History of Europe from the Commencement of the French Revolution to the Restoration of the Bourbons in 1815, Volume 2

Front Cover
W. Blackwood, 1860 - Europe

From inside the book

Contents

Trial and execution of the Marquis de Favras
9
Division of France into departments and municipal establishments
10
Municipal regulations and elective franchise
11
Vast effects of these changes
12
General excitement in the provinces
13
Lowering of the elective franchise
14
Lasting effects of these changes
15
New hall of the Assembly and introduction of the guillotine
16
Inquiry at the court of Châtelet into the outrages of 5th and 6th October at Versailles
17
Excessive embarrassment of the finances
18
Argument of Talleyrand in favour of Church spoliation
19
Answer of the Abbé Maury and Sièyes ib 22 Confiscation of the property of the church
20
Reflections on this step
21
Leads to the sale of the church property and the issuing of assignats
22
And to the subdivision of land
23
The clergy vehemently resist
24
Only mode of resisting these evils
25
New modelling of the civil constitution of the church
26
Judicial establishment
27
Efforts of the clergy to dissolve the Assembly
28
Mirabeaus speech in reply
29
Discussion as to vesting right of making peace and war in the crown
30
Mirabeaus speech in favour of the crown on this point
31
Settlement on the crown
32
VOL II
33
Military organisation
34
General establishment of national guards
36
And of armed pikemen in the towns
37
Fearful depreciation of assignats
38
Argument of the Abbé Maury and Talleyrand against their further issue ib 43 Mirabeaus argument in favour of the assignats
39
Their rapid fall
40
Preparations for a fête on the 14th July
41
Particulars of the fête ib 47 Accusation of the Duke of Orleans and Mirabeau
43
Noble speech of Cazalès on this occasion
44
Retirement of Necker ib 50 Change of ministry
45
Revolt at Metz and Nancy
46
Character of M de Bouillé
47
Great difficulties of de Bouillés situation
48
Bloody action there
49
Tumult in Paris and proceedings in the Assembly
50
Frightful disorders in different parts of France
51
New ecclesiastical oath Its disastrous effects
53
Reasons which led them to resist this oath
54
Remarkable speech and prophecy of Cazalès on this occasion ib 61 Noble conduct of the clergy in refusing the oath
55
Ruinous effects of this measure
56
Revolutionary law of inheritance
58
Departure for Rome of the Princesses Adelaide and Victoria
59
Continued emigration
60
Arrest of the royal princesses
61
New ministry
62
Discussion concerning emigrants
63
Mirabeau joins the throne
64
His plan on its behalf
66
His death
67
His character
68
And funeral obsequies
69
Changed views of the literary men in Paris on the Revolution
70
Designs of the royal family to effect their escape
72
de Bouilles arrangements for the journey
73
Preparations at Paris for the escape of the royal family
74
Proceedings in the Assembly
84
The royal authority is suspended by a decree of the Assembly
90
Plans of the court 75
97
The King reinvested with his power
101
Page 9 Opening of the Legislative Assembly
110
General character of the Assembly
118
Selfdenying ordinance
119
Character of the Girondists
120
Their principles and errors
121
Their fatal mistake as to the character of man
123
Character of Madame Roland ib 16 Her great influence in the Assembly
125
Character of Vergniaud
126
Brissot His character
127
Guadet Gensonné Isnard Barbaroux and others
128
Picture of the Jacobins
129
Composition of the Jacobin Club and tests applied previous to admission
130
The secret of their success
132
Early history of Danton
133
His character
136
Biography and character of Marat
138
Birth and early years of StJust
140
His character
141
Early years and education of Robespierre ib 30 His prizeessay at Metz in 1784
142
His character has been disfigured by his contemporaries
145
His character and principles ib 34 His personal appearance and weaknesses
146
Club of the Jacobins
148
Views of the King at this period
149
Formation of the Constitutional Guard of the King
150
Vehement discontent of the church
151
Argument of Brissot and others against the emigrants ib 40 Answer of the Constitutionalists
152
Decree against the emigrants
153
