Newspaper Page Text
Jec. 24, 1917.
A Brief Introduction To The
Study of French History
(By p. M, MacDonald, Instructor in His
tory, University of Pittsburg.)
Since France is a leading power in the
present great war, and since France
throughout the history of Western Eu
rope has played a leading role, it is in
deed well for us at this time to know
something of the history of that wonder
ful nation. This brief article is merely
an introduction to other articles on the
history of France that may appear in this
paper, or that may be read elsewhere.
And why read French history? In the
first place, it is intensely interesting, as
anyone will find out as soon as he be
gins to read about the part France has
Played in the history of the world, and
since we are now in a great European al
liance, we naturally desire to know some
thing about our allies.
Perhaps the chief reason why French
history, and history in general, are being
so widely read today, is to acquire an un
derstanding of the fundamental causes of
the great war, for the explanation of
many events that are taking place today,
is to be found far back in the past. A
true understanding of many of the ques
tions that have distressed Europe, . and
that are awaiting the outcome of the
present war for final settlement, can only
be acquired with a knowledge of history.
In the year 978, there was a revolution
in France, and a new line, or dynasty, of
kings, the Capetians, was established on
the French throne. Nominally, these kings
ruled over all France; in reality, the ter
ritory they ruled over was a small dis
trict. around Paris. The remaining parts
of France were ruled by great lords, prac
tically independent of the king, and cer
tain of them were quite as powerful as
the king himself. The first task of the
kings was to break the power of the great
lords and bring them into subjection to
the crown. By the middle of the twelfth
century, this difficult task was accomp
lished and the French king could be re
garded as the real ruler of France, and
one of the most important persons in all
Europe-
France was now the most powerful na
tion, and the leader in the civilization of
Western Europe. That position of lead
ership, she has maintained ever since. In
modern times, the true greatness of
France has not always been appreciated,
but the noble part she has borne, and is
bearing, in the war, has revealed In the
most convincing manner Iter truly great
qualities, qualities which she has display
ed again and again in the course of her
brilliant history.
Meanwhile, other nations were growing
up in Western Europe which often dis
rupted French claims to territory or
French commercial expansion, and many
were the wars in consequence of these
disputes. Also another great power had
grown up in Europe, the Christian church,
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For the convenience of Soldiers at Camp Hancock we have estab
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with the pope of Rome at the head. In
addition to the headship of the church,
the pope maintained that he -was the
overlord of the rulers, and that they owed
him obedience. The kings of France often
resisted these papal claims, and the ad
justment of relations between Church
and State occupy a large part of French
history. The rise of commercial towns
added another element to the growing
complexity of French life, and also added
many new problems to be settled.
But the limits imposed upon the length
of this article have already been reached,
and the discussion of certain questions
of great importance in the development
of France, such as boundary disputes
(still unsettled), relations with other
countries and with the church, com
mercial expansion in the East and in the
West, and other questions, must be re
served for other articles.
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Mess
Sergeants
If you would be popu
lar with your troop, get
them
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Grade Coffee
and
Kenny’s Che-on
Tea.
C.D. Kenny Co.
976 Broad St. Phone 601.
PROF. VAN ORSDELL,
EXPERT PHOTO ARTIST
39 Years Experience Behind the Camera
Extends You Soldiers of Camp Hancock
An Invitation for a “Sitting”
. NIGHT WORK A SPECIALTY
Distinctive High Class Photographic Work
404 JACKJSON STREET
UP STAIRS.
Opposite First Baptist Church
SOLDIERS
We Are Ready to Help You Fight the Cold.
Note the following new arrivals:
Sheep-lined Coats in all sizes $12.50 to $20.00
Overcoats, sizes 34 to 48 $32.50 to $50.00
French Coats, sizes 34 to 48 $27.50 to $40.00
Heavy weight Uniforms and Army Regulation
Sweaters.
MILITARY OUTFITTERS.
Page 15
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