CHAPTER I.

Summary survey of Europe--Aristocracy of France--France previous to the Revolution--Revolutionary Symptoms--The Great Powers, 1792-6--William Pitt--Execution of Louis XVI.--The Allies against France--Siege of Toulon--Invasion of Holland--Napoleon--His early youth--Thirteenth Vendemiaire--The Campaign in Italy--Rapid victories of Bonaparte--Expedition to Egypt--Return of Bonaparte--First Consulate--The passage of the Alps--Second Campaign in Italy --Napoleon Emperor--War with England--Alliance between the Great Powers, 1805--Indecision of Prussia--Alexander visits the tomb of Frederick the Great--Battle of Austerlitz--Treaty of Tilsit --Secret understanding respecting Turkey--British orders in Council--Battle of Wagram--Annexation of Finland--Campaign of Moscow--The Grand Alliance, 1813--Battle of Leipsic--Allies enter Paris, 1