Argument in favour of the clergy in the Assembly ib 43 Severe decrees against the clergy
154
The King refuses to sanction these decrees
155
Election of a Mayor of Paris
156
Distraction and misery of France
157
Decay and ruin of the navy
159
Commencement of agitation in St Domingo
160
The Assembly concedes universal emancipation
161
Origin of the disturbances at Avignon
162
Progress of the disorders in Avignon
163
Massacres at Avignon
164
Fall of the ministry and admission of the Girondists to power
165
Character of Dumourier
166
Of M Roland ib 57 Increasing difficulties of government and distress of the country
167
The disasters of the war augment the Kings danger
168
Debate on the disbanding of the royal guard
170
But fails in rousing the national guard
191
Character of Pétion
197
Views of the leaders of the Girondists and Jacobins
203
Which were all committed in the face of their instructions
219
Insurrection of the 10th August
220
Undue humanity and irresolution of the King
225
CHAPTER VII
231
Preparations of the court
243
Massacre in the prisons
251
Death of the Archbishop of Arles
257
Dreadful fate of M de Montmorin
262
of the prisoners coming from Orleans
265
Massacres at Meaux and Lyons
266
Frightful barbarities at Rheims
267
Burning of priests and others there ib 43 Enormous plunder by the municipality of Paris
268
Roland in vain denounces these atrocities
269
Termination of the Legislative Assembly
270
Elections for the National Convention
271
Parties in the new Assembly and influence of the Jacobin clubs over France
272
Mutual recriminations of the Girondists and Jacobins
273
Abolition of royalty and new calendar introduced State of the finances
274
Formation of a new constitution entirely democratic ib 51 Accusation of Robespierre by Osselin and Barbaroux
275
Accusation of Marat
277
Louvet arraigns Robespierre
278
His powerful speech ib 56 Feeble conduct of the Girondists
279
The King leaves the palace and joins the Assembly
281
Weakness of the Girondists on this occasion
283
Real seat of the evil lay in the destruction of the executive
284
More severe laws passed against the emigrants
285
Proposed measures of the Girondists against the municipality ib 64 The Jacobins spread the report of a division of the Republic
286
Preparations for the trial of Louis and violent agitation raised by the Jacobins on the subject
287
Discovery of the iron closet in the Tuileries
288
Preliminary pointCould Louis be tried?
289
Stormy discussion in the Convention
290
Speech of StJust on the subject
291
Robespierres arguments
292
Majority determine he may be tried
293
Description of the Temple
294
Conduct of the royal family during their captivity ib 74 Occupations of the royal family in the Temple
296
Increasing severity of the Republican authorities
297
They are separated from each other
298
Conduct of the royal family when told of Louiss trial
299
The King brought to the bar of the Convention
300
His return to the Temple
301
Generous devotion of Malesherbes and Tronchet
302
De Sèze is called in and his eloquent peroration struck out by Louis
303
The King is brought to trial
304
The Kings concluding words
306
Debate on the accusation
307
Desperate fight in the Place Carrousel
308
Vergniauds reply
309
Louis is condemned contrary to the secret opinion of the great majority of the Assembly
311
The defection of the Girondists was the cause of this
312
Sentence of death is pronounced
313
Dignified conduct of Louis
314
Santerre announces the sentence and his last interview with his family
315
His last communion
316
His removal to the place of execution
317
Execution of the King
318
Interment of his body in the Madeleine
319
Reflections on the event and Louiss character
320
Reflections on the conduct of the Girondists on this occasion
321
Final inexpedience of the death of Louis even to the Revolutionists
322
The unanimous vote of guilty contrary to the opinion of the majority of the Convention
323
It illustrates the action of a despotic majority
324
Reflections on the death of Louis
325
Its unpardonable atrocity ib 106 And ultimate beneficial effects
326
CHAPTER IX
328
Superficial extent of the British Isles
329
General aspect of the British Isles
330
Rivers of Great Britain
