sacrifices and humiliations, the different princes of Germany recovered their ancient territorial possessions, and were seated, more firmly than before on the thrones which legitimacy had consecrated62.
Absolute Condition of Other Powers. monarchy63 was restored also to Spain; but the imbecile Bourbons, the tools of priests and courtiers, revived the ancient principles of absolutism and bigotry64, without any of those virtues which make absolutism respectable or bigotry endurable. But in the breasts of Spanish peasants the fires of liberty burned, which all the terrors of priestly rule, and all the evils of priestly corruption65, could not quench66. They, thus far, have been unfortunate, but no person who has studied the elements of the Spanish character, or has faith in the providence of God, can doubt that the day of deliverance will, sooner or later, come, unless he has the misfortune to despair of any permanent triumph of liberty in our degenerate67 world.
In the northern kingdoms of Europe, no radical68 change took place; and Italy, the land of artists, so rich in splendid recollections, so poor in all those blessings69 which we are taught to value, returned to the dominion70 of Austria, and to the rule of despotic priests. Italy, disunited, abandoned, and enslaved, has made generous efforts to secure what is enjoyed in more favored nations, but hitherto in vain. So slow is the progress of society! so hard are the struggles to which man is doomed71! so long continued are the efforts of any people to secure important privileges!
Greece made, however, a more successful effort, and the fetters72 of the Turkish sultan were shaken off. The Ottoman Porte looked, with its accustomed indifference73, on the struggles of the Christians74, and took no active part in the war until absolutely forced. But it looked with the indifference of decrepit75 age, rather than with the philosophical76 calmness of mature strength, and exerted all the remaining energies it possessed to prevent the absorption of the state in the vast and increasing empire of the czars. Russia, of all the great powers which embarked77 in the contest to which we have alluded78, arose the strongest from defeat and disaster. The rapid aggrandizement of Russia immediately succeeded the fall of Napoleon.
The spiritual empire of the Popes was again restored, and the Jesuits, with new powers and privileges, were sent into all the nations of the earth to uphold the absolutism of their great head. Again they have triumphed when their cause seemed hopeless; nor is it easy to predict the fall of their empire. So long as the principle of Evil shall contend with the principle of Good, the popes will probably rejoice and weep at alternate victories and defeats.
The The United States of America. United States of America were too far removed from the scene of conflict to be much affected79 by the fall of thrones. Moreover, it was against the wise policy of the government to interfere80 with foreign quarrels. But the American nation beheld81 the conflict with any feelings but those of indifference, and, while its enlightened people speculated on the chances of war, they still devoted82 themselves with ardor to the improvement of their institutions, to agriculture, and manufacturing interests. Merchants, for a while, made their fortunes by being the masters of the carrying trade of the world, and the nation was quietly enriched. The wise administrations of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison, much as they conflicted, in some respects, with each other, resulted in the growth of commerce, manufactures, agriculture, and the arts; while institutions of literature and religion took a deep hold of the affections of the people. The country increased and spread with unparalleled rapidity on all sides, and the prosperity of America was the envy and the admiration83 of the European world. The encroachments of Great Britain, and difficulties which had never been settled, led to a war between the two countries, which, though lamented84 at the time, is now viewed, by all parties, as resulting in the ultimate advancement85 of the United States in power and wealth, as well as in the respect of foreign nations. Great questions connected with the rapid growth of the country, unfortunately at different times, have produced acrimonious86 feelings between different partisans87; but the agitation8 of these has not checked the growth of American institutions, or weakened those sentiments of patriotism88 and mutual89 love, which, in all countries and ages, have constituted the glory and defence of nations. The greatness of American destinies is now a favorite theme with popular orators. Nor is it a vain subject of speculation90. Our banner of Liberty will doubtless, at no distant day, wave over all the fortresses91 which may be erected on the central mountains of North America, or on the shores of its far distant oceans; but all national aggrandizement will be in vain without regard to those sacred principles of law, religion, and morality, for which, in disaster and sorrow, both Puritan Settler and Revolutionary Hero contended. The believer in Progress, as affected by influences independent of man, as coming from the benevolent92 Providence which thus far has shielded us, cannot otherwise than hope for a still loftier national elevation93 than has been yet attained94, with all the aid of circumstances, and all the energies of heroes.
