ENGLAND
IN THE
NINETEENTH CENTURY
CHAPTER I.
THE PEACE OF AMIENS.,
WHEN the nineteenth century opened, on New Year's Day
1801, England was_still_engaged.in the weary war with revolu-
ES The struggle had already Rt Thestugele
years, and seemed as far from an end a5 with France,
ever. It made little difference to its character
that the government with which the contest had to be fought
dut was no longer the corrupt Directory of Barras. The
Military despotism of the new First Consul, Napoleon Bona-
parte, was quite as hostile to England, and infinitely more
formidable. "Till.he had tried_his_strength against _her and
learnt the limitations of his power, Bonaparte was not likely
LO come to terms.
Moreover, we had just ascertained that, we_should have_to
fight him single-handed. "The last of Out powerful 7ojation of
Continental allies was now about to withdraw from ruf
His struggle, Austria had already opened lu, AA
Nations for peace with {Lo Tirst Consul ; since.
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