331
General aspect of Scotland
332
General features of Ireland
333
Difference between the agricultural produce of Great Britain and Ireland
334
Population of the British Isles ib 9 Great influence of race on national character
336
Character of the AngloSaxons
337
Energy and perseverance of the AngloSaxons
338
Their corresponding vices
339
Character of the Irish
341
Their want of pacific industry and enterprise
342
Happy situation of Great Britain for commerce
343
Nursery for seamen in its coasting trade and fisheries
344
Its happy situation for foreign commerce
345
And vast mineral riches
346
Great experiment in government made by the Constituent Assembly
348
And still greater extent of its agriculture ib 21 Marvels of British agriculture
349
Old constitution of Great Britain
351
Aspect of society in the British Islands at this period
352
Great firmness of George III
353
State of Great Britain in 1792
354
Revenues and military and naval forces
355
Depression in the national spirit and abuses in the army
356
Slumber of the national mind during the eighteenth country
357
Erroneous views of philosophers on the tendency of human affairs
358
Views of the Whigs on the Revolution
359
And of the Tories ib 32 Early history of Mr Fox
360
His character as a statesman and orator
361
Mr Pitt His early biography
362
His youth and studies at college
363
His early difficulties as a statesman
365
His character as a statesman and arduous struggle he maintained
366
Mr Burke His character and early history
367
His first entrance into life
368
His views on the French Revolution
369
Division between Mr Burke and Mr Fox on the Canadian constitution
370
Argument of Mr Fox for the French Revolution
371
Argument against it by Mr Burke
374
Rupture between them
377
Their final separation
378
Reflections on the event
379
State of Austria
380
Accession of Joseph II Innovation and improvement became the order of the day
382
Austrian Netherlands
383
Destruction of the barrier fortresses
384
Accession and character of Leopold
385
Revolt of the Flemings against Austria ib 55 State of the German Empire
386
Military system of the monarchy
387
Its statistics and government
388
State of Russia
389
The Russian army and Cossacks
390
Character of the Russian soldiers
391
Difference between the South and the North
403
General passion for innovation ib 78 State of France when hostilities commenced
404
Menacing language of the French with reference to other states
405
Mutual jealousies of the European powers at this period ib 81 Diplomacy of Prussia after the death of Frederick the Great
406
Designs of Austria on Turkey
407
Efforts of Mr Pitt to arrest the ruin of Turkey which are successful
408
Causes of this general pacification ib 85 Causes which brought on the Revolutionary war
409
Violent proceedings of the National Assembly against the German vassals of the French crown
410
Efforts of the King and Queen of France to effect their deliverance
411
Treaty of Mantua
412
Plans of the royal family of France for their escape
413
Treaty of Pilnitz
414
Dangers of universal suffrage
415
Their warlike preparations are all abandoned by the Allies
416
More vigorous views of Catherine of Russia and Gustavus of Sweden
418
Measures of the emigrant noblesse ib 95 Dispute about the indemnities to the German princes and prelates
419
Difficulties and fears of the Allies
420
The French Revolutionary party resolve on war
421
Debate on the foreign powers and the emigrants
422
Preparations for war which the Emperor yet wished to avoid
424
Massacre of the Swiss
425
Violent declamations in the National Assembly in favour of war
426
Violent speech of Brissot in favour of war ib 104 And again on 17th January 1792
427
Extraordinary efforts of Brissot and the Girondists to force on a war
428
Mutual recriminations which lead to war
429
Universal desire for war in France
430
The King yields against his own judgment
431
He acted contrary to his conviction in doing so
432
Causes to which they are owing
433
Real views of the Allies at this period ib 112 Accession of the Emperor Francis to the throne of Austria
434
Great Britain still strictly neutral till the 10th August made her prepare for war
435
French system of propagandism
