Reign of Louis XV. in France.-Fall of the Jesuits.-American Revolt.- France and Spain allied against Great Britain.-The Armed Neutrality. -War between England and Holland.-Peace of Versailles.-Discon- tents in France.-The Notables.-The États Généraux.-The National Obtains the title of Fidelissmus 509 Pombal expels the Jesuits HISTORY OF MODERN EUROPE. BOOK V. FROM THE PEACE OF WESTPHALIA, 1648, TO THE PEACE OF UTRECHT 1713, AND OF NYSTAD, 1721. CHAPTER I. THE Peace of Westphalia, as we have seen, had not included France and Spain. Both these countries had their motives for continuing the war. France was still animated with the ancient spirit of rivalry, nor had yet forgotten the painful sacrifices imposed upon her by the peace of Madrid in 1526; wounds only partially healed by the treaties of Cambrai, of Câteau Cambrésis, and of Vervins. The national animosity was kept alive by the counsels of Mazarine, who had his private reasons for desiring the prolongation of a war which provided employment abroad for those restless spirits that threatened his domination at home. Spain, on the other hand, though terribly exhausted, found in the aspect of affairs some hopeful and encouraging circumstances. The state of her foreign relations was favourable. The peace which she had concluded with the United Netherlands had diminished the number of her enemies; on the side of England, now approaching the catastrophe of her long civil wars, there was nothing to be dreaded; and though the German branch of the House of Austria was precluded by the peace from lending her any open assistance, yet she might reckon on the good wishes, and even the secret aid, of the Emperor Ferdinand III. Above all, the Cabinet of Madrid was encouraged by the domestic troubles which then agitated France. |