History of the English Speaking Peoples

During the period described in this volume, namely, from 1688 to 1815 three revolutions profoundly influenced mankind. They occurred within the space of a hundred years and all of them led to war between the British and the French. The English Revolution of 1688 expelled the last Catholic king from the British Isles, and finally committed Britain to a fierce struggle with the last great King of France, Louis XIV. The American Revolution of 1775 separated the English speaking peoples into two branches, each with a distinctive outlook and activity, but still fundamentally united by the same language as well as by common traditions and common law. In 1789 by force of arms and a violent effort unequaled in its effects until the Bolshevik Revolution of 19 17 France proclaimed to Europe the principles of equality, liberty and the rights of man.