436
French attack on Italy Geneva and Germany
437
French declaration of war against all nations
439
Decree of the Convention ib 118 Violent instructions to their generals by the French Convention
440
Alarm excited in Great Britain by these proceedings
441
Opening of the Scheldt
443
Answer of the French envoy on that of France
444
Real views of Great Britain at this period
445
War declared by France ib 125 Reflections on this event
447
Limits of the principle of noninterference
448
Grounds of the war as stated in British declaration ib 128 Conditions on which peace was still offered
449
CHAPTER X
451
Beneficial effects of this warlike passion ib 3 State of the French armies at the commencement of the war
452
The allied forces
453
French invasion of the Low Countries which is defeated
454
Reflections on the wretched state of the French army at this period ib 7 Consternation in consequence at Paris and movements of the Allies
455
Character of the Duke of Brunswick
456
His secret views on entering on this war
457
Selfish views of the allied powers at this period
458
Views of Dumourier and the government of Paris
459
The invasion of Champagne is resolved on ib 13 Impolitic invasion of Poland and wise views of Louis XVI
460
Proclamation of the Duke of Brunswick
463
Invasion of France and disposition of the French forces
464
Line of advance adopted by the Allies
465
Tardy advance of the Allies Longwy and Verdun surrender
466
Dethronement of the King
467
Description of the Argonne forest which Dumourier seizes
468
Dumouriers position there
469
Dilatory motions of the Allies
470
Clairfait seizes the pass of CroixauBois
471
Retreat of Dumourier to SteMénéhould and rout of part of the French army ib 24 Dumourier takes post at SteMénéhould and the French armies unite
473
Consternation in the rear of the French army
474
Positions taken up by the French troops
475
Cannonade of Valmy
476
Great effects of this affair ib 29 French retain their position
477
Secret negotiation between the Duke of Brunswick and Dumourier
478
Which also paralysed the Allies on the field of Valmy
479
Effect of these negotiations on the allied movements ib 33 The emigrants advocate an advance to Paris
480
Progress of the negotiation
481
Intrigues at the Prussian headquarters
482
Motives which induced the Allies to retreat
483
Distress of the Allies who resolve to retire
484
Consternation at Paris from the retreat to SteMénéhould
485
Conferences opened for the retreat of the Prussians who retire
486
Their unmolested retreat ib 41 Operations in Flanders Siege of Lisle
488
Operations on the Upper Rhine and capture of Mayence
489
The Duke of Brunswick recrosses the Rhine
490
Plan for the invasion of Flanders
491
French invasion of Flanders ib 46 Battle of Jemappes
494
Results of the battle Tardy advance of Dumourier Conquest of Flanders
495
Feeble conduct of the Assembly
496
Liege and Namur taken by Dumourier in person
497
Dumourier puts his army into winterquarters
498
Decree of the Convention against all governments ib 54 Violent changes introduced into Belgium
499
Dreadful oppression of the French Revolutionists in Flanders
500
Strong reaction in consequence in Flanders
501
War declared against Piedmont
502
French enter Savoy ib 59 Their rapid conquests and cruel devastation
503
French invade Switzerland and attack Geneva
504
They fail in reducing Geneva but revolutionise all Savoy which is incor porated with France
505
Operations on the Upper Rhine
506
The French recross the Rhine
507
Reflections on these events
508
Great results to which the war was evidently to lead and causes of the Republican success
509
Necessity of acting vigorously against a revolution in the outset
510
Ease with which early success might have been gained
511
Faults of Dumourier ib 69 Extreme danger of France at the outset of the Revolution from the revolt of the army
512
Glorious efforts of France at this period
513
CHAPTER XI
514
Principle in human nature on which this is founded
515
General consternation at the death of Louis
516
Aspect of Paris after that event
517
It irrecoverably ruined the Girondists
518
Retirement of Roland from the Ministry of the Interior
519
The death of the King ultimately disappoints all parties
