NOTES ON REQUIRED READINGS IN “THE CHAUTAUQUAN.”
FRENCH HISTORY.
P. 377, c. 1.—“Voltaire,” vol-têrˈ. (1694-1778.) French author.
“Rousseau,” Jean Jacques, rooˌsōˈ. (1712-1778.) French philosopher and writer.
“Montesquieu,” mŏnˈtĕs-kūˌ. (1689-1755.) French jurist and philosopher.
“D’Alembert,” däˈlŏnˌbêrˌ. (1717-1783.) French mathematician.
P. 377, c. 2.—“Maria Theresa,” ma-rīˈa te-reeˈsä. (1717-1780.) Empress of Germany and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia.
“Turgot,” türˌgoˈ. (1727-1781.) At the time of his appointment to the control of finance, Turgot had won a fine reputation by his papers on political economy, tolerance in governing, and like subjects. He at once undertook to carry out his views, abolishing all taxes save those on land, doing away with compulsory labor for the state, the privileges of trading corporations and the like; this made him very unpopular among the favored classes, and Louis was forced to dismiss him.
“Necker,” nĕkˈer. (1732-1804.) Necker’s policy was to restore order and confidence. He restrained the prodigality of the court, cut down the expenses of the government, regulated taxes, and laid the foundation of the Bank of France. After his final withdrawal from France, Necker lived in Geneva, where he wrote several essays. It is said that on the accession of Bonaparte to power he attempted to obtain the position of minister of finance, but was rejected.