History of the Revolutions in Europe (Volume 2 ); From the Subversion of the Roman Empire in the West, Till the Abdication of Bonaparte - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828. Excerpt: ... REVOLUTIONS OF EUROPE. CHAPTER VII. PERIOD VI. FBOM THE TAKING OF CONSTANTINOPLE BY THE TURKS, TO THE PEACE OF WESTPHALIA. A. d. 1453--1648. The revolution which happened in the fifteenth century entirely changed the face of Europe, and introduced a new system of politics. This revolution was not achieved by any combinations of profound policy, nor by the operation of that physical force which generally subverts thrones and governments. It was the result of those progressive changes which, had been produced in the ideas and understandings of the nations of Europe, by the improvements and institutions of preceding times; as well as by the invention of paper and printing, of gunpowder, and the mariner's compass. By means of these, the empire of letters and arts was greatly extended,: VOL. IL A.. and various salutary improvements made in the religion, manners, and governments of Europe. The people by degrees shook off the yoke of barbarism, superstition, and fanaticism, which the revolution of the fifth century had imposed on them; and from that time the principal States of Europe began to acquire the strength, and gradually to assume the form, which they have since maintained. Several extraordinary events, however, conspired to accelerate these happy changes. The Belles Lettres and the Fine Arts broke out with new splendour, after ihe downfal of the Greek Empire. The celebrated Petrarch, and his disciples Boccacio and John of Ravenna, were the first that brought the Italians acquainted with ancient literature, as the true source and standard of good taste. They prepared the way for a vast numberof the Grecian literati, who, to escape the barbarity of the Turks, had fled into Italy, where they opened schools, and brought the study of Greek literature into co...

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