520
Its disastrous effects
527
Designs of Dumourier
531
Proposal for the Revolutionary Tribunal
537
Vigorous measures of the Convention
543
Numerous condemnations by the Revolutionary Tribunal
557
Menacing deputations which threaten the Convention
564
Insurrection of the 31st May
569
The mob surrounds and assails the Convention
571
The Jacobins organise a general insurrection
572
Last dinner of the Girondists together ib 61 Attack on the Convention
573
Vehement debate in the Assembly
574
They move out of the hall but are driven back by the armed multitude
575
The thirty Girondists are given up and imprisoned
576
Termination of the political power of the Girondists
577
Their trial and condemnation
579
Grounds of charge against the Girondists
580
Their last repast
582
Their heroic death
583
Execution of Dufoce and Rabaut StEtienne
584
Imprisonment of Madame Roland
585
Her conduct at her trial
586
Her heroic death
587
Death of M Roland
588
Charlotte Corday Her character
589
She resolves to assassinate Marat and kills him
590
Her trial and condemnation
591
Her execution
593
Funeral honours and apotheosis of Marat
594
Arrest of seventythree members of the Convention
595
Reflections on the overthrow of the Girondists
596
Causes of their failure
597
Analogy of the rule of the Girondists and that of the Legislative Assembly
598
Atrocious character of the faction which overturned the Girondists ib 85 Instant weakness of the Girondists when they strove to coerce the Revolution
600
The early leaders of revolution can seldom restrain its last excesses
601
Effect of the heroic death of the Girondists
602
CHAPTER XII
604
Origin of the religious resistance in La Vendée to the Revolution ib 3 Character and aspect of the country
605
its peculiar character
606
The Marais
607
Obstacles which it opposes to an invading army ib 7 Manners of the inhabitants and the landlords
608
Character of the people
609
Strong religious feelings of the people
610
Feelings of the people on the breaking out of the Revolution
611
Discontent excited by the first severities against the priests
612
tion thereby excited
613
The levy of 300000 men occasions an insurrection
614
Fifty thousand men are soon in arms ib 16 Their leaders are appointed
615
Henri de Larochejaquelein
616
First conflicts and great activity in the country ib 19 The peasants mode of fighting
617
General confusion of ranks in the Vendean forces ib 21 Formidable nature of this warfare
618
Their preparations for an expedition
619
Their first onset and enthusiastic valour ib 24 But they cannot be kept to their standards after any success
620
Their total want of baggage and equipments
621
Their mode of giving orders and fighting
622
Their humanity till it was extinguished by the Republicans
623
Frightful early atrocities in Lower Poitou
624
Character of Bonchamp
625
Of Cathelineau
626
Of Henri de Larochejaquelein
627
Of M de Lescure ib 33 Of dElbée
628
Stofflet
629
And Charette ib 36 The forces which they severally commanded
630
Savage orders of the Convention against giving any quarter
631
The Royalists except in one instance never retaliated
632
The Republicans are defeated at Thouars ib 40 Storming of Chataigneraie and defeat at Fontenay
633
Bishop of Agra Great effect of an unexpected incident
634
Victory over the Republicans at Fontenay
635
Humanity of the Vendeans to the prisoners
636
Repeated successes of the Royalists ib 45 Their great assault on Saumur
637
Victory of the Royalists
638
Cathelineau created commanderinchief
639
Plan of the Vendean chiefs at this period
640
The Royalists defeated in their attempt on Nantes ib 50 Death of Cathelineau
641
Invasion of the Bocage by Westermann and its defeat ib 52 M dElbée is appointed generalissimo who defeats Birons invasion
642
Defeat of the Royalists at Luçon
643
General invasion of the Bocage on all sides which is defeated ib 55 Arrival of the garrison of Mayence
644
Able design of Bonchamp which is not adopted ib 57 Defeat of the Republicans at Torfou
645
And of Beysser at Montaigu
646
Defeat of General Rossignol at Coron and general defeat of the Repub lican invasion
647
Vigorous exertions of the government at Paris
648
Who were the leaders of the insurrection?
