DEMOCRACY IN EUROPE: A HISTORY. BY SIR THOMAS ERSKINE MAY, K.C.B., D.C.L AUTHOR OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL HISTORY OF ENGLAND SINCE THE ACCESSION of george II., 1760-1871.' IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO. 1877. All rights reserved. PREFACE. NO POLITICAL QUESTION of the present time excites more profound interest, than the progress of Democracy, or popular power, in European States. It gravely affects the interests of society, and the welfare of nations. By some it is regarded with satisfaction and hopefulness; by others with repugnance and dread. But all must desire to learn the causes to which it may be ascribed: how far it has contributed to the good government of States; and what have been its dangers and its mischiefs. A careful study of history, by establishing some political truths, and removing many prejudices, may conduce to the better understanding of this important subject; and, with this view, I have endeavoured to trace the fortunes of Democracy, and political liberty, throughout the history of Europe. I have not ventured to entitle these volumes a History of Democracy, as such a work would be no less than a history of Europe itself. But, taking Democracy, |