The Evolution of an Empire: A Brief Historical Sketch of France

Author of Evolution of Empire Series, Germany; Who? When? What? Literature Chart.
In an attempt to tell the story of a great nation in about 100 pages, it is needless to say there must be a rigid exclusion of all save essential facts. To those already familiar with the subject, this sketch is offered merely as a reminder of the sequence of conditions and events in the evolution of France; while to the student it is presented as a framework upon which may be placed, in orderly and comprehensible fashion, the results of future reading and research.
To the latter class I would suggest that a series of papers, written upon the most prominent themes found in the Table of Contents, will bear fruit in knowledge more real and vital than may be obtained from the writings of others, however eloquent and vivid the presentation.
M. P. NEW YORK, July 23d, 1894.
The Aryan Family of Nations—Keltic Race—Ancient Gaul—Gauls in Rome—Gauls in Greece and in Asia Minor
Roman Conquest of Gaul—Julius Cæsar
Birth of Christianity—Its Dissemination—Persecution at Lyons by order of Marcus Aurelius—The Roman Empire Espouses Christianity under Constantine
Gaul Overrun and Subjugated by Franks—Clovis King—Decay of the Merovingian Line— Maire du Palais King de facto —Charles Martel—Birth of Mohammedanism—Its Triumphs—Christendom Threatened—Pepin King—Charlemagne—Alliance with Pope—France, Italy, and Germany Emerge as Separate Nationalities
The Northmen—Beginnings of Feudalism in France—Normandy Bestowed upon the Northmen—Conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy—Albigenses—Inquisition at Toulouse—The Crusades
Decline of Feudalism—Creation of the Commune—Charles VII.—Henry V. in France—Joan of Arc
Francis I.—Huguenots—Catharine de Medici—Francis II.
Massacre of St. Bartholomew—Henry III.—Henry IV.