649
Fresh invasion by the Republicans Royalists defeated and M de Le scure mortally wounded
650
The Royalists resolve to cross the Loire Battle of Chollet
651
Battle of Chollet and defeat of the Royalists DElbée and Bonchamp mortally wounded
652
Glorious humanity and death of Bonchamp
653
Atrocious cruelty of the Republicans
654
Dreadful passage of the Loire
655
Their great difficulties in Brittany which they enter
656
Henri de Larochejaquelein is made commanderinchief ib 71 Battle of ChateauGontier
657
Great results of this victory
658
Desperate state of the Republicans after their defeat
659
Death of M de Lescure
660
The Royalists repulsed at Granville
661
Their retreat towards the Loire
662
They defeat the Republicans at Pontorson and at Dol
663
Their desperate situation and ultimate victory
664
Their glorious victory and humanity at Antrain
665
Their great difficulties notwithstanding these victories
666
They are repulsed at Angers
667
They in vain attempt to cross the Loire
668
Small additional force which would have saved the monarchy
669
Dreadful rout which ensued
670
Their hopeless state Heroic conduct of Henri de Larochejaquelein ib 86 Final rout at Savenay
671
Total ruin of the Vendeans
672
Tardy movements of the British to support the insurgents
673
Ruinous consequences of this delay ib 90 Operations of Charette
674
Death of Henri de Larochejaquelein
675
And the Prince de Talmont Unheardof cruelties of the Republicans
676
Thurreau and the infernal columns
677
Executions at Nantes Legion of Marat
678
Carriers republican baptisms and marriages
680
Dreadful scenes in the prisons
681
Scenes of horror on recovering the bodies from the Loire
683
Courage of the peasants in their last moments
684
And Madame de Bonchamp
685
Cruelty of the small shopkeepers in the towns
686
Heroic benevolence of the country peasants
687
Reflections on the extraordinary successes of the Vendeans
688
And the cause of their disasters
689
Vendean war finally commits the Revolution against religion
690
Appendix
691

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Page 51 - We swear to be faithful to the nation, to the law, and to the king ; and to maintain with all our power the constitution decreed by the National Assembly and accepted by the king ; and to remain united to all Frenchmen, by the indissoluble ties of fraternity.
Page 685 - ... dans aucune loi existante ; n'ayant que Dieu pour témoin de mes pensées , et auquel je puisse m'adresser, je déclare ici en sa présence mes dernières volontés et mes sentimens. » Je laisse mon âme à Dieu, mon créateur ; je le prie de la recevoir dans sa miséricorde, de ne pas la juger...
Page 685 - Je plains de tout mon cœur nos frères qui peuvent être dans l'erreur ; mais je ne prétends pas les juger, et je ne les aime pas moins tous en Jésus-Christ , suivant ce que la charité chrétienne nous enseigne.
Page 687 - Hue, que leur véritable attachement pour moi avait portés à s'enfermer avec moi dans ce triste séjour, et qui ont pensé en être les malheureuses victimes. Je lui recommande aussi Cléry, des soins duquel j'ai en tout lieu de me louer depuis qu'il est avec moi.
Page 372 - Fly from the French Constitution.' " Fox at this point eagerly called to him that there was no loss of friends. "Yes, yes," cried Burke, " there is a loss of friends. I know the price of my conduct. I have done my duty at the price of my friend. Our friendship is at an end.
Page 685 - Paris , par ceux qui étaient mes sujets, et privé de toutes communications quelconques , même depuis le 10 du courant avec ma famille; de plus, impliqué dans un procès dont il est impossible de prévoir l'issue, à cause des passions des hommes, et dont on ne trouve aucun prétexte ni moyen dans aucune loi existante , n'ayant que Dieu pour témoin de mes pensées, et auquel je puisse m'adresser, je déclare, ici, en sa présence, mes dernières volontés et mes sentiments.
Page 457 - Queen, or royal family, and if provision is not immediately made for their safety, preservation, and liberty, they will inflict a signal, rare, and memorable vengeance, by delivering up the city of Paris to military execution and total overthrow, and the rebels guilty of such attempts to the punishment they have merited.
Page 409 - Comte d'Artois, jointly declare that they regard the present situation of his majesty the King of France, as a matter of common interest to all the sovereigns of Europe. They trust that this interest will not fail to be recognized by the powers, whose aid is solicited, and that in consequence they will not refuse to employ, in conjunction with their said majesties, the most efficient means in...
Page 365 - He could not account for it, unless it was that Canada having been formerly a French colony, there might be an opportunity of reviving those titles of honour, the extinction of which some gentlemen so much deplored, and to revive in the West that spirit of chivalry which had fallen into disgrace in a neighbouring country.
Page 370 - ... torn asunder, and every man seemed to thirst for the blood of his neighbour. - Black spirits and white, blue spirits and grey, Mingle, mingle, mingle.

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