Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

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, KING’S iilil KING’S “A MODERN DRUG STORE” ALL STANDARD PROPRIETARY AND PATENT MEDICINES AT LOWEST PRICES. EVERYTHING PURE AND FRESH. EVERYTHING THE SOLDIER NEEDS -r Norris Candies, Shaving Soaps, Waterman’s Fountain Pens, Perfumes, Pipes, Flashlights, Toilet Articles, Shaving Brushes, Stem© Kitchenettes, Cigars, Thermos Kits, Stationery, Traveling Cases, Hair Brushes, Thermos Bottles, Cigarettes, Drinking Cups, looth Brushes, Safety Razors, Combs, Military Brushes. 110b* Tobacco, Stemo Stoves, 1 oilct Soaps, TRY A DRINK AT OUR SODA FOUNTAIN wwhiNM i mihii it mini i We invite you to make this “Your Drug Store” and feel perfectly at home. Any information gladly given. SPECIAL For the convenience of Soldiers at Camp Hancock we have estab lished a quick Motor-Cycle Delivery. Phone orders promptly filled. ii U-isi ■ UMLniwwMRSiWWMMMJOMBWKWWwwoMao—**W**t*— , ** l^*******l ** ll * niWfh ' >f ‘* 48 ’ t: *** mownai mi » u>i i bw »im i ■ ww— t KING’S PHARMACY A 13th and Broad Sts. - - - Phone 615 vjfJ/ .RENCH AND CAMP 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. 3 “ta Mess Sergeants If you would be popu lar with your troop, get them Kenny’s High 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 i r iSZ 8 f - I I I? * ® “ —J