The End
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1
complexity
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| n.复杂(性)，复杂的事物 | |
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civilized
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| a.有教养的，文雅的 | |
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sects
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| n.宗派，教派( sect的名词复数 ) | |
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chronological
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| adj.按年月顺序排列的，年代学的 | |
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transpired
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| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的过去式和过去分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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contemplates
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的第三人称单数 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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agitations
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| （液体等的）摇动( agitation的名词复数 )； 鼓动； 激烈争论； （情绪等的）纷乱 | |
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agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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emancipation
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| n.（从束缚、支配下）解放 | |
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territorial
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| adj.领土的，领地的 | |
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aggrandizement
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| n.增大，强化，扩大 | |
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attainments
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| 成就，造诣； 获得( attainment的名词复数 )； 达到； 造诣； 成就 | |
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incurring
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| 遭受，招致，引起( incur的现在分词 ) | |
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imputation
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| n.归罪，责难 | |
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audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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entailed
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| 使…成为必要( entail的过去式和过去分词 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
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continental
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| adj.大陆的，大陆性的，欧洲大陆的 | |
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subverted
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| v.颠覆，破坏（政治制度、宗教信仰等）( subvert的过去式和过去分词 )；使（某人）道德败坏或不忠 | |
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reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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constellation
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| n.星座n.灿烂的一群 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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oracles
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| 神示所( oracle的名词复数 )； 神谕； 圣贤； 哲人 | |
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eloquence
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| n.雄辩；口才，修辞 | |
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orators
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| n.演说者，演讲家( orator的名词复数 ) | |
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antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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adorned
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| [计]被修饰的 | |
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awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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permanently
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| adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地 | |
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odious
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| adj.可憎的，讨厌的 | |
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feudal
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| adj.封建的，封地的，领地的 | |
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regaining
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| 复得( regain的现在分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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allied
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| adj.协约国的；同盟国的 | |
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legitimacy
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| n.合法，正当 | |
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eradicate
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| v.根除，消灭，杜绝 | |
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destined
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| adj.命中注定的；(for)以…为目的地的 | |
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reigns
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| n.君主的统治( reign的名词复数 )；君主统治时期；任期；当政期 | |
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presidency
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| n.总统(校长，总经理)的职位(任期) | |
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animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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professed
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| 公开声称的，伪称的，已立誓信教的 | |
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doctrines
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| n.教条( doctrine的名词复数 )；教义；学说；（政府政策的）正式声明 | |
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socialists
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| 社会主义者( socialist的名词复数 ) | |
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license
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| n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许 | |
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inflict
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| vt.(on)把…强加给，使遭受，使承担 | |
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inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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immortal
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| adj.不朽的；永生的，不死的；神的 | |
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providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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pillaged
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| v.抢劫，掠夺( pillage的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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humiliated
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| 感到羞愧的 | |
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devastated
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| v.彻底破坏( devastate的过去式和过去分词)；摧毁；毁灭；在感情上（精神上、财务上等）压垮adj.毁坏的；极为震惊的 | |
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virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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prostrated
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| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的过去式和过去分词 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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discomfited
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| v.使为难( discomfit的过去式和过去分词)；使狼狈；使挫折；挫败 | |
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patriotic
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| adj.爱国的，有爱国心的 | |
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ardor
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| n.热情，狂热 | |
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contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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consecrated
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| adj.神圣的，被视为神圣的v.把…奉为神圣，给…祝圣( consecrate的过去式和过去分词 )；奉献 | |
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monarchy
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| n.君主，最高统治者；君主政体，君主国 | |
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bigotry
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| n.偏见，偏执，持偏见的行为[态度]等 | |
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corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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quench
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| vt.熄灭，扑灭；压制 | |
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degenerate
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| v.退步，堕落；adj.退步的，堕落的；n.堕落者 | |
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radical
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| n.激进份子，原子团，根号；adj.根本的，激进的，彻底的 | |
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blessings
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| n.（上帝的）祝福( blessing的名词复数 )；好事；福分；因祸得福 | |
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dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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doomed
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| 命定的 | |
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fetters
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| n.脚镣( fetter的名词复数 )；束缚v.给…上脚镣，束缚( fetter的第三人称单数 ) | |
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indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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decrepit
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| adj.衰老的，破旧的 | |
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philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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embarked
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| 乘船( embark的过去式和过去分词 )； 装载； 从事 | |
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alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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interfere
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| v.(in)干涉，干预；(with)妨碍，打扰 | |
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beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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lamented
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| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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85
advancement
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| n.前进，促进，提升 | |
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86
acrimonious
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| adj.严厉的，辛辣的，刻毒的 | |
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87
partisans
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| 游击队员( partisan的名词复数 )； 党人； 党羽； 帮伙 | |
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88
patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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89
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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90
speculation
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| n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机 | |
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91
fortresses
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| 堡垒，要塞( fortress的名词复数 ) | |
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92
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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93
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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94
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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